Apply for Alcohol and Other Drugs Youth Grants 2026/27 (Australia)

Deadline: 09-Oct-2026

The Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Youth Grants program provides one-off grants of up to $20,000 to individuals and not-for-profit organisations in the Northern Territory for initiatives that prevent and reduce harm associated with alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs among young people. The 2026/27 funding round supports community-led activities that help young people become healthy, connected, and resilient. Projects can focus on wellbeing, cultural identity, leadership development, and other protective factors that reduce the risk of substance-related harm.

About the Alcohol and Other Drugs Youth Grants

The AOD Youth Grants program forms part of the Northern Territory Government’s strategic approach to reducing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug-related harm among young people. The program is delivered in partnership with health services, non-government organisations, and consumers. It is also aligned with national and regional strategies supporting youth wellbeing and harm minimisation. The funding is intended to support practical, community-based initiatives that respond to the needs and experiences of young people in the Northern Territory. What Do the Grants Support? The program supports initiatives that aim to prevent or reduce harm from alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs among young people.

Projects may include:

- Single community events. - Ongoing youth programs. - Information sessions. - Wellbeing activities. - Leadership development initiatives. - Activities that strengthen cultural identity. - Projects that build resilience and protective factors. - Collaborative initiatives involving community groups or service providers. Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed activity contributes to youth wellbeing and harm minimisation. 2026/27 Funding Priorities The 2026/27 round focuses on community-led initiatives that support young people to be: - Healthy. - Connected. - Resilient. Projects can strengthen youth wellbeing, cultural identity, leadership development, and protective factors that help reduce substance-related harm. Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed project responds to these priorities and contributes to positive outcomes for young people. Alignment With Youth and Harm-Minimisation Strategies Projects must demonstrate consistency with relevant national and regional frameworks and strategies. The program identifies the following frameworks and strategies: - National Drug Strategy 2017–2026. - National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Mental Health and Social Emotional Wellbeing. - Engage! strategy from the Office for Youth. Applicants should consider the objectives and priorities of these frameworks when developing their project proposal. How Much Funding Is Available? Funding of up to $20,000 is available for individual projects or initiatives. The grants are one-off funding opportunities and can support different types of youth-focused activities.

Eligible activities may include:

- Individual events. - Ongoing programs. - Information and awareness sessions. - Collaborative projects. - Community-based initiatives. - Activities delivered with other community groups or service providers. Project Duration Funded projects can run for a maximum of 12 months. Applicants should ensure that their proposed activities can be delivered within the available funding period and that the project plan is realistic for the maximum 12-month duration. Who Can Apply? The program is open to eligible individuals and not-for-profit organisations located and operating in the Northern Territory.

Eligible applicants include:

- Individuals physically located in the Northern Territory. - Not-for-profit organisations physically located in the Northern Territory. - Organisations actively operating in the Northern Territory. Additional requirements apply to individuals and organisations.

Eligibility Requirements for Individuals

Individuals applying for funding must:

- Be physically located in the Northern Territory. - Reside in the Northern Territory for the duration of the funded activity. - Meet the other applicable programme requirements. - Have completed previous acquittal requirements, where applicable. - Hold the required public liability insurance. Individuals should ensure they can remain resident in the Northern Territory throughout the funded activity.

Eligibility Requirements for Organisations

Not-for-profit organisations must:

- Be physically located in the Northern Territory. - Be actively operating in the Northern Territory. - Be appropriately incorporated. - Comply with relevant legislation. - Have completed previous acquittal requirements. - Hold public liability insurance of at least $10 million. Organisations should ensure that their incorporation and compliance status is in order before applying. Public Liability Insurance Requirement All applicants must hold public liability insurance of at least $10 million. This requirement applies to both individual and organisational applicants. Applicants should ensure that the required level of insurance is in place before submitting an application. Previous Acquittal Requirements Applicants must have completed any applicable previous acquittal requirements. This means applicants with previous funded activities should ensure that outstanding reporting or acquittal obligations have been completed before applying for new funding. Community-Led Approach The 2026/27 round places emphasis on community-led initiatives. Applicants should demonstrate how their projects respond to local youth needs and contribute to healthier, more connected, and resilient young people. Collaborative approaches are also supported, including projects developed or delivered with community groups and service providers. Collaborative Projects Applicants can use the funding for collaborative projects involving other community groups or service providers. Collaboration can form part of initiatives des