Future Ready Grants: Supporting Victorian Youth Development

The Victorian Government has launched the Future Ready 2027-2028 Program, a significant funding initiative aimed at empowering secondary school students across Victoria. This program offers grants ranging from AUD $24,000 to AUD $168,000 to eligible government schools, not-for-profit organizations, and social enterprises. The goal is to support young people in their education, leadership development, career readiness, and personal growth. Applications are open until June 26, 2026, providing a valuable opportunity for organizations to expand their impact on youth development.

About the Future Ready Program

The Future Ready 2027-2028 Program is a two-year funding initiative designed to improve outcomes for secondary school students throughout Victoria. It supports projects and activities that align with the state’s youth development strategy. The program aims to help young people become more confident, connected, and active participants in their communities and future pathways. Funded projects will run throughout the 2027 and 2028 school years, starting from Term 1 of 2027 and concluding at the end of Term 4, 2028.

Funding Details and Eligible Activities

Organizations can apply for grants between AUD $24,000 and AUD $168,000. This funding is intended for programs that create lasting positive effects for students. The Future Ready Program supports a wide array of youth development activities.

Mentoring Programs

These projects help students identify their strengths, build confidence, and develop resilience. They also provide support for students to achieve their personal and academic goals.

Training and Employment Readiness

Programs in this category offer accredited or recognized training, work placements, and internship-like experiences. They also cover career readiness activities and volunteering opportunities.

Leadership Development

Activities that encourage youth involvement, build leadership skills, and promote decision-making are supported. This includes fostering civic engagement and supporting peer mentoring.

Hands-On Learning Opportunities

The program funds projects that involve experiential learning, creative development, and practical skill-building. Community-based learning initiatives and workshops are also included.

The Victorian Government encourages innovative and inclusive projects that boost student engagement and well-being.

Priority Areas for Youth Development

The Future Ready Program focuses on three key areas to support young Victorians:

Education, Employment, and Training

This priority area supports young people in achieving their goals through education, training, and employment pathways. It also encourages participation in volunteering opportunities.

Youth Participation and Inclusion

The program aims to help young people feel respected, heard, and included in decision-making processes. This fosters a sense of belonging and agency.

Identity, Confidence, and Connection

This priority supports programs that strengthen personal identity, cultural connections, and community belonging. It also focuses on building confidence and resilience in young individuals.

Who Can Apply for Funding?

The Future Ready Program is open to specific types of organizations within Victoria.

Eligible Applicants

• Government secondary schools in Victoria: Schools can apply directly to fund programs for their students.
• Not-for-profit community organizations: These organizations can apply to run youth development programs.
• Social enterprises: These can apply if they are partnering with government secondary schools.

Collaborative projects that connect schools with community organizations and youth-focused enterprises are particularly encouraged.

Program Timeline and Information Sessions

The funded activities will take place over two full school years, 2027 and 2028. This extended period allows for the development of sustainable and impactful programs. To assist potential applicants, the Victorian Government will host an information session on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM. This session will cover eligibility, application preparation, assessment criteria, and funding conditions.

Application Deadline

All applications for the Future Ready 2027-2028 Program must be submitted by 1:00 PM on Friday, June 26, 2026. It is advisable for organizations to prepare and submit their proposals well in advance of the deadline to avoid any issues with late submissions.

Why Apply for Future Ready Grants?

The Future Ready Program presents a significant opportunity for Victorian schools and youth organizations. It allows them to expand student support, increase youth participation and leadership, and improve pathways to education and employment. The grants can also help strengthen youth well-being and identity, and foster innovative learning experiences. The substantial two-year funding can enable organizations to scale their programs and create meaningful, long-term change for young people in Victoria.

Frequently Asked Questions