Future Ready Grants: Supporting Victorian Youth Development
The Victorian Government has launched the Future Ready 2027-2028 Program, a significant funding initiative aimed at boosting youth development across Victoria, Australia. This program offers substantial grants to support secondary school students through various avenues, including education, leadership, mentoring, and career preparation. The goal is to empower young people to reach their full potential and become active, confident members of their communities.
Understanding the Future Ready Program
The Future Ready 2027-2028 Program is a two-year funding initiative designed to enhance the experiences and outcomes for secondary school students throughout Victoria. It aligns with the state’s broader strategy for youth development, focusing on nurturing young individuals to be confident, connected, and prepared for future opportunities. The funded projects will span the 2027 and 2028 school years, starting from the beginning of Term 1, 2027, and concluding at the end of Term 4, 2028.
Funding Details and Scope
Eligible organizations can apply for grants ranging from AUD $24,000 to AUD $168,000. This funding is intended to support impactful programs that create lasting positive changes for young people. The program aims to provide practical experiences, leadership chances, and clear pathways into further education, training, employment, and community involvement.
Types of Activities Supported
The Future Ready Program welcomes a wide array of youth development activities. These can include:
Mentoring Programs
Projects that help students identify their strengths, build self-assurance, and develop resilience. These programs also support students in achieving their personal and academic objectives.
Training and Employment Readiness
Initiatives offering accredited or recognized training, work placements, internships, and volunteering opportunities. These programs are designed to equip students with the skills and experiences needed for the job market.
Leadership Development
Activities that encourage youth to take part in decision-making processes, develop leadership skills, and engage civically. This also includes supporting peer mentoring and community leadership roles.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
Projects that involve experiential learning, creative and practical development, community-based learning, and skills-building workshops. The Victorian Government is particularly interested in innovative and inclusive projects that boost student engagement and well-being.
Key Program Priorities
The Future Ready Program focuses on three main areas of youth development:
Education, Employment, and Training
This priority area supports young people in achieving their goals through education, training, and employment pathways, including volunteering.
Youth Participation and Inclusion
This focus aims to help young people feel respected, heard, and included in decision-making processes that affect them.
Identity, Confidence, and Connection
This priority supports programs that strengthen a young person’s sense of self, cultural connections, community belonging, and overall confidence.
Eligibility for Applicants
The Future Ready Program is open to specific types of organizations within Victoria. Eligible applicants include:
- Government secondary schools in Victoria.
- Not-for-profit community organizations.
- Social enterprises that are partnering with government secondary schools.
The program encourages collaborative efforts, especially projects that link schools with community organizations and youth-focused enterprises.
Program Timeline and Application Process
The funded activities will take place over the 2027 and 2028 school years, allowing for sustained program development and impact. An information session will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM to guide potential applicants through eligibility, application preparation, and assessment criteria. The application deadline is Friday, June 26, 2026, at 1:00 PM. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Future Ready Program?
The Future Ready 2027-2028 Program is a Victorian Government initiative offering grants to support secondary school students in areas like education, leadership, and career preparation.
How much funding is available through the Future Ready Program?
Eligible organizations can apply for grants ranging from AUD $24,000 to AUD $168,000 to support youth development projects.
What types of activities does the Future Ready Program support?
The program supports mentoring, training for employment, leadership development, and hands-on learning opportunities for young people.
Who is eligible to apply for Future Ready grants?
Eligible applicants include Victorian government secondary schools, not-for-profit community organizations, and social enterprises partnering with government secondary schools.
