Kickstarter program
Grant applications for Round 2 of the 2025–2026 Kickstarter program are now closed.
The Queensland Government is following through with its commitment to deliver groundbreaking early intervention programs to prevent youth crime.
The Kickstarter program will trial the best new ideas that contribute to restoring community safety through locally focused, community-led initiatives.
Across four years, a total of $50 million in funding will be committed to the program, with nearly $5 million in funding available for this round of the Kickstarter program.
Grants of up to $300,000 (excl. GST) will be available to initiatives that focus on reducing crime, identifying and addressing the range of risks and needs for youths, repairing relationships with family, and supporting youth re-engagement with education, training, or employment.
Grant-funded initiatives will teach youths that anti-social behaviour carries consequences, while simultaneously providing connections, guidance and support to get them back on track.
Who we are looking for
Organisations from across Queensland who can deliver community-led initiatives focusing on reducing youth crime, boosting education, and providing training, or employment for at-risk youths are encouraged to apply.
Applicants will need to provide evidence that their program will ensure interventions are relevant, sustainable, and effectively address the unique challenges faced by youths in Queensland.
An ideal proposal will include:
- a pro-social, activity-based engagement or concept for individuals and groups aged 8 to 17 years old
targeted at prevention and early intervention responses aimed at reducing youth crime and boosting education, and providing training, and/or employment pathways for youths - a response to local youth crime matters in your community, including how your idea/project aligns with community need
- a demonstration of how your idea/project addresses anti-social behaviour and improves community safety
- a performance and outcomes measure that reflects the needs and aspirations of youths in the community.
Programs demonstrating measurable positive impact may be eligible for ongoing funding.
To learn more about how to prepare a grant application, see our step-by-step guide.
Application process
- Read the Kickstarter program information and guidelines (PDF, 446KB) carefully to determine your eligibility and whether your application meets the relevant program funding guidelines.
- Develop your proposal to align with community needs. You will need to include the following information:
- how your proposal specifically addresses the identified risks and needs of the youths in the community
- how your idea/project will deliver a response, either directly or through referrals
- evidence of how your proposal will reduce anti-social behaviour, youth crime, and improve community safety
- who will be involved in the delivery of your response, and evidence of their commitment
- Complete and submit your application online through SmartyGrants.
You will receive an acknowledgement email from SmartyGrants once you submit your application. If you don't receive an acknowledgement email, your application has not been submitted. Check your application for errors and resubmit. If your application still doesn't submit, contact SmartyGrants Technical Support. Contact details for SmartyGrants are in the program information and grant guidelines (PDF, 446KB).
The SmartyGrants system will automatically shut off at midday on the closing dates of each round and will not allow applications to be submitted.
Resources
Whether you are a grants program applicant needing more information, or you are just looking to promote this groundbreaking initiative with your contacts, we have got you covered.
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Further information
For further information, contact us at YJ_Grants@youthjustice.qld.gov.au.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) licence