Kickstarter Grants QLD

Purpose and Program Overview

The Kickstarter Grants program is a Queensland Government initiative that provides funding for community-led early intervention projects. The program’s goal is to reduce youth crime and improve community safety. It focuses on at-risk young people aged 8 to 17, and the projects aim to address the underlying reasons for criminal behaviour.

By funding these projects, the program helps create positive pathways for young people. It supports re-engagement with education, training, and employment. The program prioritises culturally appropriate and locally developed responses. It particularly supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

The grant program is part of a broader Queensland Government strategy to prevent youth crime. It helps empower organisations to deliver targeted interventions. This supports constructive life opportunities for young people.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: Up to $300,000 per application.
• Application open and close dates: Applications for Round 2 of the 2025-26 program are open. Applications close on Wednesday, 10 September 2025.
• Eligible industries/business types: Incorporated not-for-profits, businesses with an ABN or ACN, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations. They must have experience in youth or community services.
• Required co-contributions: Not mandatory. Applicants should provide detailed budgets, including in-kind or external funding contributions.
• Location/state/territory applicability: Queensland only.

Priority Sectors

Kickstarter Grants is open to a range of community-led interventions. Priority is given to projects that:

• Focus on at-risk young people aged 8–17.
• They are culturally appropriate and developed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Demonstrate strong community engagement and local support.
• Address factors that cause youth crime to prevent escalation.

Funding Scope

• Minimum and maximum amounts per stream: Individual grants of up to $300,000 are available.
• Categories or streams of funding: Funding supports community-led intervention programs. This includes initiatives for education, training, employment, and youth skill development.
• Project timeline or eligible funding duration: Projects must run for at least 12 months.

Grant Amount in Total

The total funding available for Round 2 of the 2025-26 Kickstarter program is around $5 million.

Eligibility Criteria

• The applicant must be an incorporated not-for-profit organisation, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation, or a business.
• The applicant must be registered in Queensland with an ABN or ACN.
• The applicant must have experience delivering youth or community services in Queensland.
• The applicant must hold or obtain $10 million in public liability insurance.
• The project must demonstrate cultural competence and community consultation.
• State and Federal government agencies are ineligible.
• Separate applications are required for each delivery location.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

Kickstarter Grants Program supports various activities and expenses. This includes:

• Delivery of early intervention programs to promote behaviour change.
• Activities that support re-engagement with education, training, or employment.
• Community consultation and partnership development.
• Staff wages related to program delivery.
• Program materials, resources, and operational costs.

Assessment Process

This is a competitive, multi-phase process. It includes:

• An eligibility check and compliance verification.
• A regional assessment. This focuses on local needs and cultural safety.
• Central moderation. This prioritises value for money and impact.
• Key evaluation criteria: project relevance, community engagement, cultural appropriateness, feasibility, and potential for youth outcomes.

Recent Program Updates

The second round of the 2025-26 Kickstarter program is now open for applications. The closing date is 10 September 2025. This round has a total funding pool of around $5 million. There is an increased focus on culturally safe delivery and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership.

Application Tips

• Review the program guidelines in detail before applying.
• Create a clear project plan. Describe the target group, activities, and expected outcomes.
• Show strong community consultation and partner support. This is especially important for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups.
• Provide a realistic budget. Include any in-kind contributions.
• Submit a complete and timely application via the SmartyGrants portal.
• Contact program officers early for advice.

Where to Get Help

Consult professional grant specialists such as Pattens Group for eligibility checking and tailored application assistance. Official program information, application forms, and support are available via the Queensland Department of Youth Justice, and SmartyGrants portal.