Shortstack: awards, grants and funding opportunities

Youth Fest funding open

Grants of up to $2000 are now open to schools, local government and community organisations working alongside young people aged 12 to 25 to create youth led events during the month-long Youth Festival in September.

Successful organisations will be required to partner with young people to design, coordinate and deliver events that put youth voices, leadership and creativity front and centre.

From live music and art showcases to sporting activities and cultural celebrations, Victorian Youth Fest gives young people the chance to design and deliver events that reflect their interests and strengthen local connections.

Victorian Youth Fest 2026 applications close at 1pm on March 4. To apply and to find out more, visit vic.gov.au/youth-fest-grants

Tiny towns grants

Applications for Round 3 of the $20 million Tiny Towns Fund have been extended by four weeks and will now close at 4pm on Wednesday March 4.

Grants of between $5000 and $50,000 are available to towns with fewer than 5000 people for projects that provide more opportunities to connect, attract visitors, improve facilities and deliver infrastructure upgrades.

Applications for a Tiny Towns Fund grant can be submitted at rdv.vic.gov.au/tiny-towns-fund

Power bill relief

Eligible households are encouraged to apply for the State Government's power saving bonus before it ends on March 31.

To apply households need a recent residential electricity bill and must hold a health care, pensioner concession, veterans' affairs pensioner concession or veterans' affairs gold card.

Eligible households can claim the bonus through the Victorian Energy Compare (VEC) website or with in-person and over-the-phone support from the Community Outreach Program.

Victorians struggling with energy bills can access the Energy Assistance Program, a free phone support service delivered in partnership with Anglicare Victoria and cohealth, providing expert guidance and practical help for anyone having trouble paying their energy costs.

Victorians can use the Victorian Energy Compare website to find the best priced offers in the energy market.

Applications close at midnight on Tuesday March 31.

To apply, visit compare.energy.vic.gov.au or call 1800 000 832. For the Energy Assistance Program call 1800 161 215.

HESTA Excellence Awards nominations open

Nominations are open for the 2026 HESTA Excellence Awards, that shine a national spotlight on the health professionals and teams making a difference in a range of settings across the aged care, allied health, community services, and disability services sectors.

The awards provided a unique opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary impact health and community services professionals make and people are encouraged to nominate a team or individual making a difference.

Winners will each receive a prize to further their personal or professional development, or to enhance processes and services within their workplaces.

Nominations close midnight (AEST) Sunday April 12.

For more information on how to nominate and for full award details, visit www.hesta.com.au/awards/excellence-awards