One-off grants between $10,000 and $50,000 are available to not-for-profit organisations and local councils for youth-led and youth-driven community projects.

“Grants provided to local organisations will help young people to participate, engage and be included in our community,” Mr Grant said.

“Giving young people an opportunity to be part of youth-driven projects will not only help them develop individually, but it will help strengthen the community as a whole.”

Minister responsible for Youth, Ray Williams said in this year’s funding round there will be an additional $400,000 available to benefit more young people.  

Projects previously selected aim to upskill young people to provide them with greater opportunities for employment in a number of sectors, including hospitality, events planning or media.

Since the program was launched in 2012, Youth Opportunities has provided $9 million in funding to 177 projects across NSW. 

Applications for grants under this year’s program close on Monday, July 16. Visit youth.nsw.gov.au/youth-opportunities/.