
Our Youth Grants program
has reopened!

Our Youth Grants is now open for applications
Are you deaf or hard of hearing and 15 – 23 years old?
Did you know you can apply for a grant of up to $2,500 to help you achieve a personal goal or project?
Deaf Children Australia would like to help you spread your wings and dream big!
Youth Grants are available nationwide, across all corners of Australia.
Applications close 12th July at 11:59pm.
Community Benefit:
The stories of grant recipients will inspire other deaf or hard of hearing youth to achieve their full potential.
The successful applicants’ projects should illustrate opportunities for personal development and benefits for the Deaf, hard of hearing, or wider Australian community.
Projects can be based on:
- Personal development
- Deaf community and Culture
- Leadership Challenges
- Education
- Representing local, state or national teams
- Life Experience
Details about how to apply are listed below. You never know where it will lead. Good luck!
Downloadable Youth Grant Forms
Congratulations to the Winners of our 2021 Youth Grants!
Deaf Children Australia’s Youth Grants are designed to create and illustrate opportunities for personal development for deaf and hard-of-hearing youth. This year, the amazing stories of our applicants truly inspired the Youth Grants team, and with so many amazing projects and people to work with, we’re proud to announce the winners of our 2021 Youth Grants!
Please meet our winners:
- William Liitiaeinen (WA), who will be tearing up the running track and setting new personal bests.
- Caitlin Pickering (VIC), who will pursue a course in photography.
- Crystal Carling (QLD), who is competing in the Australian Croquet Association’s Gateball Championships.
- Sam Armstrong (VIC), who will be participating in work experience at Mareeba Airport.
- Tayla Percy (VIC), who will be studying for a Certificate IV in Youth Work.
- Lanz Ang (VIC), who will be participating in the 2021 Deaf Golf Victoria Championships.
- Shrey Patel (SA), who is working on his fitness to improve his football and cricket skills.
- Tae Rampling (VIC), who will be getting his hours up with his driving lessons.
- Taine Venables (VIC), who will be putting the pedal to the metal in the 2021 Go-Karting Race of Stars.
- Catherine Thecla-Saun (VIC), who will be studying acting professionally after starring in her debut short film “Dry Fire”.
- Penny Ward (NSW), who will be helping to run a wonderful camp for deaf and hard of hearing young people.
- Ro English (VIC), who will be studying a variety of art courses to help build their animation skills.
- Tom Sharples (VIC), who will be ready for the road with his driving lessons.
- And finally, Tiana Petridis (NSW) – who will be taking Auslan Classes so she can begin to follow her dreams of working to advocate for the deaf and hard of hearing community
Congratulations to all the winners of our 2021 Youth Grants, we’re so proud to be able to work with you all. We look forward to learning about your progress!
Youth Grant Stories
Deaf Children Australia’s Youth Grants Program recognises the ideas and achievements of young deaf people from all over Australia and highlights the positive contributions that young deaf people make to society.
Deaf Children Australia’s Youth Grants were established in 2000 with support from our philanthropic partners. Deaf Children Australia adds to this Victorian funding to make the Youth Grants available Australia-wide.
Want to be inspired for your application? See some of our amazing Youth Grant recipients’ stories below!
2021 Recipients

Taine - Karting Championships
Through the support of our Youth Grants program, we helped Taine Venables to participate in the final round of the Karting Championships in Murray Bridge – racing alongside over 250 of the best kart drivers in Australia.
Sam - Aviation Work Experience
Eleanor was awarded a Youth Grant in 2021 to participate in work experience at Mareeba Airport.
“The opportunities are endless in the world we live in. A massive thanks to Deaf Children Australia for funding my trip. It has given me the opportunity to learn more about what I can do to achieve my potential dream one day.”

2019 Recipients

Saskia - National Athletics Competition
Eleanor - Ballet
Eleanor was awarded a Youth Grant in 2019 to attend ballet.
“I really enjoy going to ballet because I get to exercise and learn new skills. It is also nice because I have lots of nice friends and I enjoy hanging out with them.”


The Great Victorian Bike Ride
Joshua - Plumbing Apprenticeship


Jamie - World Federation Of The Deaf Camp
Kittipat - Guitar Lessons


Aurora - Colardo Exchange Program
Amy - Japanese Exchange Program

Past Recipients

Lenny - AFL Inclusion Carnival
Jayesh - Indian Adventure


Sam - Melbourne City Young Leaders
Cate - Global Young Leaders Conference


Rayan - National Deaf Netball Championship
The Dingoes - World Deaf Basketball Championships


Maddison - Audiology Work Experience
Alex - Swimming Success
Alex Kirchner received a DCA Youth Grant to attend the 2017 Deaflympics in Samsun, Turkey, representing Australia in swimming.

