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Our Programs, Teen Years

Youth Grants

Deaf Children Australia has been empowering deaf and hard of hearing young people through our Youth Grants Program since 2000.

Applications Open

Youth Grant 2026 Applications Now Open!

Deaf Children Australia has been empowering deaf and hard of hearing young people through our Youth Grants Program since 2000. Each year, we receive inspiring applications from across the country from young people eager to bring their passions to life and make a difference in their communities.

Applications are open from 1 July 2026 until 11:59pm on 1 October 2026. Youth Grants support deaf and hard of hearing young people to pursue their goals, build confidence and take part in opportunities that matter to them.

youthgrants@deafchildren.org.au
What Can You Apply For?

Four Areas of Support, Plus a New Category

You can apply for a Youth Grant to help with a personal project in one of four areas:

  • Sport & Recreation – e.g. joining a team, buying equipment, attending a tournament
  • Art & Music – e.g. exhibitions, instruments, lessons, or creative workshops
  • Education – e.g. support for courses, textbooks, or resources not covered elsewhere
  • Skill Development – e.g. driving lessons
  • DCA's Newest Additional Category: Science & Music, courtesy of the Johnsen Family Youth Grant (up to $1000) – e.g. technology, engineering, maths, music lessons, instruments

Your project should help build your confidence, develop your skills, or open new opportunities, while showing how you're breaking down barriers and setting an example for others.

Our Youth Grants are possible thanks to the Bequest of the Allen and Cecilia Tye Fund. The Johnsen Family Youth Grant is also available to fund an education (Science & Music) related grant up to $1000.

How It Works

Apply for Up to $2,500

Projects must occur between 1st July 2026 and 20th June 2027. Payments are made after submitting a final project report with receipt.

Apply for a Youth Grant
Youth Grants
Ready to Apply?

Youth Grants 2026 Forms

Please click the buttons below to access all forms and information about our Youth Grants 2026 Program. If you have any questions please contact youthgrants@deafchildren.org.au.

Youth Grants Information Kit 2026 Youth Grants Application Form 2026 Youth Grants Claims Form 2026
Youth Grant Stories

Hear From Our Recipients

Deaf Children Australia's Youth Grants program recognises the ideas, dreams, and achievements of young deaf and hard of hearing people from all over Australia. Want to be inspired for your application? See some of our amazing Youth Grant recipients' stories below!
Haelan

Haelan – AFL Trip

Haelan was awarded a 2025 Youth Grant to attend the Wanderers Australia Junior Boys AFL/International Rules Tour.
Jasmine

Jasmine – Special Interest Dance Trip
Lexie

Lexie – Passion in Piano and Bass Guitar
Thomas

Thomas – Basketball at the Deaflypmics
Braden

Braden – The Tokyo Invitational Swim Meet
Jack

Jack – Swimming at the Deaflympics
Josh

Josh – Running at the Deaflympics
Ryan

Ryan – Playing Soccer at the Deaflympics
Thomas

Thomas – A member of the Aussie Deaf Seals Swim Team at the Deaflympics
Ethan

Ethan – Playing Basketball at the Deaflympics
Annabel

Annabel – Volunteering at the Gospel Deaf School in Fiji
Joseph

Joseph – Basketball with the Australian Deaflympics Team
Hasas

Hasas – National Track and Field Championship and the National Cross Country Championship

"Being the only Deaf youth using Auslan to represent Victoria made me a visible ambassador for the Deaf community and my language, Auslan, which I am proud of. Many officials and fellow athletes became aware of Auslan after seeing me sign. It was a powerful way to promote inclusion and raise awareness about Deaf culture in a mainstream sporting environment.
Sean

Sean – Project Footy Fitness

"The DCA grant has enabled me to improve my footy skillsand fitness through one-on-one sessions with a designatedcoach, focusing on my skills and helping me to overcomethe impact of my hearing loss on the field. Since then, Ihave become a goalscorer for the Eastern SydneyStingrays, with this grant helping me along the way tobecoming a great forward."
Lucia

Lucia – Opportunities in Tennis

"Thank you very much to Deaf Children’s Australia for the Youth Grant. The Youth Grant was very helpful in paying for my tennis expenses  over the last 12 months.
Cameron

Cameron – Football at the Deaflympics

"I would not have been able to attend this amazing opportunity without the help of the DCA grant as it really helped me and my family afford to send me on this opportunity."
Ruby

Ruby – Soccer at the Deaflympics

"I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to Deaf Youth Australia for the generous grant that supported my journey to the Deaflympics held in Japan in November 2025."
Seven

Seven – Passing the Ls Driving Test

"Working toward my L‑plates, and eventually my P‑plates, has meant gaining confidence, independence, and responsibility. It feels like the beginning of a big step toward becoming a safe and capable driver."