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Strong Young Mob Funding Round 

Funding is available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led organisations across Victoria. 

Applications are now closed
First nation artwork by Tammy-Lee Atkinson
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Strong Young Mob, supported by VicHealth, will elevate the work of Aboriginal-led community organisations to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Victoria, and we are proud to support their great work.  


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Who are Strong Young Mob?

Strong Young Mob is a committee made up of younger (and some older) members from Aboriginal-led community organisations. They’ve been working together with VicHealth for nearly a year to inform and oversee the design and development of VicHealth’s priorities for Community.

Strong Young Mob Committee and VicHealth at the Immersion on Country in February 2023

Strong Young Mob Committee and VicHealth at the Immersion on Country in February 2023

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Self-determination for Community

Self-determination is vital for the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, it ensures that Aboriginal voices are heard, and that programs are led by Community, for Community. Aboriginal-led organisations are already working towards better health and wellbeing for their communities; VicHealth has an opportunity to step up and show up, by providing funding that supports self-determined programs and activities.

To do this great work, we are thrilled to announce the Strong Young Mob Funding Round, available to Aboriginal-led organisations across Victoria.

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What does the funding round look like?

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Want to apply? Tell us how your organisation can support improving the health and wellbeing of young Aboriginal people (aged 0-30 years) with: 

  • Leadership development: creating, organising or running events and programs that have a leadership focus. 
  • Healing and wellbeing: providing opportunities to gather on Country, create spaces to connect and practice teaching of culture.  
  • Healthy eating, movement, and connection through music and arts: includes sports, cooking classes or even helping young people put on an art exhibition.    

Organisations can also apply for funding to support young mob to access programs, events, and activities delivered by another organisation in line with the three focus areas above. 

We know that Aboriginal-led organisations have the solutions, and we want to help, by helping to fund your great ideas and programs.    

Funding from $1,000 to $50,000 is available from a share of $300,000.  

How to apply

1. Understand guidelines

Download the funding guidelines
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Click the transcript symbol

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Animated icon of a magnifyign glass on a page

above to view a full transcript for this video.

 

 

2. Prepare your application

To help prepare, you can draft your application using the tool below.

Application drafting tool
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To make the application process easier, you’ll be able to put together a video to talk through your idea or program.

Get video application guide
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Want more help to help prepare? Check out the recording of our grant writing workshop. 

Watch grant writing workshop

When you are ready, please head to the VicHealth Stakeholder Portal and use your email to sign up and select ‘Current Opportunities’ to apply. 

APPLY NOW

Still have questions?

Have a read through our Strong Young Mob FAQs document (download here) or take a look at the FAQs below.

  • My project

    How much should I apply for?
    Think about all of the costs involved with delivering your program or initiative and list them using this budgeting template

    For each program cost, make an informed guess of the amount by getting quotes or researching online. 

    When working out how much you’ll need, also consider money you already have to run the program, as well as voluntary contributions such as people’s time and equipment. 

    Please refer to the guidelines to note what can be funded and what cannot be funded. 

     

    How do I account for GST in my application budget?
    The amount of funding you request in your application is exclusive of GST. When VicHealth processes your application, your ABN will be checked to determine if your organisation is registered for GST. 

    GST will only be paid to organisations that are registered to receive it. 

    When completing your budget template, if you are not registered for GST you should consider this as you are costing your proposed items. We recommend that you account for the entire cost of proposed budget items, to ensure you are not under budget if you are funded. When completing your budget template, if you are registered for GST, keep in mind that VicHealth will pay GST with your grant funds. 

     

    Where do I find the budget template?
    Applicants applying for tier 2 ($10,001 - $50,000) will need to submit a budget 
    using this budget template.

     

    When does my project need to take place?
    All funded initiatives must be delivered between June 2024-May 2025
     

    Will our project be eligible if we deliver a project for under 18 year olds?
    Certainly, you have to ensure that the project is designed in a way that is meets the requirements of the child safe standards outlined in this document here.

    If you have further questions or need support, please contact [email protected]
     

    What is VicHealth’s harmful industry declaration and why do I need to complete one?
    We are committed to ensuring our activities align with our objectives and statutory obligations under the Tobacco Act 1987 to improve the health and wellbeing of Victorian families and communities.

    During all of our application processes, we ask all applicants to declare their relationships with ‘unhealthy’ or ‘harmful’ industries. These are brands, companies or organisations who profit from products that are harmful to health and wellbeing including tobacco, gambling, alcohol, unhealthy food and sugary drinks.

    You will be required to complete a harmful industry relationship declaration via the VicHealth Stakeholder Portal. If you want to learn more you can visit our webpage here.

  • Assessment 

    Who will be the assessing applications?
    Each application will be assessed by two Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 18-30. 

    Top scoring tier 1 applications will be collated and sent directly for approval. 

    Top scoring tier 2 applications will be shortlisted and re-assessed by a secondary assessment panel.

    The assessment panel will include VicHealth staff members and external Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who will provide the final funding recommendations.

  • Using the VicHealth stakeholder portal

    How do I start a grant application?
    Here’s some handy hints to help:

    • Log into our Stakeholder Portal
    • Click on the Current Opportunities tab from the Home Page.
    • Go to funding opportunities
    • On the right you will see the opportunities that are open – select Strong Young Mob
    • Then click on the down arrow, and then select Apply Now.

    You’ll need to use one of the following Internet browsers to access the Portal: Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Internet Explorer is not recommended.

     

    I’m having trouble with the stakeholder portal
    We have more information including what to do if you get stuck on this help page /funding/how-to-apply-for-a-grant 

    If you are still having trouble, please contact our team 
    at [email protected]

     

    Nothing appears when I click on current opportunities in the stakeholder portal?
    Open funding opportunities will be listed under the current opportunities page.

    Help tips:

    • Our Portal works best with Google Chrome, so try using Google Chrome 
      or Firefox.
    • We do not recommend using Internet Explorer or Safari.

    Check if your browser view is zoomed in. It may be that your browser view is cutting off the screen. E.g. you may need to scroll across to the right-hand side or zoom out to see the apply now arrow.
     

    I made a mistake on my application, how can I fix it?
    Mistakes happen, so get in touch with team if you’ve already submitted an application and noticed a mistake – having your application reference number handy would be super useful.

    We always recommend getting in touch instead of submitting a new application, as this can create duplicate records.

    If you have any last-minute requests or change, make sure you get in touch before the closing date. We will not be able to make any changes after application submissions close on 20 February 12pm midday. 

    If your application is still in draft, you can edit it via the My Applications tab in the Portal before submitting.

  • Submitting applications

    Can I save my draft application and complete it later?
    Yes, our online application form will allow you to save and resume your application later, when you need to.

    Tip! We’re unable to accept applications that are incomplete - so don't forget 
    to go back and submit.

     

    Can I submit my application early?
    Yes, in fact we highly recommend submitting your application early!

    Our application form will automatically close at 12pm midday 20 February, and you must hit ‘submit’ before this time to ensure your application is sent to VicHealth for assessment. Late applications will not be accepted.

     

    Can my organisation submit more than one application?
    Yes, we can accept more than one idea/application if each application presents a unique, distinct idea.

    Note: Multiple applications won’t necessarily increase chance of success. We’d emphasise quality over quantity, but the application process is easy, and we want great ideas, so we won’t be limiting organisations to just one chance at submitting one idea.

     

    Can I apply if I’ve already received VicHealth funding?
    Yes, provided there are no outstanding contractual requirements attached to existing or previous VicHealth funding. If you are unsure, please email [email protected] with your organisation name.

  • Further support

    Can I speak to someone at VicHealth about my idea?
    Due to the high volume of enquiries, and in fairness to all, we cannot provide individual feedback on the quality or strength of your idea. We are however able to advise if your idea is aligned with the focus areas for this funding round.

    If you need help, you can get in touch via a few ways:

    I don’t have access to a computer or internet. How can I apply?
    Contact with your local libraries or community hubs to check if they have computer and/or internet access available for public use. Here is a list of some publicly available locations where you can access a computer and/or internet. 

    Please contact the organisation prior to use of their facilities in case a booking is required.

    Alternatively you can book a computer or workspace at VicHealth's Health Promotion Hub located on Spencer Street, West Melbourne. Call VicHealth on (03) 9667 1333 to reserve a workspace.

     

    Need a translation service?
    If you need translation in other languages, you can let us know by:

    • Calling TIS National on 131 450 and asking them to call VicHealth on 
      (03) 9667 1333. This is a free service.
    • Calling us using your preferred interpreter on (03) 9667 1333
    • Emailing us at [email protected]

    If you need help for hearing or speech difficulties, you can let us know by:

    • Calling VicHealth through the National Relay Service (NRS).

    For more information, visit the NRS website 
    (communications.gov.au/accesshub/nrs) to choose your preferred access point or call the NRS Helpdesk on 1800 555 660. This is a free service. Help desk business hours are 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).

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Important dates

Tuesday 16 January 2024 – Applications open
Thursday 1 February 2024 – Grant writing workshop – Watch recording
Tuesday 20 February 2024 Applications close 11:59pm

Have any questions? Ask away! Feel free to get in touch with the team [email protected].

Coming Together by Tammy-Lee Atkinson

First nation artwork by Tammy-Lee Atkinson

Coming together represents Indigenous people coming together from all over Victoria and spreading their knowledge, wisdom, stories, and culture.

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About the Artist

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Tammy-Lee Atkinson is a Yorta-Yorta artist. She is a proud Aboriginal woman who loves to learn and share personal and familial stories about her culture. Being able to express her own story through painting, drawing and photography, she attaches strong symbolic meaning to images that represent her traditional culture in contemporary art contexts.

Artwork by Dexx (Gunditjmara/Boon Wurrung) ‘Mobs Coming Together’ 2022
VicHealth acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land. We pay our respects to all Elders past, present and future.
This website may contain images, names and voices of deceased people.

VicHealth acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government.

Artwork Credit: Dexx (Gunditjmara/Boon Wurrung) ‘Mobs Coming Together’ 2022, acrylic on canvas. Learn more about this artwork.