The Victorian Government is using the power of sport, art, music and creativity to keep vulnerable young people away from the justice system.

Opening today, the Youth Engagement Grants provide up to $50,000 for projects designed by small multicultural and Aboriginal clubs to engage young people and help keep them on the right path. The grants can be used to boost an existing program or to fund new projects.

Through co-designing a project with the support of Government, the grants also give smaller organisations the opportunity to build expertise in developing proposals.

This partnership approach will build the capacities of grassroots groups, allowing them to deliver projects that acknowledge the diverse needs of their communities.

The new grants are part of the Building Safer Communities Program, which supports Victorian communities to address the root causes of crime and improve community safety.

Working together to provide positive opportunities for at-risk young people forms part of the Government’s Crime Prevention Strategy, which is backed by more than $30 million in investment.

The Crime Prevention Strategy sets out a clear plan and a long-term, evidence-based approach to addressing the causes of offending to keep our communities safe.

A Youth Engagement Grants information session will be held online on 3 November 2021, with expressions of interest open from 18 October until 13 December 2021.

Visit crimeprevention.vic.gov.au for more information.