Youth Development Partnership Fund
The Youth Development Partnership Fund (YDPF) supports community organisations to run sport and recreation programs for young people. It focuses on those who are at risk or who have had contact with the youth justice system.
The program is delivered in partnership with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and aims to:
- prevent future offending through early intervention
- build strong connections between young people and their communities
- improve physical and mental wellbeing
- reduce antisocial behaviour
- support long-term positive change.
Negotiation Guide
Key dates
Milestone | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
Recommended submission timing | At least 3 weeks before month start | To align with assessment timeframes and governance meetings |
Operational Advisory Group (OAG) | February 2025 | Reviews and recommends eligible projects |
Strategic Oversight Group (SOG) | March 2025 | Approves projects for funding |
Final application deadline | 30 June 2025 | Program may close earlier if the budget is fully allocated |
Project completion deadline | 30 June 2026 | All funded projects must be delivered and completed by this date |
Applicant notification | Within 2 weeks of SOG meeting | Applicants will be notified of outcomes via email |
Who can apply
To be eligible for YDFP, your organisation must meet the following requirements:
Organisation eligibility
Your organisation must be one of the following:
- an incorporated not-for-profit
- a registered business or legal entity
- working under an auspice agreement with one of the above (you’ll need to provide details in your application)
In addition, your organisation must:
- be registered with an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- be based or headquartered in Queensland, or be able to demonstrate program delivery in Queensland, including:
- letter/s of support from local stakeholders
- proof of expenditure within Queensland
Project requirements
To be considered, your project should:
- be an established initiative or program (not a new or untested idea)
- target children and young people under 17 years old
- include eligible sport or recreation activities that support physical and mental wellbeing
- have active involvement from police
- focus on:
- youth crime prevention
- engaging at-risk or disengaged youth
- supporting young people in conflict with the law
- addressing a specific community need or challenge related to youth crime
- be endorsed by your local Police District through a Commissioned Officer of the Queensland Police Service (Inspector or above)
How to apply
Apply for YDPF funding to support your project and take action to create positive change and address youth crime in your area. Here’s how to apply:
Step 1 – Express your interest
- Contact the department at SportRecPartnership@dtis.qld.gov.au or speak with your local Sport and Recreation office.
- Provide a summary of your proposed project and location(s) in Queensland where the project will be delivered.
Step 2 – Discuss your project
- A department staff member will contact you to discuss your project and how it aligns with the YDPF objectives and program requirements.
- A key component of YDPF is QPS active involvement. QPS should be brought into the conversation as early as possible.
- If necessary, department staff can assist you in connecting with relevant QPS contacts and community stakeholders to enhance the impact of your project.
Step 3 – Complete the forms
- You will receive a copy of the YDPF Application Form and Project Cost Sheet following your initial conversation with the department.
Step 4 – Work with QPS and stakeholders
- Continue to work with department staff and local QPS officers to complete the Application Form and Project Cost Sheet.
- Identify and engage with key community groups who can support your project.
Step 5 – Get QPS endorsement
- Once you've finished your application, take the Application Form and Project Cost Sheet to your local QPS Commissioned Officer (rank of Inspector or above) for their endorsement.
Step 6 – Submit your application
- After receiving the endorsed application, submit both the Application Form and Project Cost Sheet to the QPS Youth Programs Coordination Team, and copy the department:
Eligible funding
There are no set funding amounts under the YDPF. Instead, organisations are asked to propose a budget that suits the scale and scope of their project.
When requesting funding, you’ll need to justify the amount in your application. This includes providing a breakdown of expected costs in the Project Cost Sheet.
What to consider when estimating your funding request:
- number of participants
- project duration and number of sessions
- location(s) of delivery
- eligible costs (see below)
Examples of eligible costs:
- project staff salaries and on-costs
- instructor or facilitator fees
- transport and travel (within Australia)
- venue hire
- sport or recreation equipment
- catering (healthy food and drinks)
- educational resources or training
- merchandise or uniforms (used for project delivery only)
More information
- To start the conversation please email SportRecPartnership@dtis.qld.gov.au or speak with your local Sport and Recreation office.
- View the list of organisations that have received funding through the Youth Development Partnership Fund.
- Potential recipients can also contact QPS Youth Programs Coordination Team at YouthProgramsCoordinationTeam@police.qld.gov.au