Funding for Mental Health Child, Youth and Families Services
Applications close at 3:00 pm on 25 August 2026.
Mental Health Child, Youth and Families Grant
This grant supports non-government organisations to provide mental health services for children, young people and families.
It aims to reduce the long-term impact of mental ill-health by:
- addressing risk factors early
- preventing the escalation of symptoms
- reducing the need for intensive mental health services at a young age
- supporting children, young people and families to get help when they need it.
Funding is available for services that focus on, in order:
- Prevention and Promotion
- Community Connection and Supports
- Early Intervention.
Organisations can propose services across multiple areas of support or focus on a single support need. Both approaches are essential to creating a comprehensive support system.
This grant is part of a coordinated investment in services for children, young people and families across the ACT. For more information and other funding opportunities read Related grants.
Who this is for
This grant is for non-government organisations that support the mental health and wellbeing of:
- children aged 0–12 years
- young people aged 12–25 years
- carers and families of children and young people experiencing mental ill-health
We are looking for organisations that can deliver high-quality services, work closely with families and other providers, and help achieve long-term positive outcomes.
What you get
Funding of up to $2.7 million per year (GST exclusive) through an initial 5-year agreement. A further 2-year extension is possible.
Check if you can apply
To be eligible for funding, applicants must:
- have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN)
- be registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- have an account with an Australian financial institution
- be financially viable to deliver the proposed service over the term of the grant
Applicants must be either:
- an incorporated organisation in Australia
- a company limited by guarantee
- an incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust
- a joint (consortia) application with a lead organisation
- registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.
What you can do
Funded services must do one or more of the following:
- Provide support across the support needs spectrum with a focus on prevention, community connection and early intervention.
- Support children, young people and families during the perinatal period.
- Respond to the specific needs of priority populations, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQA+ communities, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
- Support disengaged or at-risk young people, including at key transition points across age groups.
- Improve access for children and young people through outreach services, services delivered in educational settings and services available outside school hours.
- Recognise and strengthen the role of families and carers.
- Work collaboratively with other services to provide coordinated support.
Before you apply
Read the following documents to support the development of your application.
Also, consider existing mental health services in the ACT and how your proposed service will complement and strengthen the broader service system so people can easily get the help they need. Refer to the Overview of Child, Youth and Families Mental Health Services in the ACT, sector information and other relevant resources.
Attend an information session
An online information session for the Mental Health Child, Youth and Families grant will be held on 21 July 2026 at 1:00 pm.
The session includes:
- the grant objectives and funding allocation
- eligibility and application requirements
- key dates and next steps
- a Q&A opportunity.
Register via Humanitix.
Apply
To apply online at the SmartyGrants link below:
- Register or log into your account.
- Follow the instructions to complete your application.
- Submit your application by 3:00 pm 25 August 2026.
After you apply
We'll assess your application and let you know the outcome in January 2027 by email.
Assessing your application
Applications will be assessed against the grant’s selection criteria.
The assessment process will also consider how proposed services:
- interact with other services and providing opportunities for collaboration
- complement rather than duplicate existing services.
Information from any Health and Community Services Directorate grant rounds may also be considered to assess the applications submitted.
All decisions on whether to award a grant, or the amount of any grant, are at the sole discretion of the Health and Community Services Directorate.
If you get the grant
Successful applicants must enter into an Agreement. Read the Grant Requirements for more information.
Related grants
This grant is part of a coordinated investment in services for children, young people and families across the ACT.
The Mental Health Child, Youth and Families (MHCYF) grant stream and the Child, Youth and Family Services Program (CYFSP) are working together to support a more connected ecosystem , alongside the emerging Thriving Kids program, which focuses on providing the right support early.
Together, these grants aim to:
- provide the right support early
- improve outcomes for children, young people, families and carers
- strengthen connections and collaboration across the service ecosystem
- ensure services are funded appropriately and avoid duplication.
Organisations can apply for funding across both MHCYF and CYFSP grants where appropriate.
We encourage applications that recognise the full needs of children, young people and families.
Applications may include multiple streams or programs. However, the same activity will not be funded more than once across applications.
Read about the CYFSP grants:
- Funding for targeted support services for children, young people and families
- Funding for preventative early support services for children, young people and families.