Youth Volunteering for Nature

The Youth Volunteering for Nature is part of the Victoria’s Great Outdoors program, which seeks to get more Victorians, from all walks of life outdoors enjoying nature.

We want to empower young people, aged 18-29 all over Victoria to become champions for nature by creating innovative answers to challenges facing Victoria’s natural environment. Youth Volunteering for Nature is looking for ideas that engage with the community through environmental volunteering to protect and preserve Victoria’s special places for future generations.

Funding is available for a broad range of projects. We are looking for innovative project ideas that champion environmental volunteering, have a positive impact on Victorian environmental, historic and/or Aboriginal cultural heritage values, encourage more young people to volunteer for nature and provide lessons for the future.

As a Youth Volunteering for Nature recipient you will be provided:

Up to $2,000 (individuals) or $5000 (groups) to help fund your idea

6-month mentorship with an expert in your field of interest (flora/ fauna/ marine/ terrestrial/ Traditional Owner cultural heritage/ historic heritage/ advocacy and awareness)

Opportunities to share your ideas, brainstorm and network

Workshops to build your knowledge and skills

An opportunity to present the outcomes and learnings from your project to Parks Victoria and DELWP staff and the wider community

Applications are NOW OPEN

The final round opens 9am Friday 19 August and closes 5pm Monday 3 October 2022.

We are hosting a live information webinar to provide detailed information on the Fund, successful applications, how to apply and answer any of your questions. This is your final opportunity to apply. To register, click here.

In addition, we want to inspire ideas and encourage innovation by funding community-led projects that consider new ways of volunteering in and for the environment. The Volunteering Innovation Fund is also open and receiving applications up to $50,000 per project. For information click here

If you would like to register your interest in the Youth Fund and speak with our team, please provide your details here.