Connect In Real Life (IRL) Phase 2 - 2026/27

Fill Out
Now
This is a preview of the Connect In Real Life Phase 2026 Application Form form. When you’re ready to apply, click Fill Out Now to begin.
 

Connect In Real Life Application Form

* indicates a required field.

Program Details

The Connect In-Real-Life (IRL) Phase 2 Grant Program builds on the foundation of the original Connect IRL program by continuing to create opportunities for young people aged 8 – 24 years to connect in meaningful ways.

The program was developed following the Commonwealth’s Online Safety Amendment (social media Minimum Age) Bill 2024, which delays the age of access for those under 16 and aims to protect children from online harms. There were concerns that these restrictions may unintentionally reduce access to support networks for vulnerable young people. The NSW Social Media Summit (2024) highlighted the need to balance online engagement with opportunities for face-to-face interaction, noting links between high social media use and increased loneliness.

A total of $3,025,000 (exclusive of GST) is available under the Connect IRL Phase 2 grant program, jointly funded by the Office for Youth and the NSW Premier’s Department.

The Connect IRL Phase 2 Program is to support the delivery of practical initiatives that strengthen young people's social connection, participation, wellbeing, skills development and pathways to adulthood. The projects will be placed-based and will be designed and delivered with reference to the “Guiding Principles for Youth Grants”. 
 
This field is read only. The program this submission is in.

Instructions for Applicants

Before completing this application form, you should have read the Connect In-Real-Life (IRL) Phase 2 Grant Program guidelines and the Connect IRL Phase 2 Frequently Asked Questions

Please Note:

  • This grant is one-off funding for an initiative to be conducted between February 2027 and August 2028.
  • Your application must be accurate and complete upon submission. 
  • All projects must be located within NSW and must be delivered in the specified timeframe.
  • Submissions open on Friday, 9 October 2026 and close on Friday, 6 November 2026 at 4pm.
  • Eligibility and submission of an application does not guarantee funding.
  • Late applications will not be accepted.

Support available:

If you require any assistance or have any queries relating to this grant, please email grantdesignandsupport@dcj.nsw.gov.au

Please ensure to quote your Application ID (in the text box below) for all correspondence with DCJ.

This field is read only. 

Program Objectives and Outcomes

The grant aims to support children and young people aged 8-24 from identified priority youth cohorts. This has been influenced through the recent Space to Speak consultation.

  • Provide safe, inclusive spaces where young people can connect, build relationships and feel a sense of belonging.
  • Deliver targeted mentoring and support to help young people develop meaningful real-world connections.
  • Engage young people in their communities and involve them in decisions that affect their lives.
  • Build skills, confidence and leadership capabilities to support education, employment and successful transitions to adulthood.
  • Promote wellbeing, reduce isolation and strengthen peer networks through inclusive activities and community participation.

The intended program outcomes are:

  1. Young people from identified priority youth cohorts are more connected, confident, resilient, and engaged in their communities.
  2. Young people experience improved wellbeing, stronger support networks, and greater opportunities for positive development, social cohesion and healthy relationships.
  3. Communities are better equipped to support young people through inclusive, responsive, and youth-centred approaches.
  4. Stronger relationships are established between young people, mentors, community organisations, and local stakeholders.
  5. Increased participation of young people in community life. This may be through leadership, education, employment, and civic activities.

Projects proposed under the Connect IRL Grants Phase 2 Program must involve young people at every stage of the project delivery. These are outlined in the Guiding Principles for Youth Grants with an engagement framework and include working with young people to:

  • Identify the need
  • Plan and design the project
  • Deliver the project with young people
  • Final review with young people and recognition of their contribution.

Disclaimer

The Applicant acknowledges and agrees that:

  • submission of this application does not guarantee funding will be granted for any project, and the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) expressly reserves its right to accept or reject this application at its discretion;
  • it must bear the costs of preparing and submitting this application and DCJ does not accept any liability for such costs, whether or not this application is ultimately accepted or rejected; and
  • it has read the Connect IRL Phase 2 Grant Program Guidelines and has fully informed itself of the relevant program requirements.

Use of Information

By submitting this application form, the Applicant acknowledges and agrees that:

  • if this application is successful, the relevant details of the proposal will be made public, including details such as the names of the organisation (Applicant) and any partnering organisation (state government agency or non-government organisation), project title, project description, location, anticipated time for completion and amount awarded;
  • DCJ will use reasonable endeavours to ensure that any information received in or in respect of this application which is clearly marked ‘Commercial-in-confidence’ or ‘Confidential’ is treated as confidential, however, such documents will remain subject to the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act); and
  • in some circumstances DCJ may release information contained in this application form and other relevant information in relation to this application in response to a request lodged under the GIPA Act or otherwise as required or permitted by law.

Privacy Notice

By submitting this Application form, the Applicant acknowledges and agrees that:

  • DCJ is required to comply with the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (the Privacy Act) and that any personal information (as defined by the Privacy Act) collected by the Department in relation to the program will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Act and its privacy policy (available at: https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/statements/privacy/privacy-policy.html);
  • the information they provide to DCJ in connection with this application will be collected and stored on a database and will only be used for the purposes for which it was collected (including, where necessary, being disclosed to other Government agencies in connection with the assessment of the merits of an application) or as otherwise permitted by the Privacy Act;
  • they have taken steps to ensure that any person whose personal information (as defined by the Privacy Act) is included in this application has consented to the fact that DCJ and other Government agencies may be supplied with that personal information, and has been made aware of the purposes for which it has been collected and may be used.

Eligibility Confirmation

Applicants are required to meet the program eligibility criteria:
 
Please declare this application meets the program eligibility criteria:
  • I have read and understand the Connect IRL Phase 2 Grant Program Guidelines
  • Proposed project aligns with the objectives of the program that are included in the Grant Program Guidelines
  • Your organisation must be operating in NSW, and all proposed activities or events must be delivered in NSW for young people living in NSW.
  • Applicant must have appropriate and current Public Liability insurance minimum of $10 million.
  • Applicant must address the NSW National Redress Scheme sanctions.
  • Applications will not be accepted from an organisation that has outstanding acquittal/s with the DCJ.
  • Bank account must be in the name of the organisation.
  • Projects can commence within February 2027 and be completed no later than 31 August 2028.
I confirm that the applicant and project is eligible according to the criteria outlined in the Program Guidelines * Required