APPLICATION PROCESS
Please note, Gandel Foundation is a proactive funder, applications under our three grant levels (outside the open grant program) are predominantly by invitation only.
Annual Open Grant Program | Young People’s Positive Futures
APPLICATIONS OPEN, APPLY BELOW
Register for our online information session
Join us for an online information session about the Annual Open Grants Program, including an overview of the grant guidelines, eligibility criteria, funding exclusions and application process, followed by a Q&A session.
Date: Thursday, 17 September 2026
Time: 1:00PM AEST
Register to attend here.
The focus of Gandel Foundation’s Annual Open Grant Program is to support young adults aged 16-24 as they transition through this key developmental stage, with particular emphasis on those experiencing multiple forms of disadvantage.
While many young adults move through this period with clear pathways towards independence, others face barriers to wellbeing, social participation, and economic engagement. These challenges are often more pronounced for young people experiencing multiple and interconnected disadvantages, including poverty, homelessness, substance use, experiences of trauma, and health challenges.
Gandel Foundation prioritises support for the most vulnerable and marginalised groups. This includes young people with specific needs or who experience multiple barriers to realise their potential – for example when leaving out-of-home-care, exiting the justice system, finishing formal education or transitioning to employment. This grant round seeks applications from organisations that support young people to navigate transition points such as these in their lives.
Organisations interested in applying are encouraged to review Gandel Foundation’s FY26-29 Strategy and Grant Guidelines before submitting an EOI. We also recommend that applicants confirm their eligibility by reading our funding exclusions. No more than one application per organisation can be accepted.
Grants of up to $50,000 for up to 1 year are available.
The application process is two stage, with an EOI followed by a full application for invited second stage applicants. All applications must be submitted online via a link to our portal.
Should you wish to apply, please submit you EOI through our online portal HERE.
Key Dates:
EOI submissions open: Friday, 11th September 2026 at 9am
EOI submissions close: Thursday, 1st October 2026 at 12pm (MIDDAY)
EOI outcome notification: Wednesday, 7th October 2026
Eligibility:
To be eligible your organisation must:
- Be registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).
- Hold Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) Item 1 status at the time of application.
If you have any questions regarding the program or Gandel Foundation’s grant making, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Email: info@gandelfoundation.org.au
Phone: (03) 8564 1288