Holiday Break Program: Autumn / Winter 2026

Before completing this application form, you should have read the program guidelines and frequently asked questions on the website.

• Confirmed your organisation and project/s are eligible according to the program guidelines
• Have a copy of your organisation's Public Liability Insurance or equivalent for a minimum $10 million or be prepared to purchase cover prior to entering a funding agreement should your project be successful 

Incomplete applications and/or applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

Applications open: 9am Monday 2 February 2026

Applicants are advised that the Holiday Break Autumn/Winter 2026 Program (Program) introduces several changes from previous rounds. It is essential that applicants carefully review both the updated Program Guidelines and the Application Form before applying.

Key changes include (but are not limited to):

• This is not a demand driven, first in first served Program. All eligible applications will be reviewed by an Assessment Panel against defined Selection Criteria on a per Region basis. Applications will not be assessed against other applications. For more information, refer to assessment process as set out in the program guidelines.
• All areas of NSW are now eligible project locations (this includes Greater Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong).
• This Program is an Open Non-Competitive Grant Program that is defined in the NSW Grant Administration Guide (2024): “Applications are assessed individually against the selection criteria, without reference to the comparative merits of other applications.” 
• These Program Guidelines are for the Autumn and Winter 2026 holiday period only. 

Applicants are strongly encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Program changes to ensure eligibility and alignment with updated assessment requirements.

Applications close: 11.59pm Sunday 15 February 2026

Assessment process: From 2 February 2026

Application outcome date: From 20 March 2026

Funding agreements executed with successful applicants: From March 2026

Autumn project delivery: Saturday 4 April - Sunday 19 April 2026

Winter project delivery: Saturday 4 July - Sunday 19 July 2026

Completion reports due:

Autumn: Monday 20 May 2026

Winter: Monday 20 August 2026

The Holiday Break Autumn / Winter 2026 Program provides young people in NSW opportunities to connect, socialise, learn new skills, and have fun during the school holidays. It supports the delivery of free activities, including sport and recreation camps, creative, artistic, scientific activities, and more.

Maximum grant funding amount (GST exclusive) $10,000 per application* 

Total funding available (GST exclusive) $685,352

*The maximum amount of funding that will be allocated to a successful applicant is $10,000 across the two holiday periods. 

*Travel loading of up to $3,000 per holiday period for projects being delivered in remote and very remote NSW is additional funding to the amounts outlined above. Please refer to the program guidelines for information relating to travel loading. 

The Applicant acknowledges and agrees that:

• submission of this application does not guarantee funding will be granted for any project, and the Office 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 the Office does not accept any liability for such costs, whether or not this application is ultimately accepted or rejected; and
• it has read the Funding Guidelines for the Program and has fully informed itself of the relevant program requirements.

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

• if this project application is successful, the relevant details of the project 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;
• the Office 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 (NSW) (GIPA Act); and
• in some circumstances the Office 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.

• An applicant must be an eligible applicant 
• An eligible applicant must apply for a grant of funding for an eligible project 
• An eligible project must benefit youth in NSW
• An eligible project must demonstrate value for money and include a budget with evidence of appropriate costings or reasonable estimations 
• An eligible project must meet all 5 program objectives as listed in the ‘Program Purpose and Objectives’ section 2.2 of the guidelines
  1. Address geographical, financial and accessibility barriers that impact the ability of young people in NSW to enjoy recreational and social activities within their local communities.  
  2. Provide funding to eligible applicants to host fully subsidised recreational and social activities. 
  3. Deliver a program of engaging, high-quality activities during the NSW school holidays.
  4. Provide young people with a series of activities that encourage play, experimentation, reflection, and expression.  
  5. Increase access to free and local activities designed to meet the needs and interests of young people aged 12-24.
• An eligible applicant must not be listed as an ineligible applicant as per Section 2.6 of the guidelines, including having any overdue acquittals with the Office for Youth, etc.