Now Open: Youth volunteering for nature

Applications for the Youth Volunteering for Nature Fund are now open!

The Youth Volunteering for Nature Fund is part of the Victoria’s Great Outdoors Volunteer 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 create 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.

Applications close Monday 3 October 2022.

As a Youth Volunteering for Nature Fund recipient, you will be awarded:

Up to $2,000 (individuals) or $5000 (groups) to help fund your idea
6-month mentoring with experts in fields 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 outcomes and learnings from your project to Parks Victoria and Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning staff and the wider community

What are we looking for?

We are looking for ideas that:

Champion environmental volunteering through innovative methods, ideas, items, events or services;

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.

When to apply

Applications are open now and close 5.00 pm Monday 3 October 2022.

If you would like to express your interest in the Youth Volunteer for Nature Fund, please register your details.

How to apply

Think of an innovative idea that inspires more young Victorians to volunteer for nature.
Check how well your project matches the Assessment Criteria by reading the Funding Guidelines. You can also call the team at Parks Victoria to discuss.
Register with ParkConnect.
Submit your application to the Youth Volunteering for Nature Fund.
Respond to any requests for additional information from Parks Victoria.

Guidelines

Make sure your idea meets the Funding Guidelines and addresses the Assessment Criteria:

Online information session

16 September 2022: Volunteering Innovation Fund and Youth Volunteering for Nature Information Session

Contact Us

Have further questions? Contact us at:

Phone: 13 1963

Email: volunteer@parks.vic.gov.au

FAQs

What age do I need to be to apply as an individual?

You must be between the ages of 18-29 years old at time of application to be eligible for this fund.
Can groups apply?

Yes, groups that will encourage more young people to volunteer for nature can apply for up to $5,000 to support their project.

Groups must have a bank account.
Is there a fund I can apply for if I am not in the eligible age range?

If you are outside of the 18-29 age range and wish to apply for project funding, learn about the Volunteering Innovation Fund, which is open to all ages.
How many rounds are there?

This will be the final round for the Youth Volunteering for Nature.
What is the application format?

The application process is online. Along with your written responses to the assessment criteria, you will have the opportunity to submit a short 1-2 minute video as part of your application to explain your project idea.
What will applications be assessed against?
Applications will be assessed on:

40% Innovation: How innovative is the project?

30% Volunteerism: Does the project inspire more young people to get involved in environmental volunteering?

20% Merit: What are the overarching benefits of the project? These may be environmental, social, Aboriginal cultural heritage and/ or historic heritage benefits.

10% Legacy: Will the project leave a legacy?
How many successful applicants will there be?

There will be approximately 15 successful award recipients per round.
Where can I learn more?

For further information, fact sheets and to apply, visit ParkConnect.