Younger veterans and their families can now apply for grants in the latest round of the Australian Government’s $1 million Supporting Younger Veterans (SYV) grants program.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said the program was focused on ensuring younger veterans received more support from their local ex-service organisations (ESOs) and other veteran community organisations, with a particular focus on mental health.

“The Government has allocated $1 million to provide funding to improve services and support for younger veterans, and raise awareness of the important and unique issues our younger veterans face after transitioning from the Australian Defence Force,” Mr Chester said.

“This can include social inclusion and connectedness activities for younger veterans and their families, mentoring or other support to assist with transition to civilian life and employment, and online activities that address stigma and raise awareness of mental health issues faced by younger veterans.”

ESOs and community organisation partners are invited to apply for grants of up to $50,000 for local, community-based projects and activities. A small number of large grants of up to $150,000 are also available for projects that deliver wellbeing support services and activities of broad scale benefit to the younger veteran community.

“The Government is committed to putting veterans and their families first and appreciates the work of these organisations in helping to deliver programs and services at the grassroots level,” Mr Chester said.

“Veteran mental health remains a key priority for the Government and providing these grants is just one of the ways the Government is supporting on-the-ground action on mental health and wellbeing for our veteran community.”

Applications for the SYV grants close 5 February 2021.

For more information or to submit an application, visit http://www.communitygrants.gov.au, call 1800 020 283 or email [email protected].