Congratulations to our 2025 Youth Grant winners!
Deaf Children Australia has been empowering deaf and hard of hearing young people through our Youth Grants Program since 2000. Each year, we receive inspiring applications from across the country from young people eager to bring their passions to life and make a difference in their communities.
This year’s recipients have shown exceptional creativity, determination, and a commitment to personal growth. Their projects will help strengthen connections within the deaf, hard of hearing, and wider Australian community. Congratulations to the Youth Grant 2025 winners:
Ethen Powell – Sport and Recreation
Braden Fyneman – Sport and Recreation
Haelan Stockton – Sport and Recreation
Jasmine Cranley – Art and Music
Joseph Morosini – Sport and Recreation
Josh Reeve – Sport and Recreation
Kenton Liu – Skill Development
Ryan Jones – Sport and Recreation
Sean Murphy – Sport and Recreation
Seven Flood – Skill Development
Annabel Keats – Education
Lexie Adams – Art and Music
Cameron Taylor – Sport and Recreation
Hasas Abeygunawardana – Sport and Recreation
Lucia Flindell – Sport and Recreation
Thomas Flook – Sport and Recreation
Thomas Ginger – Sport and Recreation
Jack Carey – Sport and Recreation
Ruby Miller – Sport and Recreation
DCA is proud to support these incredible young individuals as they pursue their dreams and passions. Through opportunities like the Youth Grants, we aim to help young people build confidence, independence, and resilience for the future.
Applications for next year’s Youth Grants will open in 2026. We encourage deaf and hard of hearing young people across Australia to apply. Take a chance, share your vision, and see where it may take you!
What can you apply for?
You can apply for a Youth Grant to help with a personal project in one of four areas:
1. Sport & Recreation – Eg. joining a team, buying equipment, attending a tournament
2. Art & Music – Eg. exhibitions, instruments, lessons, or creative workshops
3. Education – Eg. Support for courses, textbooks, or resources not covered elsewhere
4. Skill Development – Eg. driving lessons
Your project should help build your confidence, develop your skills, or open new opportunities — while showing how you’re breaking down barriers and setting an example for others.
How it works
- Apply for up to $2,500
- Projects must occur between 1st July 2025 and 20th June 2026.
- Payments made after submitting a final project report with receipts
Applications are closed for 2025, but if you have any questions you can check out the full 2025 information kit, and flyer below to learn more.
Youth Grant Stories
Deaf Children Australia’s Youth Grants program recognises the ideas, dreams, and achievements of young deaf and hard of hearing people from all over Australia.
Want to be inspired for your application? See some of our amazing Youth Grant recipients’ stories below!
Saachi - Screenwriting and Filmmaking
Saachi was awarded a 2024 Youth Grant to enrol in filmmaking and screenwriting courses for the development and improvement of the current screenplays she has been working on.
“Developing a deeper understanding of screenwriting at a ripe age is really important to get a head start in the industry.”
Maya - Photography
Maya was awarded a Youth Grant in 2024 to purchase a camera and equipment and further her photography skills, whilst increasing representation of people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
“Completing this project meant I was able to grow and expand my creativity and abilities! I learnt many things throughout this project.”
Cooper - Grade 7 AMEB Piano Exam
Cooper was awarded a Youth Grant in 2024 to complete his Grade 7 AMEB Piano Exam.
“I chose piano as my project because music has always been a passion of mine and I wanted to challenge myself with a clear goal of passing the exam and thus furthering my technical skills, expression, and discipline”
Zara - Study
Zara was awarded a Youth Grant in 2024 which she used to enrol in Certificate II in Retail (Cosmetics).
“I find it so exciting to gain skills in something I’m truly passionate about. I’ve gained valuable knowledge on a range of topics.”
Cameron - SingaCup
Cameron was awarded a Youth Grant in 2024 to attend the SingaCup, an International Youth Football (soccer) competition.
“The tournament was an amazing experience where I had the opportunity to play against Asian countries. I learnt how to become a better player on and off the pitch and how important sleep, healthy eating and hydration are for the performance of a soccer player.”
Eva - Van Fit Out
Eva was awarded a Youth Grant in 2023 to fit out her van with an electrical system with battery banks, and solar so that she can charge her hearing aids whilst travelling.
“Having the grant to help me install the electrical system, I was able to have more freedom as I’ve travelled and not be restricted by having to have power available. It’s really given me a lot of freedom.”
Watch her video here.
Ewen - New Music Equipment
Ewen was awarded a Youth Grant in 2023 so he could purchase new equipment and software to help him pursue his interest in music production.
“This project allowed me to achieve my goal of releasing my first beats online, which is a big step forward for me. It also helped me learn new skills to make better music, and I hope I can put these skills to use professionally in the future.”
Jay - Craft Supplies and Vending
Jay was awarded a Youth Grant in 2023 to buy supplies and pay fees to attend and vend at multiple markets.
“This project allowed me to explore my passion for creating and experiment with new mediums. I enjoyed learning about vending and finances. It empowered me to promote my art and put myself out there.”
Nate - Ice Hockey Championships
Nate was awarded a Youth Grant in 2023 to compete at the Under 13 Australian National Ice Hockey Championships.
“By being brave and taking the time to get to know my team (which can sometimes be hard with my hearing impairment) I made great friendships. These new friendships helped all of us to work together better as a team.”
Congratulations to our 2023 Youth Grant winners!
Deaf Children Australia has been providing Youth Grants to deaf and hard of hearing young people since 2000. This year saw many young people applying for grants to fund their dream projects. Recipients have shown opportunities for personal development and benefits for the deaf, hard of hearing, or broader Australian community. Congratulations to the 2023 Deaf Children Australia Youth Grant winners:
Ashley Guo, NSW, 18
Ashley is using her Youth Grant to participate in a structured learner driver’s program with a licenced instructor – building the skills and confidence to prepare her for driving on her P Plates. She’s excited about the independence this will provide in terms of being able to drive herself to and from her casual job.
Cooper Todd, NSW, 18
By travelling to Indonesia for 3 months, Cooper is going to be using his grant to learn to travel and live independently. He will be surfing throughout his trip to improve and enable him to compete in surfing competitions.
Edie Gifford, WA, 18
There’s a big move in store for Edie! She’ll be using her Youth Grant to support her move from Western Australia to New South Wales where she’ll be studying musical theatre. The grant will also assist her in pursuing additional vocal training for her tertiary qualification.
Eva Dickinson, VIC, 18
It’s Eva’s dream to be able to fit out a van and use it to travel around Australia. She will be using her Youth Grant to work on her van fit out project so that she can use it to experience the beautiful landmarks in Australia.
Ewan Waters, VIC, 14
Ewan’s goal is to produce high-quality songs that can be showcased online. He’ll be using his grant from this DCA initiative to purchase the professional equipment he needs to pursue his goal.
Hayley Edgar, VIC, 19
Being passionate about photography, Hayley will be studying a Bachelor of Photography in 2024 and using her grant money to cover the costs of her mandatory equipment and materials.
Hugh Gionfriddo, VIC, 15
Hugh would like to become a professional football player and play in the AFL in the future. Through his Youth Grant, Hugh plans to pay his club registration fees and buy the equipment he needs to work towards being selected for the Eastern Rangers.
Jack O’Brien, QLD, 15
Jack used his grant to travel from his hometown in far north Queensland to Brisbane, so he could perform songs in Auslan as part of a choir in the Creative Generation State School Onstage 2023.
James Logan, VIC, 17
Through his Youth Grant, James has been able to pursue his dream of entering the Deaf World Swimming Championships in Argentina.
Jay Pearse, NT, 16
Making crotchet items and hand-printed shirts is part of Jay’s exciting endeavour to open a craft shop. He’s keen to engage with his community through this project and will be using his grant to buy the necessary supplies and pay the stall fee.
Jaya Palmer, TAS, 20
After launching her online art shop with last year’s Youth Grant, Jaya is eager to build on her existing digital art skills. This year, she’ll be using her grant to undergo digital art coaching so she can use her skills to create even more artworks.
Kieran Holmes, VIC, 16
Photography is a way that Kieran likes to express himself and he’d like to pursue it as a profession. He’ll be using his grant from this DCA initiative to do a photography course and grow his skills.
Kody Gibbons, VIC, 21
Kody is using his Youth Grant to gain independence by getting professional driving lessons to build his confidence on the road and help him achieve his driver’s licence.
Nate Gale, QLD, 12
Nate was selected to represent Queensland at the under 13 Australian National Ice Hockey Championships. He’s using his Youth Grant to fund his travels to Melbourne to participate in the championships!
Rebekah Fraser, WA, 14
Competing in the National Swimming Championships is Rebekah’s goal and what she will be using her grant to fund. Swimming gives Rebekah confidence and independence and she’s committed to training and competing.
Shadrak Niyonita, VIC, 20
By participating in the 2024 Australian Deaf Games, Shadrak is excited to represent his state and improve his health and fitness. He’ll be using his Youth Grant to travel to New South Wales with his soccer team and participate in the games.
Tyler Ferres, VIC, 20
Tyler has used his grant to participate in the 2023 World Deaf Basketball Championships which were held in Greece. He is part of the Australian Goannas Deaf Basketball Team and got to represent Australia on the international stage.
William Liitiaeinen, WA, 18
Through his Youth Grant, William is training and competing in track races to prepare himself for the 2025 Deaflympics in Tokyo. His goal is to be able to represent Australia and the deaf community at the Deaflympics.
DCA is proud to support these brilliant young individuals to pursue their dreams and passions. We want to help young people engage in their community, and to gain the skills to be resilient, independent, and thriving.
Youth Grants will be open for applicants again July 31st 2024. We encourage deaf and hard of hearing young people across Australia to apply. Have a go and see where it may take you!
Youth Grant Stories
Deaf Children Australia’s Youth Grants Program recognises the ideas and achievements of young deaf people from all over Australia and highlights the positive contributions that young deaf people make to society.
Deaf Children Australia’s Youth Grants were established in 2000 with support from our philanthropic partners. Deaf Children Australia adds to this Victorian funding to make the Youth Grants available Australia-wide.
Want to be inspired for your application? See some of our amazing Youth Grant recipients’ stories below!
2021 Recipients
Sam - Aviation Work Experience
Eleanor was awarded a Youth Grant in 2021 to participate in work experience at Mareeba Airport.
“The opportunities are endless in the world we live in. A massive thanks to Deaf Children Australia for funding my trip. It has given me the opportunity to learn more about what I can do to achieve my potential dream one day.”
Taine - Karting Championships
Through the support of our Youth Grants program, we helped Taine Venables to participate in the final round of the Karting Championships in Murray Bridge – racing alongside over 250 of the best kart drivers in Australia.
2019 Recipients
Eleanor - Ballet
Eleanor was awarded a Youth Grant in 2019 to attend ballet.
“I really enjoy going to ballet because I get to exercise and learn new skills. It is also nice because I have lots of nice friends and I enjoy hanging out with them.”
The Great Victorian Bike Ride
Alan applied for a 2019 Youth Grant to participate in the 2019 Great Victorian Bike Ride. The Great Victorian Bike Ride (GVBR) was a ten days ride from Robe, South Australia to Torquay, Victoria. Over 4000 riders participated in the bike-ride.
Saskia - National Athletics Competition
Saskia was awarded a 2019 Youth Grant to attend the Australian All Schools National Athletics Competition Perth, WA from 5-8th December 2019.
Joshua - Plumbing Apprenticeship
Joshua applied for a 2019 Youth grant to assist him with his goal of gaining a plumbing apprenticeship. Joshua gained interest in his goal when he completed his year 12 VCAL. Joshua is completing his Certificate II Plumbing.
Jamie - World Federation Of The Deaf Camp
Jamie applied for a 2019 Youth Grant to attend the World Federation of the Deaf camp in Paris. This trip was a whole new experience for Jamie as Auslan is Jamie’s second language and she was nervous about learning international sign language.
Kittipat - Guitar Lessons
Kittipat was awarded a Youth Grant in 2018 to help him learn guitar. In his application, Kittipat said his goal was to learn to read music and build his confidence to play the guitar at school assemblies.
Aurora - Colardo Exchange Program
Aurora was a recipient of a 2018 Youth Grant to assist with her exciting exchange program to Colorado. This gave her the chance to pursue a lifelong dream.
Amy - Japanese Exchange Program
Amy was a recipient of a Youth Grant in 2018 to help with her exchange trip to Japan to learn Japanese sign language and learn about the deaf community in Japan. Amy attended a school in Osaka and stayed with a family on Awaji Island.
Past Recipients
Jayesh - Indian Adventure
My recent trip to India was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. I got the chance to truly experience a culture that is different to the one that I live in everyday. I did this trip to India as part of an Antipodeans school team.
Lenny - AFL Inclusion Carnival
Our 2018 Youth Grant recipients are starting to undertake their projects! We were thrilled to receive our first report recently from Lenny, whose Youth Grant enabled him to fly from far east Arnhem Land to Darwin and then onto Tasmania for the AFL National Inclusion Carnival.
Cate - Global Young Leaders Conference
Cate was awarded a Youth Grant in 2018 to attend the Global Young Leaders Conference (GYLC). Cate spent ten days in Washington, DC meeting fellow Global Young leader delegates from all over the world.
Sam - Melbourne City Young Leaders
17 year old football fan Sam attended the Melbourne City Young Leaders Week as part of the 2018 DCA Summer Holiday Program. The Young Leaders Program is an initiative set up by Melbourne City Football Club, and aims to educate and empower young people to use football as a sustainable force for social good in their communities.
The Dingoes - World Deaf Basketball Championships
This year, for the first time the ‘Dingoes’ – the men’s under 21 Deaf Australian basketball team – was invited to attend the Deaf Basketball World Championships hosted in Washington DC.
Rayan - National Deaf Netball Championship
Eighteen year old Rayan was born hearing but became profoundly deaf as a five year old girl, losing her ability to communicate with her hearing family. She received cochlear implants at the age of six, shortly after she arrived in Australia.
Alex - Swimming Success
Alex Kirchner received a DCA Youth Grant to attend the 2017 Deaflympics in Samsun, Turkey, representing Australia in swimming.
Maddison - Audiology Work Experience
Maddison applied for a DCA Youth Grant to do a week of work experience at the Cochlear Implant Clinic and Cochlear Care Centre in East Melbourne, observing speech pathology and audiology sessions as well as pre- and post- cochlear implant surgery patients!
Dannielle's Story
“When I initially applied for the 2016 Deaf Children Australia Youth Grant, I asked for funding so that I could continue living at the University of Melbourne’s International House. I needed this funding so that I could focus on my studies and engage more within the community around me.”
Our 2022 Youth Grants program is now closed. Our Grants program will reopen in April 2023
Are you deaf or hard of hearing and 15 – 23 years old?
Did you know you can apply for a grant of up to $2,500 to help you achieve a personal goal or project?
Deaf Children Australia would like to help you spread your wings and dream big!
Youth Grants are available nationwide, across all corners of Australia.
