Children’s Week grants open across Australia to support child-centred community events

Children’s Week 2026 will see organisations across Australia deliver events celebrating children’s rights, culture, identity and participation, supported by grant programs operating in Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory.

Running from 24 October to 1 November, Children’s Week is a national celebration of children and young people. The 2026 theme is drawn from Article 30 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC): “Children have the right to use their own language, celebrate their culture and practise their religion.”

Across participating jurisdictions, grants are available to support free and inclusive activities that promote children’s rights, strengthen community connections and create opportunities for children to participate in decisions that affect them.

While each state and territory administers its own program, a common focus on children’s voices, cultural inclusion and community participation underpins funding decisions.

Supporting children’s rights in Queensland

Children’s Rights Queensland administers the state’s Children’s Week grants program, supporting organisations to deliver events and activities that raise awareness of children’s rights and encourage community participation.

Funding supports initiatives such as cultural celebrations, community events, creative activities and projects that engage children and families in conversations about rights, belonging and wellbeing.

The program places a strong emphasis on community engagement and increasing awareness of the UNCRC through locally delivered activities.

Victorian grants focus on participation and agency

In Victoria, the state government’s Children’s Week Grants Program provides funding to local councils and eligible not-for-profit organisations to deliver Children’s Week activities.

The program supports projects that promote children’s rights, encourage family and community participation and create opportunities for children to contribute to planning and decision-making processes.

The Victorian approach aligns closely with the National Quality Framework and the growing focus on children's agency, recognising children as active participants in their learning and communities.

South Australia supports grants and awards

In South Australia, the Children’s Week Association administers both a grants program and a series of annual awards recognising organisations and individuals who make a significant contribution to the lives of children and young people.

The grants program supports community organisations to deliver Children’s Week events and activities that align with the annual theme and promote the rights, wellbeing and participation of children. Funding is designed to encourage community engagement and increase opportunities for children and families to connect through inclusive, child-centred experiences.

Alongside the grants program, the South Australian Children's Week Awards celebrate initiatives that support children and young people across a range of areas, including community participation, education, health and wellbeing.

The combination of grants and awards reflects South Australia's focus on both delivering Children's Week activities and recognising those making a lasting contribution to children and families throughout the year.

Western Australia prioritises accessible community events

In Western Australia, the Children’s Week WA Committee, supported by Meerilinga, administers a grants program designed to help organisations deliver free, accessible and child-centred events.

Recent grant guidelines have highlighted the importance of activities that promote children’s rights, support family participation and create opportunities for communities to come together through play, learning and celebration.

Applications are also assessed against requirements relating to child safety, accessibility and community benefit.

ACT grants support local initiatives

The ACT Children’s Week Committee offers grants to support schools, community organisations and local groups to host Children’s Week activities.

The program encourages events that celebrate children’s achievements, promote wellbeing and increase community awareness of children’s rights.

Funding is typically directed towards community-based initiatives that provide opportunities for children and families to connect, participate and learn.

Shared priorities across Australia

Despite differences in funding structures and eligibility requirements, the grant programs share a number of common priorities.

Across all four jurisdictions, funded activities are expected to:

• promote children’s rights and the principles of the UNCRC
• provide accessible opportunities for children and families to participate
• celebrate culture, language and identity
• support children’s agency and participation
• create safe and inclusive environments.

For early childhood education and care providers, the grants offer opportunities to partner with councils, community organisations and cultural groups to deliver events that foreground children's voices and strengthen connections with families and communities.

Planning ahead for Children’s Week 2026

Organisations considering an application are encouraged to begin planning activities that reflect the 2026 theme and demonstrate meaningful opportunities for children to participate.

Projects that bring together children, families and communities through culture, creativity and shared experiences are likely to align strongly with the objectives of Children’s Week grant programs across the country.

As preparations begin for Children’s Week 2026, the grants represent a practical way to support local celebrations while reinforcing a national commitment to children's rights, participation and belonging.