Support for youth centers

Since March 1, 2020, an initiative by the Lower Austrian state government has provided the opportunity to realize youth centers in Lower Austria both structurally and design-wise. Funding is provided for new construction, conversion, expansion, adaptation, as well as the furnishing of buildings or building parts to create attractive meeting places for children and young people. The focus is not only on infrastructural improvements but also on the social participation and personal responsibility of young people. Both large-scale urban development projects and smaller measures to improve community interaction can be supported. This program promotes sustainable youth work and contributes to strengthening cohesion in both rural and urban regions.

The grant model is aimed at non-profit organizations, associations, as well as legally unorganized groups of young people who have verifiable authorization of disposal. Required documents include, among others, a building permit, a financing plan with detailed cost estimates, and the signing of a funding declaration. Additionally, proof of inspection and compliance with youth protection according to Lower Austrian Youth Act § 11 et seq. must be submitted. The documents to be submitted include, besides the building permit, usage permits or settled invoices or cost estimates, as well as proof of purchase contract, land register excerpt, or rental agreement. Eligible expenses include construction and adaptation costs as well as furnishings and consumables. Applications can be submitted on any working day without a deadline, enabling organizations to implement their projects promptly and flexibly. The instrument covers funding areas such as children and youth, infrastructure, labor & social affairs, and urban development and is exclusively reserved for non-profit organizations.