All you need to know

Bike Grants

There is nothing quite like riding a bike, that makes a child’s face light up with joy.

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Individual Requirements

This application specifically pertains to standard 2-wheel bikes. Successful applicants will also receive a helmet and lock to ensure a comprehensive and enjoyable biking experience.

To qualify for an individual bike grant, the beneficiary must be a resident of Victoria aged between 4-17 years old and must not currently own a working bike. Additionally:

  • Parent (not child) must have a valid Centrelink Concession/Pension/Health Care Card, OR;
  • Have refugee or asylum seeker status, OR;
  • Child is in Foster/Protection/Emergency/DFFH Care.

Applicants must wait for a period of three years from the date indicated on their original successful outcome letter before they become eligible to reapply.

School Requirements

Schools have the opportunity to request a maximum of 20 standard 2-wheel bikes per application, along with up to 20 helmets and bike locks. Bikes and helmets are available in assorted sizes to cater to the diverse needs of children.

To be eligible for a Bikes for Kids grant, the school must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Be located in a Decile 1 or 2 area;
  • Be located in a Regional or Rural area;
  • Be offering alternative education to keep students engaged;
  • Have a school population experiencing disability, disadvantage or geographical isolation;

In addition to this, the school or organisation must currently - or plan to - run a bike education program. Bikes must be used in these programs and kept in safe storage onsite.

Eligible locations

Bikes for Kids applications are now open for the following Victorian regional areas:
  • Bairnsdale
  • Ballarat
  • Bendigo
  • Geelong
  • Mildura
  • Shepparton
  • Warragul
  • Warrnambool

Document Required To Apply

One of the following:

Health Care Card

A valid Centrelink Health Care Card.

Letter of refugee status

A letter of refugee status is an official document issued by the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs confirming that a person has been recognised as a refugee after their protection claim has been assessed and approved.

Letter of asylum seeker status

A letter of asylum seeker status is a document issued by the Department of Home Affairs confirming that a person has applied for protection in Australia and is awaiting a decision, meaning their claim is still being assessed and they have not yet been granted refugee status.

Letter of foster care status

A Letter of Foster Care Status in Victoria is an official document issued by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) or an accredited foster care agency. It verifies that you are an officially registered and accredited foster or kinship carer.

How the Application Process Works

Our team reviews your application carefully and confidentially.
Outcome after the assessment process. Scholarships must be used within the approved calendar year.

Application

Complete the online form and provide supporting documents, including school and (if required) health professional recommendations.

  • Applications can be submitted by a parent, carer or support person
  • All required documents must be included
  • Incomplete applications may be declined

Assessment

Our team reviews your application to ensure it meets the guidelines. Eligible applications are assessed by our grants committee.

  • Reviewed for eligibility and completeness
  • Shortlisted applications are assessed by the Grants Committee
  • Recommendations are reviewed by the Variety Board

Outcome

You’ll receive an outcome via email once the process is complete.

  • If approved, Variety pays suppliers directly
  • Funding may be full or partial
  • Funds must be used within the approved year
Frequently Asked Questions

  • Modified/adaptive bikes or trikes will not be granted via the Variety Bikes for Kids program.

    Please instead submit these applications through the Variety Individual or Community grant rounds. Please note that applications for modified/adaptive bikes and trikes must be formally endorsed by an allied health professional.

No. Bikes are provided through Variety funding, and successful applicants do not need to pay for the equipment.

Apply for a Bike Grant

We’re Here to Help

Our team can guide you through the process.

If you are unsure about your eligibility or need help completing the form, please contact Variety Victoria.

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Be the first to hear about grant rounds, scholarships and upcoming events, along with updates on how we’re supporting children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with disability across Victoria.

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