Part of the government's $12.3 million Engage program, the funds will help young people from Romsey, Gisborne, Woodend, Kyneton and Malmsbury, where council-run youth spaces operate.

Council youth development unit team leader Pauline Neil said the funding would help the council to further develop its youth spaces and the activities offered there.

Youth spaces run after school hours and are open to those between 13 and 17.

"We generally have 14-15 year olds, kids that are generally not involved in mainstream activities such as netball, football and cricket," Ms Neil said.

"Our staff aim to build relationships with these kids so if things go haywire in their life, they have an adult away from school and away from home that they can chat with."

Hepburn Council received $90,000, which will help its "close to home" project.