Joint effort to helps young leaders bring new ideas to life with $50,000 grants

FUTURE leaders who have ideas and innovation to help shape the lives of young people in rural and regional NSW can apply for a one-off grant of up to $50,000.

The funding is available through the Backing the Future program, an initiative of the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation, delivered in partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal.

It supports people aged 18 and over to pilot or develop innovative initiatives for young people aged 12 to 30 in country NSW.

The funding is designed to support early-stage ideas that may otherwise struggle to secure financial backing.

Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation manager Claire Mannion said the foundation was willing to take a chance on new ideas.

“We know that it’s often really hard to get funding for an idea that isn’t proven,” she said.

“But as a Foundation, we are keen to take a chance and back good ideas, to see what’s possible.”

The Backing the Future program has so far supported 38 recipients across NSW, providing $1.9 million in grants.

Among the initiatives supported was the Young Regional Storytellers program, which helped young people develop the skills and confidence to write for media publications.

Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal youth futures manager Lauren Ryan said the combination of funding and mentoring could help turn ideas into initiatives that make a lasting difference.

“Seeing the breadth of work made possible through Backing the Future has highlighted the remarkable impact this program is having,” she said.

“Not only for young people but also for the changemakers creating positive outcomes in their communities.”

Applications are open to people aged 18 and over with an idea that will benefit young people in rural and regional NSW.

Potential applicants can contact FRRR Youth Futures Coordinator Steph Pearson on 1800 170 020 or at [email protected] to discuss their idea and eligibility.

There will also be webinar about the program at Tuesday July 28 with applications closing 19 August.