Future2 Grants 2008

Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program

A $10,000 grant from the Future2 Foundation supported a youth leadership development program in the rural communities of north Central Victoria. The grant went towards scholarships to enable disadvantaged young people to undertake the program.

The 2009 Loddon Murray Leadership program selected participants from disadvantaged, migrant, indigenous and disabled members of the community. During the year, they participated in skills workshops, met with leaders across the region and took part in field trips to explore innovative projects. Participants are supported by mentors and provided with transport to the program days.

John Daniel, a member of the Financial Planning Association and of the LMCLP board, was a graduate of the LMCLP program in 1998 and supported this grant application to Future2. Today, he contributes to the program’s skills workshops, providing training in budgeting and risk management strategies in relation to community clubs and organisations.

Previous participants in this program now form an influential regional network that supports new participants to take on leadership roles.

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Youth Information & Referral Service - Young Drivers Program

A $5,000 grant supported employment opportunities for socially excluded young people in Mackay, Queensland, by helping them gain their driver licences.

Many of the young people who access Youth Information and Referral Services are socially excluded and not actively participating in any capacity in the community; they may have experienced family breakdown, abuse, neglect, alcoholism or domestic violence.

The Young Driver Program assists these young people to build their confidence and independence through obtaining a learner’s permit and a licence. They are better able to secure gainful employment, rely less on government benefits, and lead more productive lives in the community. The grant was used to pay for learner driver permit (18.60), Young Driver Log Kit ($68.40), Birth Certificate ($26) and driving lessons ($60 per hour – to maximum of three).

Frances Easton, a member of the Financial Planning Association Mackay Chapter nominated the project for Future2 funding. Matt Stevens, Chair of the FPA Mackay chapter endorsed the importance of the project to the wider community and hoped that it would open up more opportunities for members of the FPA to work alongside the community for the benefit of those most in need.

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Nile Youth Group and the Young Sudanese Women’s Network ($15,000)

A $5,000 Future2 grant early in 2008 was instrumental in setting up the successful Nile Youth Group for Sudanese boys aged from 12 to 20. It has helped break down negative community stereotypes of Sudanese youth and given the boys financial and living skills to support their new life.

Not surprisingly, the girls are looking for a group of their own, to help them access the benefits available in their adopted country while respecting their traditions and cultures. This additional grant will enable us both to develop the original Nile Youth Group – which is regularly attracting 50-60 boys to activities – and build the new girls’ network.

FPA SA Chapter Chair Kerrin Falconer enthusiastically supported the second grant. “A key to this program is helping the boys to develop links with people and organisations beyond the Sudanese community, to give them a better chance of adapting to the Australian way of life. As financial planners we can help build financial skills in areas such budgeting, saving, and understanding mobile phone and other financial contracts.”

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Whitelion

Future2 and Whitelion are working together to bring mentoring, employment and outreach opportunities to young offenders and those at risk of custody. Whitelion is a community-based youth foundation which is working to reconnect disadvantaged 'hard end' young people with the community. Whitelion opens doors to opportunities, relationships and community for young people involved in the Youth Justice System or at risk of involvement. Whitelion has a range of programs aimed to give participants positive life experience and to encourage behavioural change.

In November 2007 Future2 trustees committed to discussions with a view to a more formal partnership arrangement with Whitelion, believing that Future2 can help to create awareness of Whitelion's work through the financial planning community. In 2008, trustees awarded a grant of $10,000 to Whitelion to assist it's mentoring program.