Future2 commits $110,000 to grants in 2015

Future2, the charitable foundation of the Financial Planning Association, has increased its grant commitment in 2015 by more than 60% to $110,000 – up from $70,000 in 2014 and called on financial planners to help disburse the funds to community not-for-profits and charities that work with disadvantaged young Australians.

The increased funding, approved by the board of trustees in February, will enable seven new grants to be awarded, as well as continued funding of the four three-year grants committed in 2014.

Applications for Future2 grants may be made from today. Community not-for-profits and charities working to give a better future to young Australians who are living with disadvantage – such as homelessness, addictions, social exclusion, poverty and disability – are invited to apply for funding during a four month window. They may choose to apply for a one year grant of up to $10,000 or funds of up to $30,000 payable over three years.

Each application for funding must have the endorsement of a local Financial Planning Association (FPA) member who believes the project being proposed is deserving of a grant. The financial planner may be someone who is already involved with the grant applicant through mentoring or in some other voluntary capacity.

The initial review is undertaken by FPA regional chapters. Each region will put forward a shortlist for consideration by the Future2 Grants Committee.

Corinna Dieters, Chair of the Grants Committee, said that the FPA regional chapters had played an important role in the grant short-listing process in 2014, based on their strong community roots and local connections.

“With 90 applications last year, the regional review process helped to create a stronger connection between financial planners and Future2. It also built on their knowledge of local needs and the work of grassroots organisations”, she said.

As in previous years, shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide more information and, in a new departure, invited to submit short video clips making their case for grant funding.

A final recommendation for grants will be made to the Future2 board in October. The announcement of 2015 Make the Difference! grants will be on 19 November at the Future2 Gala Dinner at the FPA Professionals Congress in Brisbane.

The closing date for applications is 31 July. Find out more about Future2 grants at www.future2foundation.org.au/grants.