Foundation for Young Australians, The

Independent national grant-making organisation

The Foundation for Young Australians is a not-for-profit organisation. The organisation works in partnership with co-investors to provide funds and expertise for projects that strengthen the young people of Australia and their communities.

FYA focuses on maximising opportunities for young people by sharing their stories and celebrating the achievements of their grant partners, especially in relation to their contribution to the community.

FYA works in partnership with Australians aged 12-25, in the areas of grant-making, Indigenous programs, capacity building, scholarships, education programs, community engagement and research. By providing grants to give young people financial assistance to build their projects, this funding has formed an integral launch pad for many Australians and Queenslanders.

Grant decisions consider the applicant’s access to social, economic and cultural opportunities and benefits. Other criteria include, community contribution – requiring grant partners to identify a positive contribution they make to their community as an outcome of the grant, and sustainable outcomes – ensuring that their grants result in sustainable outcomes for young people.

Some of the grants available include; Launch Pad, Partnership and Sustainability Grants, Youth Led Futures, Buzz Grants, Secondary and Tertiary Scholarships, Spark Fund and Youth Change Makers. Recently, Queenslanders who were funded by FYA included three recipients of the Spark Fund, which is for applicants who can “ignite an innovative idea which makes a positive contribution to the community and enhances their skills and experiences”. The Robert Riley Scholarship for $5,000 is for Indigenous young people wishing to pursue studies in law, human rights or juvenile justice and Queensland residents have also been awarded this funding.

The FYA was founded in 1999 through a partnership between the Queen’s Trust and the Australian Youth Foundation with the goal of providing access to increased opportunity and access for Australia’s disadvantaged youth.

In 2008 the FYA formed an alliance with Education Foundation, bringing together expertise and knowledge in both the youth and education sectors, making FYA one of Australia’s most distinguished youth advocacy organisations.

FYA have a Board which comprises of 12 members. The Board is the key governing body within FYA. All groups within the Foundation for Young Australians are accountable to the Board regarding their activities and performance.

The Board is made up of a Chairman, a Treasurer, a government representative and nine other members. At least 6 of the 12 Board members must have been 25 years or under when initially elected for the current consecutive term and at all times at least three Directors must be 25 years or under.

Last updated by Michael Mortimore (2009-10-28)