Applications open for Backing the Future Grant Program (Australia)

The Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation (VFFF) Backing the Future Grant Program provides up to $50,000 per project to support individuals testing innovative ideas that improve the lives of young people aged 12–30 in remote, rural, and regional NSW and QLD. The program funds early-stage projects under three years old across a range of activities, including program delivery, equipment, community infrastructure, and capacity building. Applications are submitted individually through the VFFF Grants Gateway, with selection based on community connection, youth focus, and project impact.

Overview

The Backing the Future Grant Program is designed to support innovative initiatives led by individuals to enhance the independence, social purpose, and future security of young people living in remote, rural, and regional NSW and QLD.

The program prioritises early-stage ideas with strong potential for impact, backing the energy, enthusiasm, and creativity of community members passionate about improving youth outcomes.

Grant Details

• Grant Amount: Up to $50,000 per successful project

• Number of Grants: Up to 10 per state each year (NSW and QLD rounds)

• Project Duration: 12 months to deliver funded projects

• Funding Disbursement Options:

  • Lump sum to the individual or their business account

  • Through a nominated not-for-profit organisation with individual control over funds

Eligibility Criteria

Who Can Apply

• Individuals aged 18+

• Groups of individuals with a nominated primary applicant

• Must not have previously received funding through Backing the Future

Who Cannot Apply

• Registered charities or existing organisations

• Projects in active development for more than three years

• Projects in Sydney, Brisbane, or the ACT (with exceptions for significant regional impact)

• Scholarships, public fundraising or disaster appeals, political projects, litigation, or political lobbying

Youth Beneficiaries

Projects must benefit young people aged 12–30 in remote, rural, or regional areas based on the 2021 ASGS Remoteness Classifications.

What Types of Projects Are Funded

Eligible activities include:

• Delivering programs or services for youth

• Purchasing or hiring equipment and materials

• Community infrastructure projects

• Developing community resources

• Wages for the individual delivering the project

• Payments to young people for their contribution

• Up to 10% of the budget for personal capacity development

Application Requirements

Applications are submitted via the VFFF Grants Gateway Portal, with supporting documentation including:

• Sample application form (available for reference)

• Supporting documents: Limited to three pages

• Videos: Maximum of 3 minutes (only first 3 minutes assessed)

Selection Process

1. Initial review by VFFF Youth Advisory Group

2. Shortlisting of candidates for interviews

3. Interviews conducted by the VFFF Grants Committee

4. Final selection based on:

   • Connection to the community

   • Commitment to youth voices

   • Passion, motivation, and project feasibility

Background Checks

Successful applicants must complete:

• Bankruptcy Check

• National Criminal History Check

• Working with Children Check or Blue Card

Project Implementation

• Funding Timeline: Grants must be ready to receive funds and commence within three months of approval

• Delivery Period: 12 months

• Acquittal Report: Short report including

  • Project outcomes and impact

  • Key learnings and future plans

  • Statement of income and expenditure

Program Participation

Recipients are expected to join online program catch-ups, including:

• Meet the Cohort session

• Mid-Year Check-In

• Roundtable Reflections

These sessions aim to foster learning, connection, and collaboration among grantees.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Demonstrate genuine understanding of the community

• Clearly show youth focus and inclusion of young voices

• Highlight impact and innovation of your project

• Keep supporting documents concise and high quality

• Ensure any video is under three minutes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply?

Individuals aged 18+ or groups of individuals nominating a primary applicant; organisations cannot apply directly.

2. How much funding is available?

Up to $50,000 per project, with up to 10 grants awarded per state each year.

3. Which areas are eligible?

Remote, rural, and regional NSW and QLD; projects in Sydney, Brisbane, or ACT are generally ineligible.

4. Can previous recipients apply?

No, previous Backing the Future grant recipients are ineligible.

5. What activities are funded?

Program delivery, equipment, community infrastructure, wages, payments to youth participants, and up to 10% for personal capacity development.

6. What checks are required?

Background checks including Bankruptcy, National Criminal History, and Working with Children Check/Blue Card.

7. What is the project timeline?

Grants must be commenced within three months of approval and delivered within 12 months.

Conclusion

The VFFF Backing the Future Grant Program empowers individuals to test new, innovative ideas that support young people in remote, rural, and regional NSW and QLD.

By prioritising early-stage projects, community connection, and youth engagement, the program provides not only financial support but also opportunities for learning, collaboration, and impact, helping grantees deliver meaningful outcomes for young people’s independence, social purpose, and future security.