Future2 broadens community grant eligibility

The Future2 Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2023 Make the Difference! grants process, open from 1 August to 10 September 2023.

Namely, the annual program offers one-year grants of up to $10,000, with the aim of supporting programs that “give Australians in need a second chance”.

According to the foundation, the 2023 eligibility criteria has been expanded to welcome applications for programs that support Australians of any age, not just for those between 12–25 years.

This was first announced earlier this year, when the organisation revealed its intention to include all Australians in need rather than just younger Australians.

Future2 has also broadened the program’s scope to be “the foundation of the financial services profession” and has encouraged all financial services professionals to nominate a community cause for funding.

In a statement, the foundation said applications for 2023 will be given priority if they focus on supporting Australians who need help with either education, engagement, employment, wellbeing, or independent living and social inclusion.

Julie Berry, chair of Future2, said the program’s focus remains on supporting small, community causes nominated by financial services professionals, where they can see the “money at work”.

“The foundation will now be able to make an even bigger difference as it brings together the means and reach of the broader financial services community,” Ms Berry explained.

“The combined impact of Future2 now includes over 150 community programs worth $1.6 million in total.”

The organisation also confirmed that a series of its other major fundraising events are now open for registration, including the Future2 Wheel Classic and the Future2 Hikes Challenge.

Both events will be held between 16 and 19 November 2023 in the lead up to the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) conference.

“I strongly encourage the financial services community to register for both events to help Future2 fundraise for our grants process and partake in a great team experience,” Ms Berry added.

Future2 welcomes new board members

Also this week, Future2 announced the appointment of two new board members: David Slovinec and Steve Thomson.

Mr Thomson joins the board with more than three decades of financial services experience across both start-up and blue chip organisations, including ING, Westpac, Avant, Zurich, and Clearview Financial Services.

Meanwhile, Mr Slovinec has been in the financial services industry for over 15 years, which includes a seven-year stint on the AFA board. He is currently a risk specialist at Pride Advice in Adelaide.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Slovinec said: “I am really excited to be a part of the Future2 Foundation and I encourage past AFA members and AFA Foundation supporters to get behind the grants initiative and nominate a worthy cause to receive a Future2 grant.”

“We are very fortunate to have executives of the calibre of Dave and Steve joining the board. With their leadership, combined with a broader grant eligibility, Future2 can continue to grow its impact, aiming to distribute another $150,000 in grant funding in 2023,” Ms Berry added.