$500,000 awarded to get big ideas off the ground
Ten inspiring changemakers are sharing $500,000 in grants to launch projects aimed at enhancing the lives of young people in remote, rural and regional Queensland.
Thanks to Backing the Future by VFFF and FRRR, 10 recipients will each receive $50,000 to bring their ideas to life, as well as practical support and guidance as they navigate the roll out of their projects.
Each project empowers young people to take an active role in their communities in one of four key areas:
- Contributing to society – For example, Brodie Germaine has been awarded $50,000 to support Mt Isa’s young Indigenous community to enhance their resilience, strengthen identity and improve health and social outcomes via traditional practices and mentoring through on-Country camps.
- Caring for the environment – On Thursday Island, Sarah Tedder will use her grant to inspire a generation of active, engaged youth through a program that uses sustainable mobility and bicycles to drive social cohesion, climate justice and community resilience.
- Accessing decent work – Irene Stanley has been awarded $50,000 to pilot a Try-a-Trade program that will give young Indigenous people from Mutdapilly a safe space to explore different trades, gaining hands-on experience and real-world industry insights.
- Exploring Christian faith and values – Jack Smith will use his $50,000 grant to empower young people in rural areas around Nambour to overcome challenges through faith, using motivational speaking, rap and community support to build resilience and foster lasting Christian values.
A list of grant recipients and their inspiring project ideas can be found on VFFF’s website.
After a record number of applications, the recipients were chosen through a carefully considered process that involved VFFF’s Youth Advisory Group (YAG). The YAG is made up of seven young people who are passionate about their remote, rural and regional communities. So, they know first-hand what will have the most meaning and impact on young people living, learning and working in these places.
Jenny Wheatley, VFFF CEO, said VFFF greatly values the input of the YAG and is proud to back each of these outstanding changemakers and their transformative project ideas.
“We are thrilled to support the latest cohort of recipients and the young people who will benefit and grow through these impressive initiatives. We believe that each changemaker has the passion, determination and initiative to make a real difference to the lives of young people in remote, rural and regional communities across Queensland,” Jenny said.
“We have already seen the impact that this program can have, not only on the young people taking part in the projects, but also for the previous 17 passionate grant recipients, who have stepped up to engage, educate and empower the next generation of rural community members in Queensland. We can’t wait to see the difference this cohort will make,” stated Jenny.
Deb Samuels, FRRR People Portfolio Lead, said the biggest impact that programs like Backing the Future can have, happens when we build trust and encourage young people to have agency.
“We believe in giving young people a voice and making sure we listen and respect what they tell us they need to feel more capable and confident, and what will give them a better sense of belonging and connection to their community,” explained Ms Samuels.
“FRRR and VFFF’s partnership leverages VFFF’s ability to fund individuals and FRRR’s extensive reach and capacity building expertise, ensuring the funding reaches and supports passionate individuals in even the most remote parts of the state.
“We look forward to seeing these 10 youth-focussed projects evolve and demonstrate yet again the impact that one person can have on the future of their community and its young people. Having the funds and support of organisations like VFFF and FRRR, means changemakers are better equipped to manage opportunities and overcome obstacles that often mean the difference between just a great idea and an active, inspiring initiative.
“We’re honoured to partner with VFFF to back these outstanding changemakers, who are determined to reshape the narrative around young people and be part of the solution,” said Ms Samuels.
The next round of Backing the Future in QLD will open January 2026, with up to 10 grants of $50,000 available across remote, rural and regional QLD. Interested applicants can visit VFFF’s website or call 1800 170 020 and speak to FRRR’s Youth Futures Manager, Lauren Ryan.