Julie Berry CFP® GAICD, chair of the Future2 Foundation, said this year’s grants will enable recipients to expand their programs, reach more people, and drive lasting positive change in communities across Australia. Each grant recipient will receive $15,000, an increase from $10,000 in previous years.
“In all, the $177,000 awarded this year is the highest level of grant funding we have distributed since 2020.
“Future2 Foundation’s mission is to support community programs that help Australians in need build stronger financial futures. The grants awarded today will fund programs delivered in the 2026 calendar year and cannot be used for operational costs. They support 12-month programs where the impact of the funding can be clearly measured,” she said.
Applications were evaluated based on the strength of the connection between the nominator and the program, alignment with grant categories, and the potential to improve financial wellbeing with measurable outcomes. Programs were also evaluated on their ability to address root causes, demonstrate long-term sustainability, and show potential for collaboration and growth.
Since 2007, Future2 Foundation has awarded over $1.8 million in funding to over 180 community programs through its Make the Difference! Grants program. In 2023–24, Future2 supported over 3,200 people across 15 programs through its grants.
“Future2 is the foundation of the financial services profession – this means that we rely on people from within the industry to nominate causes to receive our funding. Nominators play a vital role, as organisations cannot apply directly without the support of a financial services professional,” Ms Berry said.
2025 People’s Choice Award
In addition, voting for the Future2 x AIA Australia People’s Choice Award is now open, inviting the public to vote for their favourite organisation on the Future2 website. The winning organisation will receive an additional $5,000 to amplify the impact of its program. Voting opens on 17 November and closes 5 December 2025.
Details of the grant winners are:
|
Cause |
Program |
State |
Summary |
|
Diamond Women |
EmpowHER Financial Coaching |
NSW |
Provides integrated financial education and professional counselling to women experiencing financial instability, due to unplanned pregnancy combined with debt, housing stress, or the aftermath of domestic violence, building confidence, resilience, and practical money management skills. |
|
2MFM – Muslim Community Radio |
Financial Literacy Workshop & Radio Series for CALD Youth |
NSW |
Delivers culturally tailored workshops and a youth-led radio series to equip CALD young people with practical financial skills and knowledge for a secure financial future. |
|
Tiny Foxes |
The Life Skills Academy |
NSW |
An online financial education program for teenagers and school leavers, teaching essential money management skills and building confidence for independent living, helping prevent debt, financial stress, and poor decision-making as young people begin earning their first income. |
|
Financially Empowered |
Migrant Money Matters Program |
WA |
Empowers CaLD migrant women over a three-week program with practical financial skills, supporting confidence, independence, and money management relevant to their lived experience. |
|
Anglicare WA |
Foyer Oxford |
WA |
Supports young people under 24 transitioning from homelessness to independent living, providing education, training, employment opportunities, and financial literacy to build sustainable futures. Participants include those facing hardship and social isolation, young parents and individuals from refugee, migrant, and First Nations backgrounds, all seeking to overcome financial hardship. |
|
Dismantle |
Financial Wellbeing for Successful Futures |
WA |
Provides tailored financial literacy training to disadvantaged youth employees, addressing barriers to independence and improving access to education, employment, and long-term financial stability. |
|
Speak & Share |
People before Students |
VIC |
Delivers mental health education workshops to schools, building emotional literacy, resilience, and confidence, supporting long-term wellbeing and financial stability. By strengthening confidence, emotional literacy, and community connection, Speak and Share helps build a foundation for long-term wellbeing, employability, and social participation. |
|
The Mallacoota Wilderness Collective Inc. |
Building Financial Wellbeing for Women 40+ in Rural and Remote Victoria |
VIC |
Supports women aged 40+ in rural and remote areas to build financial resilience, practical money management skills, and long-term economic wellbeing, targeting communities facing persistent financial challenges. |
|
Pluton |
Empowering Regional and Rural Queensland |
QLD |
Provides interactive workshops and mentoring for youth aged 12–25 in regional and rural Queensland, improving financial literacy, confidence, and pathways to employment or further education. |
|
Just Motivation |
Hope Starter Finance |
QLD |
Delivers a 90-minute session for high school students covering budgeting, saving, investing, and avoiding debt to establish a strong financial foundation. |
|
Zahra Foundation |
Pathways to Empowerment Program |
SA |
Offers financial counselling and education to women recovering from domestic and family violence, helping them manage debt, build skills, and set future-focused goals. |
|
Mill House Ventures |
Financial Literacy Program |
ACT |
Provides targeted financial literacy workshops for women founders of social enterprises and migrant/refugee women, building confidence, skills, and practical money management knowledge. |