Julie Berry

The Future2 Foundation has awarded $149,000 to 15 not-for-profit organisations in its 2022 funding round, bringing the total of grants awarded to programs supporting young people to more than $1.6 million since 2007.

Future2 supports programs that assist young Australians aged 12-25 years experiencing social, financial or physical hardship. This could include living in poverty, homelessness, at risk of juvenile justice, intellectually or physically disabled, socially isolated or fighting substance abuse.

Members of the Financial Planning Association nominate causes around Australia that are close to their heart for receipt of a grant, and each state is judged by local committees.

Julie Berry CFP, chair of the Future2 Foundation, says the grants will help the recipients continue their invaluable work in supporting their local communities.

“The recipients of the latest round of grants are all grassroots causes that have an impact on their immediate, local communities.  They rely on this kind of funding in order to be able to continue their vital activities.

“The successful recipients closely align with Future2’s objectives and grant criteria and were strongly supported by a local FPA member.

“We have chosen a range of different projects, supporting different focus areas – from skills building, to financial literacy, to homelessness, to physical and intellectual disabilities.

“The money that is distributed goes straight to those that need it, directly impacting the lives of young Australians.

“For example, one organisation will use the funding to allow 40 students to take part in a financial literacy program that will help them understand and manage their finances and break the cycle of poverty.

“Another will be able to provide an intervention program for parents, teachers and Autistic young people, free of charge.”

Ms Berry said that when looking at the nominated causes, Future2 is seeking projects that focus on a specific problem, address the cause of the problem, can sustain the program moving forward, and can measure the impact and results.

“The 15 recipients of our funding in 2022 are all outstanding organisations that make a significant difference to the younger members of their local communities.

“Each of the grant recipients will be able to use the funding to make an immediate and direct difference.

“The support we provide is made possible by members of the FPA and our partners Tangelo, Iress, Magellan and KeyInvest who have contributed throughout the year,” she says.

Future2 assesses the nominated not-for-profit organisations for programs that support disadvantaged young Australians through:

• education, including skills training, financial literacy and leadership development
• engagement, including mentoring and juvenile justice programs
• employment, including work experience, money management and job readiness training
• wellbeing, including remedial programs for drug and alcohol dependence
• independent living and social inclusion.

The Future2 judging panel consists of:

• Giles Gunesekera AM, Global Impact Initiative
• Susanne Erratt, Advanced Financial Planning Solutions
• Naomi Mee-Martino, Bastion Financial Group
• Naomi Alletson, Achieveit Financial Planning
• Michael Smith, Halpin Wealth
• Mark Alexander, Pitcher Partners
• Gary Jones, Professional Investment Services Bendigo.

Mr Gunesekera, who is also chair of the grants committee, was made a member of the Order of Australia (AM) in this year’s Australia Day Honours for service to social welfare and to the community. He has made a tremendous contribution to the Future2 Foundation and has driven the process that has allowed these grants to be made.

The full list of grant recipients is:

Heal.ed Tribe Ltd

Northern Rivers, NSW
Endorsed by Shane Hayes
Heal.ed Tribe‘s mission is to deliver youth-led programs and opportunities for young people to feel seen, heard, supported and nurtured as they heal from eating disorders and other mental health concerns.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the recent devastation of the floods has had a considerable impact on the wellbeing of young people living in the Northern Rivers, NSW.

With the grant funds, Heal.ed Tribe is launching ‘Reconnect’, a six-month program to support the mental health of 40 young people living in this area.

Human Nature Adventure Therapy Ltd

Ballina, NSW
Endorsed by Shane Hayes

Human Nature Adventure Therapy works with young people across the Far North Coast of NSW experiencing significant mental health challenges and disadvantage.

Over the past two years, young people in the local community have had to overcome significant challenges; including bushfires, Covid lockdowns, and unprecedented floods. By providing access to the skills, resources and tailored support that’s needed, young people are empowered to become leaders of change in their own life and take meaningful steps towards a brighter future.

The Step Up project will deliver two workshops for up to 25 people each, providing them with access to the resources and support they need to develop their financial life-skills and thrive.

Luke Priddis Foundation

Penrith, NSW
Endorsed by Luke Priddis 

The Luke Priddis Foundation (LPF) is a non-profit that provides therapeutic services to children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the greater western Sydney region. After their son was diagnosed with autism, Luke and Holly Priddis established LPF to provide high quality interventions and community access services.

The funding will support the Westmead Feelings Program which helps Autistic students improve their social & emotional skills, and provides parents and teachers with the tools to support the emotional regulation of autistic students.

Taldumande Youth Services

Crows Nest, NSW
Endorsed by: David Hyde

Taldumande Youth Services is a not-for-profit organisation, supporting vulnerable and homeless children and young people aged 12-24, and their families, across Greater Sydney. Established in 1976 as one of the first crisis refuges, on any given night, Taldumande has 71 children and young people in residence.

As well as Crisis, Semi-Independent and Community/Independent Accommodation, they provide Support Services, Outreach and After Care Programs.

The Family Restoration and Preservation Program (FRAPP) supports children and young people aged 12-15 years by providing specialist case management during a crisis with the intention of reducing family breakdown. Grant funding will assist with helping as many local families as possible, due to the increase in demand.

Collingwood Basketball Association

Collingwood, VIC
Endorsed by: Daniel Minihan

Collingwood Basketball Association is a not-for-profit community based basketball club which offers young players in inner city Melbourne the opportunity to participate in a variety of competitions and programs. Playing as the Collingwood All Stars, the association includes members from most of Melbourne’s inner northern suburbs and beyond, as well as central city surrounds.

The Youth Development Program is designed to engage boys and girls between the ages of 12 to 24 in a team and club environment where they participate in physical activity, education support, life skills development and contribute to, and give back to, the community.

The program currently reaches 150 people and with help from the grant funding, the aim is to increase this to 250 people in 2023.

Inner West Community Foundation

Melbourne, VIC
Endorsed by: Sandra McGuire

The Inner West Community Foundation is a not-for-profit, community association. The key purpose of the Foundation is to develop and support programs, projects and social enterprises to help connect, support and sustain the communities of Melbourne’s Inner West.

The Money Mentors Program empowers high school students in years 8-10 with knowledge around financial literacy. The Future2 grant will enable the Money Mentors program to reach 1,000 students in 2023.

Open House Christian Involvement Centres

Macleod, VIC
Endorsed by: Chris Kozaris

Open House provides long-term care, support, and friendship for socially isolated and marginalised people in the community.

The Youth Workshop Mentoring Program is a student-focused, skills-based program that supports at-risk & disadvantaged school students (12-18 years old). The program focuses on improving the engagement of students by building self-awareness and self-confidence, improving social skills and providing learning opportunities and mentorship.

The Future2 grant funding will facilitate 20 additional students to engage with the Youth Workshop Mentoring Program in 2023.

Australian Street Aid Project

Mackay, QLD
Endorsed by: Brad Gordon

Founded in 2019, Australian Street Aid Project is a registered charity with a mission to reduce rates of homelessness and to reduce the short term suffering of people who are experiencing homelessness. Additionally, they offer a homelessness employment program to young people who are either experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness.

Australian Street Aid offers the opportunity of employment within their non-profit ‘Chances Op & Coffee Shop’.A career in hospitality opens many doors. It allows participants to not only gain skills and experience in a high-demand industry, but to gain skills that they are able to apply to any other career option such as: customer service, time management, communication and money handling.

The funding will be utilised to employ two young people in part time positions offering 12 hours per week, over a six month period.

TRACTION For Young People

South East Queensland, QLD
Endorsed by: Tim Kent

TRACTION mentors young people with hands-on learning and mentoring programs designed to build confidence and skills. They teach respectful behaviour, responsibility, teamwork, and a new way of learning. TRACTION has supported over 1,950 young people across Southeast Queensland.

The Future2 funding will allow TRACTION to purchase 36 bikes for their bike building program.

Program participants, working in groups of 6, will dissemble and then rebuild a brand new bike under the tutelage of two, professional TRACTION Mentors, teaching basic mechanics along with practical, social, team building and communication skills that support their re-engagement.

Variety – the Children’s Charity of Queensland

Brisbane, QLD
Endorsed by: Lindsay Wilson

Variety – the Children’s Charity Australia has devoted more than 45 years to engaging with communities to support children who are disadvantaged and socially isolated because of physical or intellectual disability. Our mission is to empower Queensland kids who are sick, disadvantaged or living with a disability, to live, laugh, and learn.

The Variety’s Financial Literacy – ‘Real Money’ Program is designed to break the barriers to poverty through better knowledge and management of financial practices. 

The grant will facilitate 40 vulnerable students to engage with the program over two semesters.

12 Buckets Inc

Perth, WA
Endorsed by: Ciara Brennan

12 Buckets(12B) not for profit organisation that focuses on the social and emotional wellbeing of school students in the northern suburbs of Perth.

With the Future2 funding, 12 Buckets will run two group mentoring and personal development programs for 30 educationally disadvantaged students from local high schools who need guidance and additional support during their high school years.

The programs utilise the guiding buckets model which focuses on 4 universal growth needs: belonging, mastery, generosity, and independence which are needed to live a life of fulfillment.

Leading Youth Forward

Claremont, WA
Endorsed by: Zacary Leeson

Leading Youth Forward enhances the lives of at-risk teenagers by providing one on one mentoring programs, and large group events, which provide positive opportunities and experiences within a supportive community.

With the support of Future2’s funding, Leading Youth Forward will be able to run a fully funded Big Day Out event.

Big Day Out includes development rotations and opportunities for participants to have fun, build connections, think about their future, identify their values, know their strengths and make positive decisions in their lives.

The Salvation Army Arndale

Kilkenny, SA
Endorsed by: Tracey Edwards

Just Brass was created to enable young people to experience the rich benefits of music through individual and group learning, irrespective of family, school or community circumstances.

Delivered in a partnership with schools and The Salvation Army Arndale, up to 40 students are provided an instrument (on loan), a performance t-shirt, satchel with music books, a music stand for home practice, and tuition, all free of cost. During school terms students receive weekly tuition at school.

Fostering Hope

Launceston, TAS
Endorsed by: Jane Clark

Fostering Hope is working to find more than enough homes for children that need them. They find homes for children removed from their families and growing up in out of home care.

This grant will enable Fostering Hope to expand its mentoring program, matching adults with young people aged 7-12 years old. The objective is to find 10 mentors for 10 children.

Community Services #1

ACT
Endorsed by: Graeme Davy

Community Services #1 (CS#1) is a community based not-for-profit organisation that has been providing a wide range of services for over 2,500 families and individuals living in the local area and wider ACT region since 1987. Their programs and services are delivered across Canberra and include early childhood services, community development, transport services, social support groups, a food pantry and housing support. They believe that every child’s potential should be realised through full participation in education and community.

The Change Maker program is an innovative, grassroots, intervention program targeted at, and driven by, disadvantaged young Australians in the ACT.

The program will reach 120 -180 students from low socio-economic backgrounds and will help them engage with a range of learning and wellbeing activities.

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Now in its 10th year, the FPA Awards recognise individuals and businesses across Australia who deliver the highest standard of professional and trusted advice to Australian consumers. The awards also highlight the outstanding university students who are the future of the financial planning industry.

The finalists in the 2022 FPA Awards for each professional category are:

FPA CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional of the Year Award – finalists:
Paul Benson CFP® – Guidance Financial Services (VIC)
Naomi Mee-Martino CFP® – Bastion Financial Group (WA)
Andrew Reynolds CFP® – EFS Advice (NSW)

FPA Financial Planner AFP® of the Year Award – finalists:
Lili Hong AFP® –  Future Gen Solutions (QLD)
Bill Savellis AFP® – Olive Grove Financial Advice (NSW)

FPA Professional Practice of the Year Award – finalists:
Alman Partners (QLD)
Boutique Advisers (WA)
VISIS Private Wealth (QLD)

FPA University Student of the Year Award – finalists:
Matthew Kanizay – Deakin University
Joel Perryman – University of South Australia
Georgia Camerlengo – University of South Australia

Sarah Abood, CEO says these awards help to bring attention to the positive and life-changing impact that financial planners can have.

“The FPA Awards celebrate the commitment, talent and passion of outstanding financial planners and practices, and recognise the role they play in bettering the lives of Australians.

“The recently released Value of Advice research showed that 95 per cent of advised Australians identified additional benefits received beyond their finances, including things like mental health, family life and social life.

“In times of increasing external financial pressures, with inflation and interest rates rising globally, having financial confidence is a necessity, and we know this can be achieved with the support of a financial planner.

“A big congratulations to all the finalists. The quality of the applications received has been outstanding.  All the finalists have consistently demonstrated great commitment and passion to their clients, community and the profession, and significantly impacted the lives of their clients and communities for the better,” says Abood.

The winners of the 2022 FPA Awards will be announced LIVE at the FPA Professionals Congress event on 23 – 24 November in Sydney.

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Now in its ninth year, the FPA Awards recognises exceptional financial planners, paraplanners, university students and FPA Professional Practices from across Australia. The Awards also celebrate the individuals and businesses who go above and beyond to deliver outstanding results for clients.

FPA CEO Dante De Gori CFP® said many Australians have used the pandemic to reconsider their finances – spending and saving habits, budgeting and planning – and have an appetite to make changes. The pandemic has been a sharp reminder for Australians to have a financial plan in place, not only as a road map to achieve their goals, but also as a contingency for unforeseen events.

“It’s great to see financial planners guiding thousands of everyday Australians through the financial stress created by the pandemic and an increased engagement between Australians and their financial planner in the last 12 months to seek reassurance for personal finances or build a financial plan,” said Mr De Gori.

“The 20 finalists have been chosen because they have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to professional standards and made a positive difference to the lives of clients and their local community.

“The judges have been very impressed by the high calibre of award entries this year and look forward to announcing the Award winners in November,” he said.

The category finalists in the FPA Community Service Award supported by Future2 will be announced later this month following the upcoming Future2 Board meeting.

The finalists for each award are as follows.

FPA CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional of the Year Award

• Kathryn Creasy CFP® – Capital Partners Private Wealth Advisers (WA)
• Matthew Meehan CFP® – Lifesolver Financial (NSW)
• Naomi Mee-Martino CFP® – Bastion Financial Group (WA)
• Mark O’Flynn CFP® – Tupicoffs (QLD)

FPA Professional Practice of the Year Award

• Alman Partners (QLD)
• APT Wealth (NSW)
• Enlightened Financial Solutions (QLD)

FPA Financial Planner AFP® of the Year Award

• Leanne Bielik AFP® – 2020 Wealth Pty Ltd (VIC)
• Michelle Maguire AFP® – MLC Advise (NSW)
• Craig Phillips AFP® – Phillips Wealth Partners (ACT)

FPA Advice Innovation Award

• Josh Pennell CFP® – Prosper Advisory Financial Services (VIC)
• Daniel Thompson AFP® – Finnacle (NSW)

FPA Paraplanner of the Year Award

• Andrew Mann CFP® – Tupicoffs (QLD)
• Elora Shine – Cooper Wealth Management (NSW)

FPA University Student of the Year Award

• Nicole Gardner – Kaplan Professional (VIC)
• Martin Jack – Griffith University (QLD)
• Matthew Kanizay – Deakin University (VIC)
• Melina Pisani – Deakin University (VIC)
• Renae Poole – Griffith University (QLD)
• Aaron Skow – Kaplan Professional (NSW)

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