Future2 grants $10,000 to Byron Youth Services financial literacy program


Future2, the philanthropic arm of the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA), has awarded a $10,000 grant to Byron Youth Services, a community not-for-profit organisation that creates, supports and leads community action for young people.

The grant was awarded on Thursday 8 March in Byron Bay by FPA Far North Coast NSW Chapter Chair Shane Hayes CFP®, who presented the cheque to Dale Shaddick, $-Smart Youth Project Coordinator at Byron Youth Services.

The $-Smart financial literacy program will be facilitated by Larissa Zimmerman (below right), who is a financial fitness coach and trainer. The program seeks to provide financial literacy to high school students around topics such as ‘how to do taxes’, ‘how to budget’ and other financial literacy subjects missing from school curriculums. The program provides workbooks, receipt holders and calculators to encourage students to maintain their learning well beyond the time of the course.

The Future2 Make the Difference! grants help fund projects that give hope for a better future to 12-25 year olds who may be financially disadvantaged, homeless, juvenile justice offenders, drug or alcohol dependent, disabled, or disadvantaged in some other respect.

Byron Youth Services was nominated and endorsed by Mr Hayes, who runs his own financial planning business in the local area specialising in retirement planning and aged care.

“At a time when not for profit organisations are finding it harder to raise funds for their programs due to government cut backs, the Future2 Make the Difference! grants provide vital support,’ said Mr Hayes.

Matthew Brown CFP®, Future2 Chair said “A total of 14 charity organisations across Australia will be awarded grants this year, each endorsed by a local FPA member who commits their time and energy to help make a meaningful difference to their communities.”

The Future2 Foundation celebrates its 11th year in 2018 and grant applications open mid-year. For more information visit www.future2foundation.com.au