Contributing to Society
Sonder Youth
Overview of Year Three
The Contributing to Society portfolio is anchored in the belief that young people are courageous, provide a unique perspective that challenges the status quo and drive meaningful positive change. VFFF is committed to empowering organisations that nurture the agency of young people, enabling them to emerge as leaders of their communities. Our funding outcomes are:
- More organisations genuinely embed youth voices in their work
- Young people are equipped and connected to shape better futures
- A greater diversity and representation of young people influence decisions that affect and matter to them.
Organisations funded under Contributing to Society, play a vital role in fostering youth leadership, are driven by a shared vision of empowering young people to realise their aspirations and don’t see age as a barrier to driving change.
Shopfront Arts Co-op has a bold youth-controlled structure, including a dedicated ‘Young Leader’ who ensures the organisation is accountable to the young people it serves. NAPCAN’s establishment of a National Youth Speak Out Advisory Council provides young individuals with a platform to lead and influence projects that keep young people safe. Sonder Youth, a youth-led organisation, gives regional and rural young people the opportunity to unleash innovative ideas and build leadership potential. The Shepherd Centre is working with young people with hearing loss to develop a youth peer to peer mentoring program. Deadly Inspiring Youth Doing Good is paving the way so that one day every young person will discover their power to make a difference.
These organisations are united by a commitment to elevating youth voices and nurturing the agency of young people. They powerfully equip young people to shape their futures.
When engaging with young people it’s essential to not impose limits or ring-fence their participation. VFFF acknowledges the roles young people play in influencing decision-makers, leading teams and organisations, challenging established systems, managing programs and being involved in governance. Their diverse contributions demonstrate the power of inclusive engagement and the importance of valuing the perspectives of young people when making decisions.
Grants Snapshot
$2.8m
approved
5
grants
28%
of total funding
97%
for core operations and capacity building
64%
to regional areas
Grants
2024
Deadly Inspiring Youth Doing Good (DIYDG), $750,000 over three years
Strengthen DIYDG's financial sustainability
National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN), $845,000 over three years
To embed youth voice in NAPCANs work through their National Youth Speak Out (NYSO) Advisory Council
Shopfront Arts Co-op, $600,000 over three years
Supporting the Amplify program that creates the space, place, systems and support for young people to find their own voice
Sonder Youth, $550,000 over three years
To build Sonder's capacity to empower regional young people to create positive change in their local communities
Exploration Grants
The Shepherd Centre, $75,000
Development of the Sound Advice program, a co-designed program enabling deaf and hearing-impaired young people to shape program design and delivery
Ongoing
Australian Youth Affairs Coalition (AYAC)
$100,000 distribution ($500,000 total)
Core operations funding for the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition
Culture is Life
$200,000 distribution ($600,000 total)
Strengthening internal measurement and evaluation capability
Ethni Inc.
$220,000 distribution ($540,000 total)
Building Ethni’s organisational capacity and long-term sustainability
Little Dreamers Australia
$900,000 over three years
Building Little Dreamers’ organisational capacity to respond to increased demand
The Foundation for Young Australians
$375,000 distribution ($2,000,000 over five years)
Supporting the Civic and Cultural Engagement Pillar and its two flagship programs - the Young Mayors Program and Student Representative Council
Young Change Agents
$300,000 distribution ($600,000 total)
Amplifying youth voices and measuring impact
Youth Insearch
$237,406 ($682,000 total)
Core operations funding to measure impact, strengthen diversity and amplify youth voices
Highlight: Youth Insearch
“The impact has been immediate and lasting. Our leaders became more confident, better prepared for critical incidents and more effective in creating safe, supportive environments. The new training has empowered our Leaders to grow both individually and as a team, and the impact is felt throughout the organisation. The future looks brighter as our Leaders carry forward the mission with renewed confidence and purpose.”
Chantelle Fogg, Peer Practice Lead, Youth Insearch
Youth Insearch is a peer-led trauma recovery organisation dedicated to supporting at-risk youth aged 12-25. They create safe spaces where young people with lived experience support each other to heal from trauma, build meaningful peer connections, improve mental wellbeing and navigate life’s challenges.
Since 2022, VFFF has supported the transformative work of Youth Insearch, particularly their ‘Young Leaders Model,’ which is essential for the organisation’s success. Graduates of the Youth Insearch program assume leadership roles by facilitating weekly peer support groups and weekend workshops, alongside individualised case management.
An evaluation by the University of New South Wales revealed the magic of this model, stating, “As youth leaders shared their stories, they showed that change was achievable even for people who confront significant adversity.” This program redefines what youth leadership looks like.
Youth Insearch changes perceptions of leadership and actively creates pathways for a greater diversity and representation of young people who experience hardship or disadvantage to step into these roles. A participant said, “I spent so long feeling helpless in my situation. When I was able to take control and become a leader, I found purpose in helping others. Even though I couldn’t change my circumstances, I could support those in similar situations.”
With VFFF’s support, Youth Insearch is ‘doubling down’ and investing in their Youth Leadership Program ensuring that participants are well-equipped and connected to shape better futures. The revamped program integrates essential components, including online self-paced learning, in-person training that equips leaders with critical skills and tools, and group training to strengthen teamwork and encourage peer connections. Importantly, leaders are now better equipped to support young people who are neurodiverse, from First Nations communities and from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Improvements to the Leaders Training Program have drawn attention from key government stakeholders, addressing concerns regarding support for the lived-experience workforce. These enhancements ensure that the leadership needs of young people are met now and into the future.