Future2 Foundation broadens its scope and opens applications for the 2023 Make the Difference! Grants program

The Future2 Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2023 Make the Difference! Grants process, open from 1 August to 10 September 2023.

In a nod to the activity of the former Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) Foundation, Future2 has broadened its eligibility criteria for community grants, supporting programs for Australians of any age, not just for those between 12-25 years.

Furthermore, Future2 has expanded its scope to be the foundation of the financial services profession, encouraging all financial services professionals to nominate a community cause for funding.

From 1 August 2023, all financial services professionals are encouraged to nominate causes that are meaningful to them to receive a one-year grant of up to $10,000. This year nominations can be made for a cause that helps Australians in need through:

• education, including financial literacy, skills training, and leadership development
• engagement, including mentoring and juvenile justice programs
• employment, including work experience and job readiness training
• wellbeing, including mental health programs and support services, and
• independent living and social inclusion.

“Future2 remains focused on supporting small, community causes nominated by financial services professionals, where they can see the ‘money at work’,” says Julie Berry, chair of the Future2 Foundation.

“The foundation will now be able to make an even bigger difference as it brings together the means and reach of the broader financial services community.

“The combined impact of Future2 now includes over 150 community programs worth $1.6 million in total.”

 

Future2 welcomes new Board members

Future2 is also welcoming two new members to its board: former AFA foundation chair David Slovinec and financial services executive Steve Thomson.

Mr Slovinec has been in the financial services industry since 2007, including seven years on the AFA board, where he has played an extensive role supporting the financial adviser community.

Mr Thomson is an executive with over 30 years of corporate financial services experience in start-up and blue-chip organisations, including ING, Westpac, Avant, Zurich and Clearview Financial Services.

Mr Slovinec says: “I am really excited to be a part of the Future2 Foundation, and I encourage past AFA members & AFA Foundation supporters to get behind the grants initiative and nominate a worthy cause to receive a Future2 grant.”

Ms Berry says: “We are very fortunate to have executives of the calibre of Dave and Steve joining the board. With their leadership, combined with a broader grant eligibility, Future2 can continue to grow its impact, aiming to distribute another $150,000 in grant funding in 2023.

“A big thank you to our sponsor Tangelo Advice Consulting who continue to be a valued supporter of Future2.”

Mr Slovinec says Future2’s willingness to broaden its scope in consideration of the former AFA Foundation shows that it is serious about making a real difference.

“The AFA Foundation was all about representing the best of the financial advice community and making a difference to improve the lives of all Australians.

“I look forward to working with the Board in making sure that Future2 continues to make a difference to communities all around the country,” he says.