We know the difference a scholarship can make to young people in rural and regional areas — especially those whose opportunities are limited by distance. That’s why continuing our support of Rural Scholarships in 2027 was an easy decision.

Earlier this month, we attended the Philanthropy Australia Conference — three days of sharing conversations and ideas with funders, community leaders, researchers and young changemakers from across Australia and beyond. Here’s a few insights that stayed with us long after the sessions ended.

In the 2025 Mission Australia Youth Survey of more than 17,000 people aged 14 to 19, climate change and the environment ranked as the third most pressing national concern, behind cost of living and mental health. It's this reality that Sonder Youth's CEO, Avalon Hope Bourne, set out to address in her 2024 Churchil Fellowship.

Bravehearts' Ditto's Keep Safe Adventure Program has reached over 1.6 million children across Australia — and on the NSW South Coast, that reach is growing thanks to the work of a dedicated local team.

The Changemakers Program is Sonder Youth's flagship program for young people in the Shoalhaven and beyond. It brings young people together to learn about themselves, build strong connections with their peers, and develop the skills to design and deliver a project that tackles an issue that matters to them.

Food for People and Planet is Coolaroo Foundation’s newest focus area, led by Director Olivia Hicks. Olivia brings experience from the School for Moral Ambition and her research on accelerating the shift to sustainable proteins.