Individuals in rural and remote Queensland with a “brand new” idea to help young people are being invited to apply for $50,000 in funding, under a unique grant program that bypasses the usual red tape.
The Backing the Future program, an initiative of the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation (VFFF) supported by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), has opened applications for its 2026 round. Unlike most funding streams, this program funds individuals directly rather than requiring the backing of a non-profit organisation or community group.
The grants are open to anyone aged 18 and over who wants to pilot an innovative idea to enhance the lives of young people (aged 12-30) living in country Queensland.
VFFF CEO Jenny Wheatley said the specific goal is to take a risk on unproven concepts.
“One of the unique elements of this program is that we are specifically looking for initiatives that are brand new. We know that securing initial funding is often the hardest step in getting a project off the ground and this grant is designed to take a chance on these early ideas to see what is possible,” Wheatley said.
Previous rounds have invested almost $1.5 million in Queensland community changemakers. This includes Robyn Cook, who used her $50,000 grant to create a pathway for young people to gain a Certificate in Event Management by volunteering at local events.
“Rural and regional young people have immense creativity and potential, but finding meaningful pathways can be dependent on their ability to access the right opportunities,” Cook said.
She described the grant as a crucial testing ground. “Backing the Future… allowed me to test and prove her concept, which she is now expanding into more regional areas and events across QLD.”
FRRR’s Head of Partnerships, Deb Samuels, said the program offers more than just cash, providing coaching and mentoring to help recipients succeed.
“The feedback we have had from previous grantees is that they deeply appreciate the unique opportunity that Backing the Future offers, especially the trust and willingness to back an idea in its infancy,” Samuels said.
Applications close on 9 March 2026. Interested applicants can join an informational webinar on Monday, 9 February 2026.
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