Introduction
The Foundation for Young Australians, commonly known as FYA, is an independent organisation supporting young people to challenge injustice and create lasting change. It combines grants, training, advocacy support and connections to help young people lead campaigns, organisations and community initiatives.
Its work focuses on youth leadership, civic participation, First Nations self-determination and strengthening the resources available to young changemakers.
History and Background
FYA traces its origins to the Queen’s Trust for Young Australians, launched in 1977, and the Australian Youth Foundation, established in 1988. These organisations merged in 1999 to form the Foundation for Young Australians.
During the early 2000s, FYA invested in more than 60 programmes with strong youth participation through a venture philanthropy approach. Its subsequent Young Social Pioneers programme supported more than 300 young people developing social enterprises and movements.
FYA has also produced research, including How Young People are Faring and The New Work Order, alongside education and enterprise programmes.
Mission and Purpose
FYA backs young people facing injustice and exclusion from decision-making. Its programmes seek to strengthen their ability to organise, influence institutions and pursue changes shaped by their own experiences. The organisation states that its programmes are free and informed by young people.
Its approach brings together three connected elements: building relationships, developing skills and securing resources. Support can include organising, governance, storytelling, advocacy, wellbeing and access to funding networks.
Governance and Structure
FYA is governed by a voluntary, elected Board of Directors overseeing organisational policy, direction and governance. Its published leadership includes Jason Glanville as chair, Rosie Thyer as deputy chair and Abhi Sachdeva as treasurer.
Board oversight is supported by Investment, Finance and Audit, and Governance and Risk committees. A First Nations Governance Group contributes to decisions about the strategy, priorities, grants and activities of FYA’s First Nations team.
FYA is also undertaking a multi-year organisational transformation following its 2024 Listening and Truth-Telling process. Its stated objectives include stronger youth decision-making, First Nations leadership, cultural safety and accountability to participating communities.
Funding and Grants
FYA receives support from philanthropic organisations, businesses, government and public donations. It also operates the social enterprise consulting arm YLab. An ethically invested corpus generates approximately one-third of its budget, according to its published funding information.
Its consolidated financial report, including YLab, records approximately A$60.78 million in net assets at 31 December 2025. This represents the organisation’s financial position, rather than funding available through an open grant round.
The published Youth Action and Wellbeing Grants programme offers Youth Action Grants of A$5,000–A$15,000 and Wellbeing Grants of A$2,000–A$5,000, from a combined A$100,000 pool. The programme is currently listed as closed.
Applicants must represent Australia-based groups led by people under 30 with lived experience of the issues they address. Youth Action proposals must pursue structural change, while wellbeing support helps groups sustain their work.
Major Programs and Initiatives
First Nations Grantmaking
Seeding Strength supports campaigns, movements and projects led by First Nations young people aged 16–35. It uses participatory grantmaking, with funding decisions led by the First Nations Governance Group. Grants are accompanied by practical assistance, strategic guidance and connections.
Young Mayors
The Young Mayors programme supports democratically elected youth councils for people aged 11–17. Working with local councils, participants identify priorities, develop projects and influence decisions affecting their communities. Training, guidance and project resources support their work.
Auspicing and Organisational Support
FYA acts as a fiscal sponsor for grassroots youth organisations, helping them access grants requiring Deductible Gift Recipient status. Its support includes financial administration, fundraising strategy, grant writing, budgeting and organisational policy.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
In 2025, Seeding Strength distributed A$176,160 to 13 grantees. Supported initiatives included First Nations youth governance structures, an aquaculture pathways programme and planning for a national Blak youth trans gathering. The programme also introduced multi-year funding for First Nations youth-led work.
FYA’s 2025 Young Mayors reporting records 5,555 young people voting, 60 elected youth representatives and 13 community projects initiated. Activities included mental health initiatives, tree planting, Youth Week events and public transport awareness.
During the same year, FYA supported 17 organisations through auspicing partnerships and distributed A$1,442,420 in auspicing and partner grants to youth-focused organisations. Another 12 organisations received individual fundraising strategy and grant-writing support.
Conclusion
The Foundation for Young Australians combines financial support with the skills, relationships and organisational assistance young people need to lead change. Prospective participants and grant applicants should review each programme’s eligibility, purpose and current status before pursuing support.
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