Our grant program
The MyState Foundation grants program supports not-for-profit organisations that work towards empowering the youth of Tasmania. Each year, we grant between $1,000 and $10,000 to eligible organisations; and to date, we have awarded over $2 million in grants to more than 120 not-for-profit organisations, for nearly 300 initiatives.
These are a rich, diverse group of organisations and charities that are engaged in education or development projects for young people. They may provide opportunity for further education; increase financial literacy or assist young people living with a disability to access special education, care and support. Previous grant recipients include Colony 47, Geeveston Community Centre, Beacon Foundation, Hobart PCYC, Camp Clayton, Oak Enterprises, Uniting Care Tasmania and Bridgewater PCYC.
Applications for the 2024 grant round are now closed.
Who can apply?
To be eligible for a MyState Foundation grant, your organisation must:
- Have Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status (approved by the ATO.)
- Be an incorporated not-for-profit organisation.*
- Hold an Australian Business Number (ABN).
- Have a gross annual income of no more than $2 million.
Please note that MyState Foundation grants are only available for eligible organisations with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status.
You will be asked to provide evidence of your organisation’s status as a DGR under Subdivision 30-BA of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.
If your organisation does not have DGR status, your application will not be accepted. If you’re unsure of your organisation’s status, check the ATO website or consult your accountant before proceeding with your application.
Assessment criteria - Grants
Grant applications will be assessed by the MyState Foundation Board. When reviewing applications, the Board consider a number of key criteria, including:
- The outcome of the program/initiative aligns with the purpose, vision and mission of the Foundation focusing on disadvantaged youth.
- The program/initiative addresses a defined need in the Tasmanian community and creates impact.
- The grant could make a real difference.
- The funds are necessary for the grant to proceed.
- The applicant’s ability to successfully carry out the initiative.
Preference will be given to organisations that:
- Benefit as many young people as possible in the Tasmanian community.
- Demonstrate that funds will be retained in Tasmania.
- Demonstrate a measurable long-term benefit and achievable goals.
- Meet an identifiable need in the community.
- Support programs which increase the capabilities of Tasmania youth.
- Encourage a learning culture and increase opportunities for young people to further their education.
- Build self-reliance, confidence and responsibility in young Tasmanians.
- Improve health and wellbeing outcomes of young Tasmanians.
- Support disadvantaged and at-risk youth in Tasmania.
- Offer unique opportunities for young Tasmanians that aren’t currently provided elsewhere.
The Foundation does not award grants for:
- Organisations with a gross annual income of more than $2 million.
- Individuals, foundations or organisations that are themselves grant-making bodies.
- Fundraising events and campaigns.
- Normal administrative costs, however wages may be considered as a portion of funding depending on the broader program.
- Debt retirement or budget deficits.
- Conference organisers or attendees.
- Excursion based activities not part of a broader project focusing on MyState Foundation objectives.
- Applications for funding that involve additional funds in future grant cycles.
- Equipment purchased not associated with an ongoing project.
- For an activity which began in the previous financial year.
GST
Grants are given exclusive of GST costs. If an organisation incurs GST for the purchase of equipment or provision of services, GST costs will not be included or added to the amount given in the MyState Foundation’s grant.
Terms and conditions for successful recipients
Organisations successful in receiving a grant will be required to sign terms and conditions set out by the Foundation and provide a grant update by 31 December 2024 and satisfactory project acquittal statement no later than 30 June 2025.
Recipients are requested to acknowledge the support of the MyState Foundation in publicity and printed materials. The Foundation logo can be used provided conditions of use set out by the Foundation are followed.
Successful organisations are asked to be available for media purposes as required by the Foundation.
Successful organisations are asked to outline employee volunteering opportunities for MyState staff to increase exposure to the programs.
Successful organisations will be listed on the MyState Bank website and in MyState and Foundation publications. From time to time projects funded by a MyState Foundation grant may be featured on the MyState Foundation website and in its publications.
Please note: Decisions made by the MyState Foundation Board are final and cannot be disputed.
Purpose, mission & vision
We believe it’s the little ideas, local organisations and small acts that can help make a big difference in people’s lives and help build a richer Tasmanian community.
Purpose
To help young Tasmanians reach their full potential
Mission
Provide young Tasmanians with greater opportunities
Vision
To make a genuine difference to young Tasmanians
Frequently Asked Questions
For the 2024 grant round, the MyState Foundation is excited to announce two new community partnerships: the MyState Foundation Education Partnership and the MyState Foundation Social Connection Partnership.
MyState Foundation partnerships provide up to $100,000 over 2 years to youth-focused programs focused on either education or social connection.
Yes you can, as long as the total amount of funding requested does not exceed $100,000 over the 2 years. For example, you could apply for $40,000 in the first year and $60,000 in the second year.
MyState Foundation grants are offered over a maximum period of one year to deliver a program or initiative supporting youth. Funding for grants is from $1,000 up to $10,000 per year. Only not-for-profit organisations with a gross annual income of $2 million or less can apply for a grant.
MyState Foundation Partnerships are offered over a maximum period of two years to deliver an initiative supporting youth in a focus area of either education or social connection. Funding for partnerships is up to $100,000 over the 2 years.
Once applications have closed on the 3rd of May 2024, successful grant and partnership applicants will be determined by the MyState Foundation Board based on the eligibility criteria and alignment with the Foundation’s purpose.
Those shortlisted for a partnership may be required to complete a short presentation to the MyState Foundation team and Board prior to the Board assessment to further demonstrate the impact of the program and answer any questions.
Yes - eligible organisations can apply for both a grant and a partnership in the 2024 round. Two separate applications will need to be completed addressing the eligibility criteria.
Please keep in mind that only not-for-profits with a gross annual income of $2 million or less will be eligible to apply for a Foundation grant in the 2024 grant round.
All applicants will be informed of the outcome in late June 2024 and funding for successful grants and partnerships will be distributed by early July.