MyState Foundation Grant Recipients 2024/2025

The MyState Bank Foundation has today announced a record $220,000 in grant funding supporting 15 Tasmanian community organisations to help to build a bright future for young people across the state.

This year the Foundation has offered two major community partnerships of up to $50,000 each for youth programs focused on education and social connection. In addition, the MyState Foundation is investing $56,800 over three years to deliver the JumpStart housing program with community partner Colony 47.

MyState Bank Managing Director and CEO Brett Morgan said the 2024 funding, ranging between $4,500 and $50,000, would benefit many young Tasmanians.

"We are proud to support our local Tasmanian community through these grants,” Mr Morgan said. “And this year we’re pleased to extend our contribution to community partnerships, increasing our support over a 2 year period to organisations focused on connecting young people and their families to their community and improving educational outcomes in Tasmania.

“All of our partner and grant recipients do wonderful work across our state to support young people.

“The assistance comes at a time when many organisations are experiencing increased demand, reduced donations and financial pressures,” he said.

MyState Foundation Education Partnership recipient, JCP Youth, who provide support and mentorship for at-risk young people in Tasmania, has reported a rise in the number of at-risk and vulnerable young people in the community, receiving an increased number of referrals from parents, schools, and other service providers.

JCP Youth Executive Director Will Smith said the MyState Foundation Partnership funding would allow the community group to expand services to better meet demand.

“With the MyState Foundation Partnership funding of $100,000 over the next 2 years, we will be able to run a targeted program focused on support for at risk and vulnerable young people in Tasmania,” said Mr Smith.

“The new Extraordinary Experiences for Young People (EE4EYP) program is designed to equip young people aged 11 – 17 with skills, resilience, and positive habits.

“The program aims to divert young people from entering the criminal justice system and build their community resilience.

“The experiences and content will be tailored to help individuals discover their potential and learn new skills supported by expert mentors. Experiences include physical, mental and creative activities such as scuba diving, mountain bike adventures, hiking, artistic opportunities and improving life skills to assist in a successful transition to adulthood.

“The new program will be state-wide and offer skill development, mentorship, social connections, and personal growth.

“It places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, instead of traditional classroom-based instruction, and it provides opportunities for participants to learn by doing. This can be more engaging and effective for many young people,” he said.

MyState Foundation chair Bob Gordon said the MyState Bank Foundation partnerships and grants would be a welcome relief for successful organisations and the young and at risk Tasmanians they support.

“The Foundation has made a significant impact over the last two decades, assisting many Tasmanians,” Mr Gordon said.

“This year’s grants and partnerships are particularly timely and will support worthy organisations and the transformative work they do every day to improve the lives of young people across Tasmania.”

The MyState Foundation has awarded more than $2.6 million in grants to 167 Tasmanian not-for-profit organisations, supporting over 385 initiatives.