Crowdfunding for three fantastic changemakers
Australian grassroots charities and social enterprises play a vital role in supporting underserved communities by helping vulnerable individuals build skills and break cycles of disadvantage.
On 12 March 2025, The Funding Network showcased three exceptional Victorian non-profits. BMDCF provided a grant of $40k which supported the selection process and kicked off funding towards the three, which was matched and then exceeded by an enthustiastic audience.
Australian grassroots charities and social enterprises play a vital role in supporting underserved communities by helping vulnerable individuals build skills and break cycles of disadvantage.
On 12 March 2025, The Funding Network showcased three exceptional Victorian non-profits. BMDCF provided a grant of $40k which supported the selection process and kicked off funding towards the three, which was matched and then exceeded by an enthustiastic audience.
Future Minds Network
Future Minds Network is a community-led nonprofit, which empowers youth with real-world learning, mentorship, and entrepreneurial skills. Across regional Victoria, where career opportunities are limited, it provides safe spaces, positive role models, and skill-building challenges that open doors to new possibilities.
Its new program, the Young Artists Centre (YAC) is a free art and creative empowerment program for youth aged 12-18. YAC provides them with free shopfronts, business skills, and a supportive community, giving them the tools to break free from disadvantage, and transform their artwork into thriving businesses.
Funding will expand their Young Artists Centre and entrepreneurship education programs to support 50+ young artists in Victoria with training, mentorship, and access to showcase opportunities at major festivals.
Gnarly Neighbours
Gnarly Neighbours is a grassroots non-profit in Seymour, Victoria, empowering local youth through mentorship, skateboarding, and creative programs. Founded by Jayden Sheridan, it addresses youth mental health, education inequity, and crime prevention by providing safe spaces, free skate lessons, wellbeing sessions, and creative workshops.
Through its social enterprise, The Neighbourhood, it also offers employment and entrepreneurship pathways in hospitality, retail, and design, equipping young people with life skills and opportunities to break cycles of disadvantage.
Funding will enable them to equip more disadvantaged youth with skills, mentorship, and work experience, creating structured pathways to employment and fostering a stronger, more resilient community in Seymour.
Read the Play
Read the Play (RTP) is a free mental health literacy and early intervention program delivered through local sporting clubs in the Barwon region, supporting youth aged 12–18. By leveraging the trust and engagement of sports, RTP educates young people on mental health, reducing stigma and promoting help-seeking behaviours.
Facilitated by trained volunteers, sessions address issues like anxiety, bullying, and substance use through interactive discussions and practical tools. RTP also works with clubs, parents, and coaches to create supportive environments, expanding its reach to ensure more young people access vital mental health education.
Support will cover program costs, enabling them to engage up to 2,000 young people, reduce stigma, and promote help-seeking behaviors, fostering mentally healthy sporting communities.