School and Beyond program FAQs

Once approved as a School and Beyond Program Partner, how often can funding requests be submitted?

Can funding requests be made by individuals or by organisations not registered as a School and Beyond Program Partner?

Can there be multiple submissions?

Multiple requests are allowed. There is no limit on the amount that can be requested but costs must be substantiated and demonstrate good value for money.

Are partner organisations reviewed and if so how often?

Yes, approved School and Beyond Program Partners will be reviewed annually. School and Beyond Program Partners will be required to report on activities and outcomes on a six monthly basis, including a financial report and evaluation of outcomes in relation to the School and Beyond program objectives. A report template is provided once the MOU is signed.

What types of items or activities can be supported?

Funds must be used for activities that provide education and skill development opportunities for young people affected by the 2009 Victorian bushfires. Examples include:
- Access to items required to participate in education such as books, uniforms, travel costs (where this is the primary barrier to participation)
- Funding for tutors to support students
- Course or program fees (where not subsidised)
- Travel
- A program or activity which aims to engage a group of young people in education, training, or employment pathways and which build their vocational and personal skills, such as a Barista training course or job interview skills
- There is no limit on the amount that can be requested but costs must be substantiated and demonstrate good value for money
- Wages and operating costs can be supported if critical to the activity or program. Administration costs will not be supported.

What if we support youth who have been impacted by the 2009 Victorian bushfires but no longer reside in the area – are we eligible to apply?

Yes, as long as you have an ABN or Incorporation Certificate. Young persons, those aged between 12 and 24 years, must have been a resident in a 2009 bushfire impacted community at the time of the disaster, however, they do not need to currently reside in a 2009 fire impacted town.

We support youth who have been impacted by bushfires across Australia – are we eligible to apply?

No, only those who were impacted by the 2009 Victorian bushfires will be considered for funding. While we know that many young people need support, this program is being funded by donations that were made specifically to support people affected by the 2009 Victorian bushfires.

What can’t be funded?

- Purely social, sporting or recreational activities
- Projects not relating to education, training and employment pathways for young people affected by the 2009 Victorian bushfires
- Requests for funds that can be accessed via other means such as course subsidies, government allowances, counselling services, other philanthropic funds such as Community Foundations or other Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund (VBAF) programs
- Requests for funds to support general operating costs
- Projects outside Australia and overseas travel
- Federal, State and Local Government core business and areas of responsibility
- Projects that support private businesses or commercial activities.

My organisation supports / case-manages children with mental health issues brought on by the 2009 bushfires – can funds be used to pay for a counsellor?

No, not through this program. However, funds for this can be obtained through other programs such as Grants for Resilience & Wellness (GR&W) which focuses on mental health issues and through the VBAF State-wide Psychological Service and government subsidised counselling programs. The School and Beyond program is focussed on educational and training expenses.

Are there eligibility requirements for funding recipients?

Yes, there are:
- Young people aged between 12 and 24 years
- Young persons must have been a resident in a 2009 bushfire impacted community at the time of the disaster, however, they do not need to currently reside in a 2009 fire impacted town
- Young persons must be either at risk of disengaging or have recently disengaged from an education or vocational setting
- Young persons must be experiencing financial hardship or a trauma-related issue that may be impacting their ability to effectively engage in education/training
- The support must improve the vocational opportunities and improve long term outcomes for the bushfire affected young person/people
- The support should positively impact the youth’s family life/relationships.

How can I find out more information?

Refer to the School and Beyond Program page on this website for more information. If you have any questions, please contact the Program Coordinator via email or call FRRR on 1300 020 070.