To create a more just society by giving every young person in Australia an equal opportunity to access the skills to negotiate life’s journey.

Matana's focus is on improving the welfare and wellbeing of young people from severely disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds, or whose concerns and issues are not readily funded from other sources. Recognising that disadvantage takes many forms, we prioritise projects and organisations that address the causes of youth disadvantage by:

• Providing programs primarily targeting school retention and increased education achievement for students who are at risk of dropping out of school or who have already dropped out. The focus is on early identification, customised learning and mentoring.
• Providing programs that target employment skills development, employment and career pathways and transitions into employment.
• Providing programs that target social and community connectedness, personal significance and social and emotional outcomes.
• Providing services in geographical areas across Australia where funding is difficult to source.

Applications are welcome from financially viable organisations which work to improve the lives and opportunities of disadvantaged young people, particularly where their core activities correlate with our funding priorities. Wherever possible, you will need to demonstrate the tangible impact of your organisation’s work in improving the welfare or wellbeing of disadvantaged young people.

How much can I apply for?

There is no minimum or maximum amount, but as a guide, grants are usually in the range of $1,000 to $10,000. However, assessment will be made on an individual basis. We also encourage grantseekers to apply to other sources to facilitate joint funding of projects.

Grants may be sought at any time.

Matana can only make grants to organisations that hold the following ATO endorsements:

• Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) - Item 1
• Tax Concession Charity (TCC)

Evidence of endorsements is required at the point of application. If your organisation does not have Item 1 DGR and TCC status, unfortunately we will not be able to consider your application.

The Matana Foundation will not consider applications that request funding for:

• Operating costs including salaries and administration costs, unless such costs are part of an otherwise eligible project
• Capital and building expenditure, including equipment, vehicles, travel, furniture, books and conferences, unless such costs are part of an otherwise eligible project
• Retrospective funding or budget deficits
• Fundraising events and campaigns
• Medical programs or research
• Religious activities, where the applicant project involves religious instruction.

The Matana Foundation will not consider applications for funding from:

• Individuals, state and federal government bodies
• Organisations outside Australia.

• Phone: 02 9299 0555
• Fax: 02 9299 0588
• Email: info@matanafoundation.org.au