The Batemans Bay Youth Foundation held its annual Grants Presentation Dinner at the Soldiers Club on February 2nd. The Foundation gives Grants to students who qualify to attend University or a course at TAFE or an Apprenticeship. The criteria for giving a Grant includes academic achievement, personal aptitude for further study and a need for financial help. In his Welcome speech, Chairman Peter Wood stated that since its inception in 1994, the Foundation had given Grants with a total value of over half a million dollars, to 182 students. With costs associated with education continuing to rise the Foundation’s Management Committee decided to increase the Grant this year from $3000 to $3500.
This year the Foundation proudly awarded grants to the following students: Ella Bandur Cara Earlam Lara Feletto Caitlin Forbes Yannick Halemai Kon Katsanis Frances Kerkham Hannah Kinnane Monique Kornman Adam May – UOW Patrick McCallum Cody McDonald Katie Piert Pauline Siteaud
The Batemans Bay Youth Foundation is able to continue to support the students through the generosity of of our community. If you would like to learn more of the Foundation and support the our local youth you can visit their website at http://www.bbyf.org.au/index.php
Above: Photos by Jennifer Constance - Click on photo to expand and for caption
The Foundation was established by the Rotary Club of Batemans Bay in 1994 and financing was provided by the Club, supplemented by donations obtained from sporting and service clubs in this area as well as from some individuals. Very limited funds were available, and in each of the first two years only one grant of $2500 was provided.
In 2000, the Batemans Bay Soldiers Club and the Batemans Bay RSL Sub-Branch joined with Rotary to form a registered educational charity, having the same objectives as before. The relationship is structured as to 40% Rotary Club, 40% Soldiers Club, and 20% RSL Sub-Branch. This arrangement greatly enhanced the viability and financing of the Foundation.
Financing:
Up until the GFC in 2008, donations were maintained at a satisfactory level, with major businesses being most generous. However, after the economic collapse, all corporate donations ceased, the last receipt being in 2009.
In order to keep the Foundation going, agreements were reached with three universities, - ANU, University of Canberra, and University of Wollongong. These agreements provided rebates of grants for those of our students attending one of those universities. The rebates varied from 100% of the Grant, to 50%. Currently, a Grant is $3,500 in cash..However, the policy is that students may attend any university of their choice. Additionally, the three partners collectively subscribe an annual sum of $15,000, and the Foundation also receives about $3,000 from private individuals each year on a regular basis.
Since inception, the Foundation has given Grants to 182 students, with a total value of $549,000. At the Grants Presentation Dinner this past February, Grants were given to 14 students out of an application list of 26. It would be a major boon to the community if the Foundation could give more Grants, because more than 14 students were worthy. There simply wasn’t enough money. To Support the Foundation you can contact the Chair here
