PROGRAMS
Empowering Futures Scholarship
Ensuring every child has the tools to thrive
About the program
Our work focuses on empowering children and young people affected by family violence or mental health. Our Empowering Futures Scholarship supports children to realise their potential by enabling access to educational support and positive extra-curricular activities.
Funding of up to $500 is available per child per application round.
HOW IT WORKS
We empower children and young people by providing access to:
Educational support
This provides funding to enable full participation in educational activities including school fees, textbooks, school supplies, school uniforms, school devices, excursions and other costs relating to school.
Positive activities
This provides funding to support children's social-emotional wellbeing. This could include fees for sporting or music lessons, uniforms, instruments, art supplies, after school programs or other costs to participate in extra-curricular activities.
Next application round
Applications Open: mid-July 2025
Applications Close: end-August 2025
Notification of Outcome: as soon as possible during the application process
Frequently asked questions
What is the application process?
When applications open, an application forms are available through our website. We can only accept applications made via our online application form.
The application form must be completed by either:
- The Parent or authorised Guardian of the child; or
- A Social Worker, GP, School Principal or Counsellor on behalf of the child with the consent of the parent or legal guardian.
Children must be between the ages of 5 and 18 years of age at the date of application.
In your application you must be able to outline the full costs you are seeking funding for including providing any invoices or receipts.
All applications must be supported by a ‘Partner’ who verifies the application. A Partner could be a Social Worker, Case Worker, General Practitioner, School Principal, Counsellor or other relevant professional.
All complete/valid applications will be reviewed by our Scholarship Committee.
All Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application.Who can be my Partner for my application?
A Partner may be a Social Worker, Case Worker, General Practitioner, School Principal, Counsellor or other relevant professional.
We require a Partner to sponsor your application so that we can understand the extent of your situation, and ensure that you have appropriate community support in place.
If you are unsure who can be your Partner, just ask us.
How does the scholarship get paid?
Applications are to include any available invoices (such as for school fees or a book list yet to be paid for) and/or receipts that are no older than eight (8) weeks prior to the Application submission date.
Funds are distributed to successful applicants in two ways
Payment of Invoice (preferred)
Carnelian Foundation will pay funds direct to a provider (such as a school, sporting, or stationery supplier) for the payment of an invoice which must include the child’s name and the provider details (including ABN).
The invoice must also include BPAY or BSB/Account number details (or similar) such that we can make the payment to the provider.
Reimbursement of funds
Carnelian Foundation will reimburse funds upon presentation of valid receipts. Receipts must include the date of purchase, details of items purchased, and name of provider (such as a school, club, provider or stationery supplier).
Carnelian Foundation will accept receipts for purchases/payments that were made up to eight (8) weeks prior to the Application submission date.
