Australian Finance Group (AFG) is one of Australia’s largest networks of mortgage brokers, and has been a principal partner of the Foyer Foundation since 2021. AFG is committed to working closely with the Foyer Foundation to offer real, life-changing opportunities to young people living in Foyers, with a particular focus on empowering them to achieve their independence goals.

The AFG Independence Fund provides small grants, of between $100 and $1,000, to support young people living in Accredited Youth Foyers across Australia on their journey towards independence. Our aim is to invest in your dreams and help you achieve your goals, by offering financial support that aligns with one or more of the 7 Youth Foyer service offer areas:

  • Education: Laptops/computer equipment, school supplies, stationery, micro credentials and course fees (RSA, First Aid training).
  • Work: Workwear, tools, certification fees
  • Health: Activities that promote physical and mental wellbeing and independence among young people e.g. cooking classes, gym memberships.
  • Connection: Networking opportunities such as conferences, where you can connect with like-minded people or potential mentors, community service projects that help establish connections while giving back to the community.
  • Financial Literacy: Financial literacy workshops or online courses that focus on budgeting.
  • Housing: Furniture, kitchen appliances, or other essentials to set up your own space when you move out of the Foyer
  • Independence: Driving lessons, activities that improve your self-confidence, such as public speaking or leadership courses.

Important information

  • Current Foyer residents – Eligibility is limited to current residents of an Accredited Youth Foyer (alumni are not eligible)
  • One grant per applicant – Each young person is eligible for one grant only. If you have received AFG funding support in the past, you are not eligible to apply again
  • Average gift – While payments may be made up to $1,000, an average gift of approximately $400 or less is more likely to be successful.
  • Part contribution – Your existing skills, assets, and resources are valuable, and we appreciate it when you invest your own effort or savings toward your goals.
  • Therefore, an application will be viewed favourably if the applicants are willing to contribute to their nominated item.
  • Fair distribution – The Foyer Foundation aims to distribute funds as equitably as possible among Foyers and young people. In the case of high numbers of requests from one Foyer, a limit may be applied.
  • What the fund can’t be used for – medication, paying off outstanding debts (e.g., utility bills, fines), rent in advance and similar.

Key Dates

  • Applications open: Wednesday 20th November
  • Applications close: Sunday 8th December
  • Results shared by: Friday 13th December

Application process

STEP 1: Complete application form

  • Fill out the online application form
  • Provide complete information as per the questions on the form
  • See the AFG Guidelines for help on how to complete the application
  • Make sure your proposed activities align with at least one of the 7 Foyer offers mentioned above
  • Submit your application by Sunday 8th December 2024
  • You should receive an email confirming that your application has been received. If you don’t receive this email, please contact [email protected]

STEP 2: Review and notification of outcome

  • After you submit your application, our team will review it
  • You will be notified of the outcome by Friday 13th December through your Youth Development Coach/Worker.
  • If your application is approved, the Foyer will raise an invoice to the Foyer Foundation. This step happens behind the scenes, so you can focus on your goals.

STEP 3: Get started on your goal!

Congratulations! You’ve been approved for the AFG Independence Fund, and now it’s time to start working on your identified independence goal.

Collaborate closely with your Youth Development Coach/Worker to progress your goal and spend the allocated funds.

It’s important to note that de-identified details of how funds are used will be collected and reported to Foyer Foundation supporters. We do this to celebrate and share your incredible achievements with our supporters, showcasing the positive impact of the AFG Independence Fund.

Applications have now closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I apply for?

You can apply for up to $1,000. Please see the above ‘Funding Caps’ for limits relating to specific items. These are not the only items you can apply for, they are just the most common. The average grant amount is typically around $500.

Who should write the application?

The Independence fund is a great opportunity for young people in Foyers to sit down with their worker, discuss their goals, and plan their future. Ultimately, the application should be written by you in your own words, reflecting your personal goals and aspirations. Your worker can definitely support you.

How long should my answers to the questions be?

Aim for less than 150 words for each of the main questions related to your goal, plan, and the talents and resources. There’s no penalty for going over, but try to be clear and give us enough detail so we understand how your goal and the item are related, as well as your plan without feeling like you need to write an essay.

Do I have to write my application?

If you’d prefer to tell us about your goal, your plan to achieve your goal, and the talents and resources you’re contributing by voice note or video, please get in touch with LVK at the Foyer Foundation [email protected] who will assist you to submit your application.

There are some parts of the application we’ll need in writing – this includes your personal details, the amount you are requesting, and any quotes or screenshots of the item you intend to purchase. Ask your Youth Development Worker / Coach to support you!

What can the funds be used for?

The purchase must align with one or more of the 7 Youth Foyer service offer areas

  • Education
  • Work
  • Health
  • Connection
  • Financial literacy
  • Housing
  • Independence

Your application should clearly explain how the funding will support you to achieve your goal. See the section on Common Items for more information.

Who is responsible for administering the money?

The Foyer Foundation is responsible for distributing the fund to Foyers. Each Foyer will distribute the funds to successful applicants. We try to distribute funds as equitably as possible among Foyers and young people. In the case of high numbers of requests from one Foyer, a limit may be applied.

How will I find out if I’m successful? How will I receive the money?

If you’re successful, we will notify your Foyer who will share the good news with you. You can then work with your Youth Development Worker / Coach to purchase the item – you might do this online or they will go with you to the store to make the purchase.

How does the Foyer receive the funds?

Once the successful applicants are notified, the Foyer should raise an invoice for the total amount (combining all AFG Independence Fund applications) + GST to the Foyer Foundation. We will share more specific instructions and an invoice template when we share the outcomes for each Foyer. The Foyer Foundation does not deposit money into young people’s bank accounts.

Can the original application be varied?

We understand that goals and circumstances can change. If you would like to change what the funding is used for, ask your Youth Development Worker / Coach to reach out to us at the Foyer Foundation. Changes to the original application are not guaranteed, however they will be considered. It is important that any changes are linked to your Independence goals.

What if I move out of Foyer before using the money?

Your Foyer can still work with you to buy your independence goal related items, even after moving out. Contact your Foyer to discuss how to do this. Note: You must be living in the Foyer when you complete the application. The fund is not open to Foyer alumni.