VFFF Backing the Future

Backing the Future 2022 NSW recipient Jae Brieffies (centre) with her Bright Generation team.

Backing the Future is a unique philanthropic initiative from the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation (VFFF) that recognises the power of passionate individuals to drive meaningful change for young people in rural and regional communities. Each year the program offers up to 10 grants of $50,000 to individuals or groups of individuals in both QLD and NSW. These grants enable recipients to develop and test early-stage ideas that support young people aged 12-30 in one or more of the following areas:

  • Access decent work;
  • Care for the environment;
  • Contribute to society; or
  • Explore Christian faith and values.

The program was designed in response to feedback from VFFF’s current innovators and changemakers, who shared that the most difficult part of their impact journey was securing initial support. Backing the Future addresses this challenge by reducing the red tape often associated with grant funding and instead creating space for individuals to explore new ideas and discover what they can achieve. At FRRR, we are proud to support our friends at VFFF by drawing on our deep connections across rural and regional Australia to uncover talented individuals with promising projects that might otherwise be overlooked, and to help them build the confidence and capability to step forward. We guide applicants through the process and walk alongside them throughout their funding journey, offering tailored support and capacity building along the way. You can find more information about Backing the Future on the VFFF website.

Proudly supported by

The 2026 Backing the Future (QLD) round is now closed.

Applications are currently being assessed.

To apply, head to the VFFF website for more details on requirements for submitting an EOI.

If you want to explore other grant options, please go to Find Funding Now.

I have a question, who can I talk to?

Steph Pearson

Ph: 1800 170 020 or Email: s.pearson@ninjatest-frrr.madeneat.dev

Inspiration - Past Projects

Group of people posing on a walking bridge.

Empowering First Nations women in cultural tourism

First Nations Women in Tourism Australia used an $8,900 grant from FRRR's SRC program to run a one-day cultural tourism event in Port Lincoln, SA.
Three women standing together in front of a media board.

A conversation with Geraldine Roche from the Sally Foundation about philanthropy, partnership and empowering the next generation

A conversation with Geraldine Roche from the Sally Foundation about philanthropy, partnership and empowering the next generation via FRRR.

Meet Deb Samuels

In December 2026, Deb Samuels was appointed Head of Partnerships at FRRR. Enjoy this insightful interview and learn what drew her to this role.
Community representatives sitting in a circle at the celebration dinner.
Community representatives came together for a celebration dinner.

DR:FR program coming to a close in the Burnett Inland, but legacy is strong 

Thanks to the DR:FR program, the Burnett Inland region is better equipped to respond to the changing climate and the increased prevalence of disasters.
Women participating in workshop holding planning poster
Collaborative planning in action during a community workshop. Participants share ideas while reviewing a large brainstorming poster.

South Coast Futures already creating new connections

FRRR held a leadership workshop for the South Coast Futures program to explore how local leaders can lean into their collective capacity in and with community.
Group of people with lots of kids sitting on the ground and a garden in the background of the photo.

FRRR backs rural Australia with more than $760,000 in grants

FRRR has awarded $763,234 in funding to 65 locally-led initiatives that will empower remote, very remote, rural and regional communities to be more vibrant, resilient and sustainable places to live, work, learn and invest.
Group of people standing together with their arms around each other's shoulders.

Grants available to support disaster recovery and preparedness projects

Applications are open for FRRR's Rebuilding Futures program for recovery & preparedness projects in communities impacted by disasters between Jan 2019-Dec 2025.

Beyond bricks and mortar

The Friends of Lismore Regional Gallery shifted their focus from supporting a building to supporting community recovery with a Rebuilding Futures grant.

Tech skills for students in the East Kimberley

Children in some of the East Kimberley’s most remote communities are gaining vital digital skills thanks to a $10,000 Telstra's Connected Communities grant.

Small cafe, strong community

The youth-led café Bagai Barista has grown from a small school-based initiative into a vibrant community hub thanks to a $47,075 SRC grant.
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