All the applicants have successfully gained positions at university studying a range of courses from education, to architecture and engineering, science in its many forms, fine arts and management.  The interview panels consistently commented on how well these young people presented themselves,  their excitement and concerns as they take this step away from the their homes and community. This year the Grenfell foundation was able to award just under $10, 000 donated from local individuals and community groups. Our foundation relies on the generous support of donations.

As the applicants were informed of their success, their comments reflected their appreciation in those additional dollars. “I was thrilled to receive funding from you.” “Thank you for supporting me…the Grenfell community is so supportive and helpful and I am so privileged to have been raised here. “ “I would like to thank everyone for the opportunity, I am very grateful.”

There are added advantages of receiving a scholarship through the foundation: these students can access a range of other scholarships throughout the year, as well as some tertiary institutions matching the students funding. Last year three of the successful applicants gained scholarships from University of Canberra where they were studying.

Help where it’s needed most – About Country Education Foundation

Country Education Foundation grants are equity based. Their collective mission is to see all young rural and regional Australians achieve their dreams through supported access to further education, training and jobs. Local foundations engage in fundraising to provide local grants and scholarships to youth in their areas. This financial support ranges from $500 to $5,000 per student, per year and helps buy textbooks and laptops for uni students, purchase tools and equipment for apprentices and assists rural and regional youth to relocate to take up career opportunities.

CEF provides a lot more than just grants. They also support and mentor students throughout their studies or apprenticeships. For most students, this community support is just as important as the financial assistance. It’s about knowing that their community is backing them and believes in their aspirations.

CEF’s national office, based in Orange, NSW, provides financial support, training and resources to this family of local foundations through seed funding, student support resources, volunteer resources, governance and compliance advice, accounting, technology, insurances, event management and advocacy. CEF also partners with tertiary institutions and corporate and philanthropic organisations across the country to provide additional funding and support to CEF local grant and scholarship recipients. CEF has tax deductibility status (DGR), so all donations over $2 are fully tax deductible. For more information more about CEF visit the webpage at cef.org.au. If you would like to support our young people, donate. You can do that via the webpage, or send a cheque.

Chairperson - Peter Spedding; Secretary – Margaret Carey; Treasurer – Hayley Griffiths, 49 South St Grenfell 2810. E: cefgrenfell@gmail.com.