Applications are now open
The Trust was established in May 1998 by the Council for the purpose of providing an independent charitable trust that provides for the future of the Latrobe community. The Trust manages various funds, one of which is the new MSE Williams (Youth Support) Fund.
The MSE Williams (Youth Support) Fund was settled by the Trust on 12 July 2011 in honour of the late Mrs Margaret Sarah Elizabeth Williams, as it is principally funded by the MSE Williams Bequest. Upon her death in 1995, Mrs Williams left $20,000 to the Council for children and youth welfare programs in the Latrobe Valley.
The Trust Fund incorporates the education scholarship fund previously devoted to independent secondary school students and gives effect to the merger of the former MSE Williams Trust Fund and Independent Scholarship Fund into a perpetual Trust Fund dedicated to the advancement of all young people within our community.
The aim of the MSE Williams (Youth Support) Fund is to support those young people who show the potential and desire to further their talents, but who without assistance may lack the resources to achieve their full potential.
The Trustees believe that all young people deserve the chance to achieve their best. Accordingly, Youth Support Grants are not restricted to a specific study or training path. This will ensure that all grant recipients are given every possible opportunity to pursue their personal goals.
Grants of up to $500 are available to support any young person with determination to advance themselves, in any field of endeavour including (but not limited to) education and training; visual or performing arts; sport; trade skills; music; in order to pay for or subsidise associated expenses e.g. compulsory fees, equipment, textbooks, etc.
Nomination Criteria
- The Nominee (young person) must be aged 25 years or under on the date of application.
- The Nominee must reside in Latrobe City.
- Applicants can only apply once in a 3 year period.
- The Nominator may be an adult on behalf of a young person (e.g. a parent, guardian, teacher, school welfare officer, coach, instructor, club leader, mentor) or the young person themselves.
- The Nominator is to specify the amount of grant monies requested and qualify the amount so requested (up to $500).
- There is no restriction on the fields of endeavour or pursuits to which grant monies can be applied. (see Funding Examples below)
- All applications will be judged on merit by the MSE Williams (Youth Support) Fund Assessment Panel.
- The Nominee must have a clear need for financial assistance and therefore an explanation of the Nominee’s personal circumstances and why financial assistance is required must be provided in support of their nomination.
- While no means test applies and the young person does not necessarily need to be in receipt of a Centrelink benefit, Nominators are required to outline truthfully any financial assistance provided to the Nominee by government or non-government agencies i.e. unemployment or disability benefits, rental or study allowances, scholarships, bursaries, etc.
- All nominations must include at least one reliable, independent referee letter, confirming the personal circumstances and talent or skill and/or determination of the young person nominated.
- The number of grants allocated per annum will be determined by the Trustees at their sole discretion. The decision of the Trust is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
How do I nominate?
Making a nomination for a Youth Support Grant Program is easy!
Answer the questions in as much detail as possible.
The Latrobe City Trust will want to see that there is a clear idea for use of funds, as well as a genuine need for assistance.
Ensure that you have read and understand the Nomination Criteria.
Applications Open 1 March 2024 and Close 7 April 2024.
How to lodge your Nomination
All applications are to be completed through SmartyGrants.
Enquiries
For information about the Fund, please contact the Governance team - egovernance@latrobe.vic.gov.au
For assistance with SmartyGrants, please contact the Grants Officer on 1300 367 700 or grants@latrobe.vic.gov.au