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Growing support for young environmental changemakers

In February, VFFF convened a small roundtable for Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network (AEGN) members interested in supporting young people to care for the environment. VFFF was delighted to provide the opportunity for VFFF grantees, Kurt Jones from Co-Exist Australia and Kal Glanznig from Blue Minds, to showcase their work to other potential funders.

Australia’s favourite gardener, Costa Georgiadis, was a special guest. He spoke to the untapped potential of young Australians and why this generation represents one of the greatest opportunities for positive social and environmental change.

A group of people sitting in a circle in a meeting room listening

Costa, Kurt and Cal advocating for more funders to support young leaders at the roundtable event.

Seeing change as a ripple that begins locally and grows outward through everyday actions, Costa emphasised to the grantmakers in attendance, the power of Kurt and Kal’s work in encouraging more young people to take practical action for the environment in their own communities.

With Costa moderating the discussion, Kurt and Kal shared stories with the group of community-led action and the challenges and opportunities facing youth-led initiatives. With their passion, drive and determination on full display, it wasn’t hard for our sector peers to understand why VFFF is so committed to Backing Young People.