Social Foundry, a Kyneton-based social enterprise and registered charity since 2015, seeks $75,000 (GST exclusive) over one year to expand our proven youth hospitality training program in the Macedon Ranges (Bendigo Employment Region). Total project cost is $150,000, with Social Foundry matching the grant dollar-for-dollar from café revenue. From our community café we deliver real-work ...
Social Foundry
Join the Forge: Scaling Youth Employment Pathways 2026
GOAL
$75,000
Australia > VIC > Regional
Field of Interest
- Education/training and employment
Target Population
- People experiencing socio-economic disadvantage or vulnerability
- Young people (6-25)
Social Foundry
We're a not-for-profit social enterprise igniting positive change for young people aged 16-24 facing barriers. Since 2015 in Kyneton, Victoria, we've blended community warmth with practical mentoring and skills training to foster connections, build resilience, and unlock sustainable futures.
Our cafe isn't just a spot for coffee, it's a hub where every interaction sparks growth, mentoring, and local impact.
Step into our welcoming space at 86 Mollison Street for wholesome, feel-good food that fuels change.
Enjoy:
– Specialty Coffees & Beverages: Ethically brewed espresso, lattes, herbal teas, and fresh juices, sourced sustainably.
– Simple, Nourishing Bites: All day breakfast, toasted sandwiches, burgers, seasonal salads and house-baked goods using local ingredients.
Open Mon-Fri 8am-3pm, Sat 9am-3pm. Every purchase reinvests in youth programs, turning your visit into real community ripple effects.
Host events, connect with locals, or simply recharge, your support mentors those who need it most.
Project Summary
Social Foundry, a Kyneton-based social enterprise and registered charity since 2015, seeks $75,000 (GST exclusive) over one year to expand our proven youth hospitality training program in the Macedon Ranges (Bendigo Employment Region). Total project cost is $150,000, with Social Foundry matching the grant dollar-for-dollar from café revenue.
From our community café we deliver real-work hospitality training (barista, customer service, food preparation) combined with intensive mentoring and life-skills support for 15–24-year-olds facing mental health challenges, school disengagement or socioeconomic disadvantage. Participants are referred by schools, youth services and job agencies.
The $75,000 grant will enable our highly experienced Youth Ambassador to transition from part-time customer-facing duties to a full-time youth development role, freeing them to work one-on-one with significantly more young people. Additional funds will support a part-time trainer, training materials, workshops and program administration.
Since 2015 we have supported over 100 young participants; 76% moved into jobs, study or volunteering. In 2024 we received the Yuvoice “Brighter Tomorrow” award for youth employment impact.
In 2026 we will run two expanded intakes, adding 40 participants and doubling annual reach from 40 to 80. The project directly addresses Bendigo Local Jobs Plan priorities: reducing youth unemployment and building hospitality skills where vacancies persist.
With our Youth Ambassador now full-time alongside participants, we target 70%+ of the additional 40 young people securing sustained employment or further study by end-2026.
Grant-ready and compliant, we are ready to scale a high-impact model that
Project Outcomes
Over the one-year grant period in 2026, Social Foundry will double our annual impact, supporting an additional 40 disadvantaged young people (total 80) aged 15–24 in the Macedon Ranges through our expanded hospitality training and mentoring program.
Primary measurable outcomes:
Employment & Education Pathways
Minimum 70% (28 of the extra 40 participants) will secure sustained employment (≥15 hours/week for 3+ months), enrol in further vocational training, or return to school/apprenticeship by 31 December 2026. Historically our transition rate is 76%; the full-time Youth Ambassador role will drive this higher through intensive one-on-one support.
Skill Attainment
100% of participants will complete accredited units in food safety (SITXFSA005), RSA (SITHFAB021 if age-appropriate), barista basics, and customer service, plus gain 80+ hours of real-work experience in our community café.
Wellbeing & Confidence
Pre- and post-program surveys (K10 mental health measure and Rosenberg self-esteem scale) will show an average 25%+ improvement in mental wellbeing and confidence, consistent with past cohorts. Monthly mentoring check-ins and life-skills workshops directly target barriers such as anxiety, disengagement and low self-worth.
Community & Economic Impact
At least 15 local hospitality businesses will take graduates for paid work or work trials, addressing chronic staffing shortages identified in the Bendigo Local Jobs Plan. Each employed graduate contributes an estimated $28,000–$35,000 annually to the regional economy.
By freeing our Youth Ambassador from front-of-house duties to work full-time alongside more young people, we deliver deeper, transformative support that turns lives around and keeps regional youth local, skilled and employed.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $150,000
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cafe Operations/Profits | $75,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Youth Mentor role | $90,000 |
| Support and administration | $60,000 |
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