The MyState Bank Foundation will put more than $195,000 into eight not-for-profit organisations working to improve education, wellbeing and job prospects for young Tasmanians.
The 2026/2027 funding round includes five community grants and three longer-term partnerships designed to help proven programs reach more young people.
MyState Managing Director and CEO Brett Morgan said the investment reflected the bank’s 25-year commitment to Tasmanian communities.
“Through the MyState Foundation, we’re proud to support programs that give young Tasmanians the confidence, support and practical opportunities they need to overcome barriers and build a stronger future,” he said.
Morgan said Hamlet was a standout example of community-led work already making a difference.
Since opening its doors in 2016, Hamlet has delivered more than 60,000 hours of training and supported almost 800 Tasmanians through its programs.
The organisation, founded by Tasmanian Local Hero award recipient Emily Briffa, runs a cafe, catering arm and condiment production line in Hobart’s Molle Street.
Briffa said the MyState funding would help fill a gap for young people not yet ready for formal training or employment.
“Too many young Tasmanians miss out on employment opportunities because they lack the confidence, foundational skills or support needed to take that first step,” she said.
“With Tasmania experiencing some of the highest rates of disability and disadvantage in the country, early intervention has never been more important.”
Briffa said the program would give young people practical life and work-readiness skills, employer connections and genuine pathways to independence.
MyState Foundation Chair Bob Gordon said the quality of applications showed the strength of the state’s community sector.
“We look forward to seeing the impact these programs have throughout the next two years as they provide support for more young Tasmanians to build confidence, access support and create stronger pathways for their
future,” he said.
The three partnership recipients are Karinya Youth Services, which received $50,000 for its life skills program supporting young people aged 13 to 24 facing homelessness and complex disadvantage, Tassie Mums with $50,000 to provide safe sleeping essentials for vulnerable babies and Hamlet with $49,000 for its employment pathways program.
Five smaller grants went to the b kinder foundation, The Nappy Collective, The Story Island Project, Huon Valley PCYC and PCYC North.
The announcement marks the Foundation’s 25th anniversary, having contributed more than $3 million to Tasmanian not-for-profits since 2001.
