20 December 2017

The Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund has turned to crowdfunding to raise additional funds to help support local students in their quest to further their education at university, TAFE or in a trade requiring a Certificate IV or higher.

This is the first time the scholarship committee has considered crowdfunding as a source of funds, and are excited to kick-start the online campaign, just in time for Christmas.

“For many young people growing up in regional Australia, the decision to leave home to continue their education is a big one - and expensive,” Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund Chairperson, Councillor Gae Swain said.

“The idea of crowdfunding is new to us, but as a committee we are keen to explore innovative ways to raise as much money as we possibly can so that more scholarships can be awarded and more local students afforded the opportunity to chase their dreams."

“I absolutely love the idea of the community banding together for a great cause and believe our crowdfunding campaign provides a great opportunity for people to make a donation, big or small, and to be involved in a social cause that changes young lives at a grassroots level. It has given us the ability to open the fundraising up to anyone in the community who would like to contribute.”

Since the Fund started 14 years ago, over $300,000 has been raised and distributed to local youth with more than 332 scholarships awarded, with many returning to regional Australia to work and live.

Donations of any value are welcome and can be made on the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund crowdfunding page via www.mycause.com.au 

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.