EDUCATION ENDOWMENT FUND

Background
In 2007, NSWALC's Governing Council made a unanimous decision at its 216th meeting to segregate $30 million from within the Statutory Investment Fund, in accordance with a recommendation from the Investment Committee, to fund a NSWALC Education Endowment Fund.

The establishment of the Fund was announced in a media statement and network message by NSWALC Chairperson Bev Manton on November 1.

The Fund is targeted at providing Aboriginal People in NSW with a broad range of educational and vocational opportunities. Ms Manton described the fund as NSWALC's "education revolution."

"It is one of the most exciting and innovative programs to be announced in the 25 year history of land rights in New South Wales," she added.

"I am confident it will be seen as a clear demonstration of NSWALC's ongoing commitment to the education of our people, their children and their children's children."

Chairperson Manton and the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Mr. Paul Lynch, officially launched the Endowment Fund at a ceremony at NSWALC's Parramatta headquarters on December 10.

Awards under the scheme are open to all Aboriginal people in NSW and provide opportunities for study at primary and secondary schools, higher learning institutions, colleges and universities.

Applicants MUST:

• Be a member of a NSW Local Aboriginal Land Council (see Eligibility).
• Be enrolled and studying at an approved New South Wales educational facility.  Courses conducted by approved interstate educational facilities  are acceptable (but not overseas study or travel).
• Provide full details and evidence of all course and/or school fees and expenses paid or claimable by ABSTUDY; or any other scholarship program or funding program.

Scholarships provide financial assistance to help cover the cost of uniforms, text books, educational excursions (except sport excursions), tutorial assistance, laptops and software, internet access and fees for Boarding school, TAFE, primary and High school.

Scholarships are financed each year from the interest generated from NSWALC's Education Endowment Fund. The fund will run in conjunction with the existing Freddie Fricke Scholarship which is targeted solely at tertiary education.

Since the establishment of NSWALC's Education Endowment Fund in 2008, NSWALC has provided finanicial assistance to some 250 recipients.

EDUCATION ENDOWMENT FUND 2010  - APPLICATION PROCESS

Further details on the selection criteria and scholarship application forms are available by contacting Margaret Dent (Scholarship Administrator), Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) on Telephone 02 9929 9633.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who is eligible to receive a grant?
Any person who can provide evidence of Aboriginality by membership of a NSW Aboriginal Local Land Council. OR
Tertiary level applicants aged 18 and above must be a member of a NSW Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) OR
School aged applicants or those below 18 years of age, their parent/guardian must be a member of a LALC.

What education /courses does the scholarship apply for?
Scholarships are awarded for courses, equipment,  boarding  fees etc for schools, universities, TAFE and other approved educational institutions, Scholarships are not available for Masters or Doctorate studies and Caps apply to each category of funding.

To whom is the scholarship funding paid?
Scholarship funds are paid only to an approved education institution or supplier - upon receipt of approved invoices/ receipts etc..  Funding is never paid directly to a scholarship holder.

When is the scholarship funding paid?
Upon receipt of funding from the NSWALC and upon presentation of a tax invoice or receipt, fees to that amount are approved and paid to the educational institution or supplier.

How will I know if my scholarship application has been received?
CAF Australia, the administrators of the scholarship, will advise the applicant either by email or letter that their application has been received. Applications received after the approved close-off date cannot be considered.

How will I know if my application has been successful or unsuccessful?
All applicants are advised in writing once  the NSW Aboriginal Land Council has informed  CAF Australia, the  administrators of the scholarship program, of the approvd recipients.

How and where do I send my application?
Applications must ONLY be sent to CAF Australia either by post: Locked Bag 962, North Sydney, 2059; or hand delivered to Level 10, 56 Berry Street, North Sydney, 2060.   No emailed or faxed applications will be accepted.  Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Is funding for overseas study available?
No, Scholarships for overseas travel or study are not funded.

Who sets the criteria for the scholarship?
The criteria and funding limits are set by the Board of Councillors of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council.

Who is recognised/accepted to provide a reference for a school student?  
A School Principal or teacher, family friend, minister or pastor is acceptable as a referee.