Matched Giving Campaign is back for Country Education Foundation of the Namoi

Country Education Foundation of the Namoi (CEFN) has announced that its Matched Giving Campaign for 2026 is back.

The local community is now able donate with greater impact as all donations made in September and October are matched.

Funds raised will go directly towards supporting local youth and help them break down barriers they face when accessing further education and training, such as financial pressures, distance and isolation.

CEFN chair Cara Stoltenberg said support from local donors throughout the campaign will have great benefits for students looking to pursue post-secondary school education and training.

“All of the funds raised throughout this period are granted to local youth from the Narrabri Shire who are continuing their education post high-school,” she said.

“The students from our shire are always extremely grateful for the funds they receive.

“If anyone is in a position to donate to support our 2027 students, you can do so by donating directly through our website (you will receive a tax invoice); alternatively, we are happy to provide an invoice for the amount you would like to donate.”

Earlier this year, CEFN presented nine education grants. The organisation is preparing for its next round of scholarships, with the application deadline soon closing.

Its annual education grants to assist local students with the costs of tertiary education, apprenticeships and training start at $1,000.

In addition to the CEFN education grants, the William McIlrath Foundation – CEFN scholarship is awarded over three years, and another generous amount forms part of the William McIlrath Resilience Scholarship.

This year, thanks to further generosity a William McIlrath Foundation Tradesperson Scholarship was established.

The inaugural recipient expressed their profound gratitude for the support from the CEFN.

“Thank you once again for the amazing opportunity and support I have received through CEF,” the recipient said.

“It has genuinely helped me in ways I did not expect and has given me the opportunity to continue developing both myself and my businesses.

“I really appreciate the support.”

The support also extends well beyond a local level.

Eligible CEFN recipients may also apply for a variety of additional scholarships.

The CEFN is part of the Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEF) network – a community-driven national charity, with 49 local foundations across rural and regional Australia working to support young people aged between 16–25 access post-school education, training and jobs through grants, scholarships, resources and social support.

Donations made from 1 September to 31 October will be eligible for matching up to $7,000. To donate, visit bit.ly/4hv9Ckc

Please ensure that ‘Namoi’ is selected in the dropdown box (the box titled ‘which foundation did you want to donate to’) to ensure that the CEF knows your donation is to support local students.

Applications remain open for the 2027 financial grants and close on 30 September. To apply online, visit cef.org.au/foundations/namoi/

To contact the CEFN directly about the Matched Giving Campaign, or for information about the education grants, email [email protected]