Education changes lives. And families. And communities.

CEF is a national education charity working in six states and territories to foster the further education, career and personal development opportunities of rural and regional youth, through community-based encouragement and financial assistance. 

While financial support is important, the local encouragement and investment in a young person’s confidence has equal, if not greater value. The work of CEF is driven by more than 450 volunteers who work tirelessly for local foundations to provide financial grants, opportunities and mentorship to school leavers aged 16 – 25 within their regions. 

This proven, community-based model empowers rural and regional school leavers to overcome the tyranny of distance and educational disadvantage. 

CEF receives no government funding. We rely on the generosity of individual donors and corporate, philanthropic and education partners who share our passion for education equality to achieve our mission.