The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the world.
In Australia, Citi Foundation grants are awarded to non-profit organisations that give young people a positive experience when transitioning to work or further education. The programs in this focus area make up our Pathways to Progress initiative.
Pathways to Progress is a job skills-building initiative that addresses global youth unemployment. Through a combination of Citi Foundation philanthropic investments, Citi employee volunteers, career development opportunities and research, Pathways to Progress equips young people, particularly those in underserved communities, with the skills and networks needed to succeed in today’s economy. Since launching Pathways to Progress in 2014, the Citi Foundation has invested more than $230 million globally in workforce preparation.
The Brotherhood of St. Laurence is a social justice organisation working to prevent and alleviate poverty across Australia. Their mission is to pursue lasting change, to create a more compassionate and just society where everyone can thrive. BSL’s approach is informed directly by the people experiencing disadvantage and uses evidence drawn from research, together with insights from their programs and services, to develop practical solutions that work.
The Creating Futures for Youth program supports young people experiencing disadvantage to pursue their career aspirations and build their capacity for an ever-evolving workforce. The program is built upon an understanding that recognising and nurturing young people’s talents and capabilities, instead focusing on deficits, enables them to thrive.
The program provides:
Northcott is a not-for-profit disability service provider that works with people with disability to realise their potential.
As one of Australia’s largest not-for-profit disability service organisations, they provide services from metropolitan and regional locations throughout NSW and the ACT.
The Northcott Experience Tasker (NEXT) program supports young people with disability aged 17-24 to develop important vocational skills through focused networking, training, and mentoring opportunities. The program resources Northcott to work more closely with employers, identify their needs, and engage with registered training organisations to enhance employment opportunities for young people with disability. Northcott develops tasks and simulated work experiences that deliver youth with disability tailored support aligned to real-world hiring requirements, labour gaps, and emerging workforce trends.
Youth Co:Lab is the largest youth social entrepreneurship movement in Asia and the Pacific, co-led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Citi Foundation.
Minderoo Foundation, is implementing Youth Co:Lab in Australia.
The Dream Venture Masterclass is a first of its kind program that is dedicated to equipping Indigenous Australians with the connections, capabilities and access to capital to become investor ready.
The youth program is open to entrepreneurs aged between 18-30 and is delivered in partnership with Youth Co:Lab, an initiative co-led by UNDP and Citi Foundation.