Our Vision
Vibrant and thriving rural and regional communities, that support rural and regional youth (16-25) to access the services and resources they need to maintain their wellbeing and fulfill their personal potential, so they are able to contribute fully to the communities they live in and the broader society.
Our Mission
To promote and enable equal access to further education and career opportunities for rural and regional youth irrespective of background, circumstances or location through community-based encouragement and financial assistance.
What we measure and how
We measure the following information to produce statistics on our impact:
Number of students supported annually
Value of local grants given
Value of national funding (through scholarships and additional financial support provided at a national level)
Value of education partner co-funding (financial support provided by partner tertiary institutions)
We collate this data from the information provided by our local CEF foundations and the money provided by education partnerships. We also collect valuable information from students during the application process and with mid and end of year student reports.
In addition, we also evaluate the overall support provided to students through the following key areas of operations which support our mission, vision and values.
Our Values
Equity
Promoting equity and education opportunity irrespective of background or circumstance.
Connection
Building meaningful and genuine relationships through collaboration with education providers and communities.
Empowerment
Inspiring people to achieve their goals with the right resources, investment and encouragement.
Sustainability
Working to secure a sustainable support model.
Our Values
Our Theory of Change
To help us better articulate our impact, CEF partnered with Social Ventures Australia to develop a Theory of Change and Outcomes Framework, clearly mapping how CEF’s activities lead to meaningful change for young people, their families and the communities they call home. This work reaffirms what we know well: students across rural and regional Australia continue to face significant barriers to further education and training, including distance, financial pressure, limited support networks and a lack of accessible information.
Our impact is possible because of our community-based model. The value of the CEF model lies in the commitment of our volunteers, whose dedication, time and devotion to our cause turns ideas into action and ensures our work creates lasting change for individuals, families and communities.
Our impact is possible because of our community-based model. The value of the CEF model lies in the commitment of our volunteers, whose dedication, time and devotion to our cause turns ideas into action and ensures our work creates lasting change for individuals, families and communities.
View our full Theory of Change
Download a copy here
The Issues
YOUNG PEOPLE FROM RURAL
AND REGIONAL COMMUNITIES:
Face unique barriers to accessing further education, training and employment opportunities.
Have on average lower education attainment than their peers in metropolitan areas, while rural and regional communities miss out on accessing skills that support communities and future generations to thrive.
Strategic Response
CEF seeks to promote and enable equal access to education irrespective of background, circumstances or location by providing support to address barriers.
Participants
WHO WE CREATE CHANGE FOR
Rural and Regional Youth (16-25)
Families of Youth
Rural and Regional Communities
WHO HELPS MAKE THE CHANGE
CEF National Leadership & Staff
Local Foundations & Volunteers
Donors & Partners
Our Inputs
WHat we need to make CHANGE
Fundraising & Donations
Partnerships & Agreements
Volunteers through Local Foundations
Education, Corporate & Philanthropic Partners
Our Activities
WHat we do to make CHANGE
Financial Support
Mentoring
Ongoing Support
Strengthening communities
Outcomes
The changes we want to see
CEF is achieving its strategic objectives and is set up to continue its mission and deliver impact sustainably now, and into the future.
CEF local foundations are resourced, funded & equipped to support local young people and are set up in areas that
see the need.
Rural and regional young people have access to further education, training and employment opportunities, and are supported to achieve their full potential.
Families and caregivers value education and engage in young peoples’ learning and career journeys.
Rural and regional communities are thriving, more connected and resilient.
Our Impact
Rural and regional youth can access further education, training and employment opportunities that support them to achieve their potential – contributing to thriving, more connected and resilient communities.
Outcomes and Results
Our impact is possible because of our community-based model, ensuring our work creates lasting change of individuals, families and communities.
”The importance of giving back to the local community cannot be overstated. Regional areas often thrive on a strong sense of community and individuals feel a shared responsibility to contribute to the wellbeing and prosperity of the community they call home.
HeatherCEF Grenfell | Bachelor of Education (Technology & Applied Studies) | Charles Sturt University
My immediate focus is on completing my Bachelor of Education (Technical & Applied Studies) and solidifying my career at the local high school where I work. The prospect of contributing to the educational landscape in my community, particularly in the field of agriculture, is a driving force for me.
Our 2026-2028 Strategic Plan
We believe it’s important to plan ahead. CEF ‘s new Strategic Plan will set out our organisational vision for the coming years and succinctly state what we do, why we do it, and how we can do it better to have even more impact.
READ our 2026-2028 Strategic Plan
Download a copy here
Our Annual Review
Learn more about how CEF has impacted individuals, families and communities in our Annual Review.
READ THE FULL 2025 ANNUAL REVIEW
Download a copy here
View more of our historical Annual Reviews
Our Student Impact Report
Read about our direct student impact and the outcomes delivered for over 800 students in 2025.
READ THE STUDENT IMPACT REPORT
Download a copy here
View more historical Student Impact Reports
Increase your impact today
We invite you to join us to help young people in rural and regional Australia access further education, training and employment opportunities and support them to realise their full potential.
CEF undertakes an annual financial audit, conducted by Boyce Chartered Accountants, and is a registered member of the Fundraising Institute of Australia (FIA)
Read our audited financial statements
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Partner with us to strengthen and enhance our strategic initiatives.
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Fund a scholarship or assistance program aligned to your values or mission.
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Donate to help us achieve our long term impact.
MAKE A DONATION
