Alumni
ProfessionalDevelopment InitiativeApplicationPack
AlumniProfessional DevelopmentInitiative
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Yalari is proud to launch a new initiative to support the professional growth and leadership journeys of our alumni. This grant program offers flexible funding to help you access short-term development opportunities that align with your goals, passions, and career aspirations.
Purpose
To empower Yalari alumni by providing access to professional development opportunities that build skills, confidence, and leadership capacity - while strengthening connections across the alumni network.
What’s on Offer: Individual grant amount up to $2,500 per person
What Can Be Funded?
You can apply for funding to support a wide range of professional development activities, including:
• Business or entrepreneurship training
• Industry certifications
• Leadership programs
• Creative or community-led workshops
• Mentoring or coaching programs
• Short courses (online or in-person)
Who Can Apply?
• Be a verified Yalari alumnus aged 17 or over
• Be currently employed, studying, or pursuing a professional or creative pathway
• Be applying for a professional development opportunity that aligns with your goals
• Be willing to pay it forward to the Yalari community by sharing your experience
• Be able to use the funding before 30 June 2026
Please Note: Current Yalari board directors, Alumni staff, and Pathways Scholarship recipients are not eligible.
KEY DATES
• Applications open: [Insert Date]
• Applications close: [Insert Date]
• Notification of outcomes: Within 4 weeks of closing date
• Funding use period: By 30 June 2026
Click here to apply online
How to Apply
Complete the online application form and submit your responses to the selection questions, along with a clear budget and any supporting documents. If you’re experiencing financial hardship and cannot contribute to the cost, please contact the Alumni & Pathways team at alumni@yalari.org.
Paying It Forward
All recipients are expected to pay it forward to the Yalari community by sharing their experience through contributions that may include, but are not limited to, writing an article, recording a video reflection, mentoring other alumni or participating in a panel or workshop. Recipients are welcome to suggest their own ideas based on their strengths, interests or nature of their experience.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the Yalari Alumni Professional Development Grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Be a verified Yalari alumnus aged 17 or over
• Be currently employed, studying, or pursuing a professional or creative pathway
• Be applying for a professional development opportunity that aligns with your goals
• Be willing to pay it forward to the Yalari community by sharing your experience
• Be able to use the funding within 12 months of approval
SELECTION CRITERIA
Applications will be assessed by a panel of Yalari staff. The panel will consider how well your application demonstrates the following:
1. Clear Professional Development Goals
You’ve clearly described what you hope to achieve and how this opportunity supports your growth.
2. Alignment
with Long-Term Aspirations
Your chosen activity connects meaningfully to your broader career or leadership journey.
3. Feasibility and Planning
You’ve provided realistic timelines, confirmed or pending enrolment, and a clear budget breakdown.
4. Potential for Broader Impact
You’ve shown how this opportunity will help you contribute to your community, industry, or the Yalari network.
5. Commitment to Paying It Forward
You’ve outlined how you will share your experience with other alumni - this is a condition of receiving funding.
6. Willingness to Contribute
You’ve confirmed that you can contribute 10% of the total cost. If not, you may request a Financial Hardship Waiver.
Faqs
1. Who can apply for this grant? s1 T&Cs
Any verified Yalari alumnus aged 17 or over is eligible to apply, as long as they are not a current Yalari Board Director, Alumni staff member, or Pathways Scholarship recipient.
2. What types of opportunities can I apply for? s2 T&Cs
You can apply for a wide range of short-term professional development activities, including:
• Business or entrepreneurship training
• Industry certifications
• Leadership programs
• Creative or community-led workshops
• Mentoring or coaching programs
• Short courses (online or in-person)
3. How much funding can I apply for? s3 T&Cs
You can apply for up to $2,500. The panel may award partial funding based on your application, budget, and the overall demand.
4. Can I apply for more than one opportunity? s4 T&Cs
You can only submit one application. However, your application can include multiple components (e.g. a course and related travel) if they are part of the same opportunity.
5. What if I can’t afford to contribute 10% of the cost?
You can request a Financial Hardship Waiver in your application. Contact Jenaya to discuss further - this won’t affect your eligibility.
6. Can I apply if I’ve already started the course or program? s2.2 T&Cs
No. Funding cannot be used for activities that have already started or been completed. You must apply before your opportunity begins.
7. How will the funding be paid? s5 T&Cs
Yalari will pay providers directly wherever possible. If that’s not feasible, you may be reimbursed for pre-approved expenses with valid receipts.
8. What happens if my plans change after I’m approved? s5 & s10.2 T&Cs
Let us know as soon as possible. We understand that things can shift, and we’ll work with you to adjust your funding if needed.
9. What are the reporting requirements? s6 & s10.3 T&Cs
You’ll need to:
• Submit a short reflection report within 3 months of completing your opportunity
• Participate in a follow-up call with the Alumni & Pathways Team
• Complete a “pay-it-forward” activity
10. What if my application isn’t successful?
We’ll let you know the outcome and may offer suggestions for other opportunities or ways to stay involved.
GuidelinesforApplicants
Before You Apply
• Read the full application pack to understand the purpose, eligibility, and expectations.
• Think about how this opportunity fits into your broader goals - professionally, personally, or in your community.
• Reach out to the Yalari Alumni & Pathways Team if you have any questions or need support with your application.
Tips for Writing Strong Responses
• Be clear and specific: Use plain language to explain your goals and how this opportunity will help you grow.
• Tell your story: Share your journey, passions, and aspirations. The panel wants to understand your “why.”
• Show alignment: Make sure your chosen opportunity connects to your long-term goals or leadership pathway.
• Think beyond yourself: Reflect on how this opportunity might benefit others - your community, industry, or fellow alumni.
• Be realistic: Provide accurate timelines, costs, and details. If something is still pending, explain the status.
Budgeting Tips
• Include all relevant costs: tuition, travel, accommodation, materials, etc.
• Use estimates if exact figures aren’t available but be as accurate as possible.
• If you’re applying for less than $2,500, that’s okay - funding will be tailored to your needs.
• If you feel you can’t contribute 10% of the cost, please contact Jenaya to discuss further.
Paying It Forward to the Yalari Community
All successful applicants are expected to pay it forward by sharing their experience. This helps strengthen the alumni network and inspire others. You can choose how you’d like to contribute. Examples include:
• Writing a blog post or article
• Recording a short video reflection
• Mentoring another alumnus
• Speaking at an alumni event or panel
• Suggesting your own idea based on your strengths
Supporting Documents
You will be asked to provide:
• Confirmation of enrolment or acceptance
• Invoices or receipts (for payment or reimbursement)
• Any additional documentation requested by Yalari
NEED HELP?
If you’re unsure about anything - whether your opportunity is eligible, how to write your responses, or how to budget - please reach out. We’re here to support you.
Contact: Jenaya Ward • Phone: 07 5665 8688
TERMS & CONDITIONS
1. Eligibility
1.1 Applicants must be verified Yalari alumni aged 17 or over.
1.2 Alumni may be employed, studying, or pursuing other professional pathways.
1.3 Funding must be used for professional development activities aligned with the goals outlined in the application.
1.4 Current Yalari board directors, Alumni staff and Pathways Scholarship recipients are not eligible to apply for funding.
2. Use of Funds
1.1 Funds must be used exclusively for approved professional development activities, such as:
1.1.1 Course or program fees
1.1.2 Certifications or training
1.1.3 Required materials or resources
1.1.4 Travel and accommodation directly related to the opportunity
1.2 Funding cannot be used for:
1.2.1 Personal expenses or unrelated travel
1.2.2 Entertainment or leisure activities
1.2.3 Non-essential purchases (e.g. general clothing, personal electronics)
1.2.4 Living expenses, rent, or debt repayment
1.2.5 Retrospective funding (i.e. for activities already commenced or completed)
1.2.6 Ongoing subscriptions not directly tied to the approved activity
1.2.7 Costs already covered by another funding source
3. Funding Limits
1.1 Individual grants are capped at $2,500.
1.2 Partial funding may be awarded based on the panel’s assessment of need, merit, and impact.
1.3 Funds must be used prior to 30 June 2026.
4. Application and Approval Process
1.1 Applications will be reviewed by a panel comprising of Yalari staff.
1.2 Applicants may only submit one application. However, a single application may include multiple componentssuch as a course and associated travel - provided they are part of the same opportunity and clearly connected in purpose and timing.
1.3 Selection is based on merit, alignment with criteria, feasibility, and available budget.
1.4 Applicants will be notified of outcomes within 4 weeks of the application closing date.
1.5 All decisions are final.
5. Payment and Reimbursement
1.1 Yalari may pay providers directly upon invoice or reimburse alumni for pre-approved expenses with valid receipts.
1.2 All reimbursements must be pre-approved in writing.
1.3 Alumni must notify Yalari, in writing, of any changes to their plans that may affect funding use, as soon as possible.
6. Reporting Requirements
1.1 Recipients must submit a short report or reflection within 3 months of completing their funded activity.
1.2 The report should include:
1.2.1 Outcomes and learnings
1.2.2 How the experience impacted their professional journey
1.2.3 Any challenges or recommendations
1.3 A reporting template will be provided.
6 Giving Back to the Yalari Community
6.6 As a condition of funding, recipients are expected to give back by sharing their experience and supporting fellow alumni.
6.7 Recipients commit to participating in a follow-up phone call with a member of the Alumni & Pathways Team within 4 weeks of the completion of their funded opportunity, to reflect on their experience and discuss ways to contribute to the alumni network.
7.3 This contribution may include, but is not limited to:
7.3.1 Writing a blog post or article
7.3.2 Recording a video reflection
7.3.3 Mentoring other alumni
7.3.4 Participating in an alumni panel or workshop
1.4 Applicants are also welcome to suggest their own ideas for how they’d like to pay it forward, based on their strengths, interests, or the nature of their experience
1.1.1 Failure to meet these obligations may result in:
1.1.1.1 A formal reminder and a grace period of up to 30 days to complete requirements
1.1.1.2 Temporary ineligibility for future Yalari funding or alumni initiatives
1.1.1.3 Permanent exclusion from future opportunities if obligations remain unmet without valid justification
1.1.1.4 In serious or repeated cases, repayment of the grant may be requested
1.1.2 Yalari will always engage in a fair resolution process before enforcing any penalties, and recipients will have the opportunity to respond or request support if facing barriers to compliance.
8. Intellectual Property and Consent
1.1 Alumni retain ownership of any content they produce.
1.2 By accepting funding, recipients grant Yalari a non-exclusive license to use, reproduce, and share their reflections, outcomes, or related content for promotional, educational, and reporting purposes. This may include use across Yalari’s website, social media, philanthropic communications, and events. Content may be edited for clarity or format, with respect to the original intent.
1.3 Applicants consent to Yalari storing and using their application data for assessment, reporting, and alumni engagement.
9. Conflict of Interest
1.1 Applicants must disclose any personal or professional relationships with panel members or training providers.
1.2 The panel reserves the right to assess and manage potential conflicts to ensure fairness and transparency.
1.3 Failure to disclose may result in disqualification or withdrawal of funding.
10. Non-Compliance
Yalari expects all recipients to uphold the responsibilities outlined in the funding agreement. Non-compliance may result in consequences depending on the nature and severity of the issue.
10.1 Misuse of Funds
If funds are used for purposes outside the approved scope (e.g. personal expenses, unapproved activities), Yalari may:
10.1.1 Request partial or full repayment of the grant
10.1.2 Exclude the recipient from future funding opportunities
10.1.3 Initiate a resolution process before enforcing penalties, allowing the recipient to respond
10.2 Failure to Complete the Agreed Activity
The recipient is required to notify Yalari, in writing, notification of any changes to plans as soon as possible. If the funded professional development activity is not undertaken or completed without valid justification, Yalari may:
10.2.1 Request repayment of the grant
10.2.2 Revoke eligibility for future initiatives
10.3 Failure to Submit Reporting and ‘Pay It Forward’ Contributions
Recipients are required to:
1.1.1 Submit a reflection report within 3 months of completing the activity
1.1.2 Complete their agreed “pay it forward” contribution (e.g. blog post, video, mentoring, event participation)
1.1.3 Failure to meet these obligations may result in:
1.1.3.1 A formal reminder and a grace period of up to 30 days to complete requirements
1.1.3.2 Temporary ineligibility for future Yalari funding or alumni initiatives
1.1.3.3 Permanent exclusion from future opportunities if obligations remain unmet without valid justification
1.1.3.4 In serious or repeated cases, repayment of the grant may be requested
1.1.4 Yalari will always engage in a fair resolution process before enforcing any penalties, and recipients will have the opportunity to respond or request support if facing barriers to compliance.
11. Dispute Resolution
1.1 Any concerns or disputes will be addressed through an internal review process. Applicants may submit a written appeal within 14 days of notification.
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