The Future2 Foundation is built on a simple but powerful idea: professionals in financial services can help to build stronger futures. With support from the Milford Community Connection Program for the second year in a row, Future2 will continue backing grassroots programs across Australia that improve financial wellbeing for people who need it most.
This year’s Milford grant will directly support one of Future2’s 2025 Make the Difference! grant recipients, helping to deliver practical tools, education and empowerment to vulnerable individuals and communities.
Building Stronger Financial Futures
Established in 2007, Future2 is the charitable foundation of the Australian financial services profession. Its unique model engages advisers and financial professionals to nominate local programs for funding – ensuring that grants go to initiatives with real community connection and impact.
One of two passionate Future2 permanent employees, General Manager Maddie Catlin says that collaborative spirit is what makes their model so effective. “This approach doesn’t just fund vital programs. It strengthens the bond between the profession and the communities it serves.”
A Professional Giving Back
One of those professionals is Olivia Maragna, Co-Founder of Aspire Retire and a long-time volunteer Director with Future2. Olivia nominated the Foundation for the Milford grant and has served on the board since 2019.
“As the profession’s own foundation, Future2 has a unique model where community causes cannot apply directly,” Olivia explains. “Instead, they’re nominated by professionals who know and trust the work being done locally. Through this, Future2 can fund grassroots initiatives where the money is directly at work, creating real impact.”
Real Impact, Across the Country
Future2’s focus is on programs that empower Australians with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to improve their financial futures. Milford’s grant will be allocated to a 12-month program that provides vulnerable individuals with practical support and learning opportunities to improve long-term financial wellbeing.
“Milford will be aligned with one of our 2025 recipients and will be able to see firsthand the impact of their support,” says Maddie.
Many of the programs Future2 funds are small or grassroots initiatives that may not be eligible for funding from traditional sources. By unlocking these opportunities, the Foundation ensures that more people – particularly those in regional, remote, or disadvantaged areas – have access to the tools they need.
Both Maddie and Olivia say they were thrilled to receive a second year of funding through the Milford Community Connection Program.
“We were absolutely ecstatic,” says Maddie. “As a small foundation, Milford’s support means the world to us. Their recognition of Future2’s role reinforces the importance of financial wellbeing in Australia.”
Olivia adds, “Funding is vital. It allows us to reach further, support more people, and create greater impact in communities that need it most.”
Stronger Together
For Maddie, the partnership with Milford isn’t just about financial support – it reflects a deeper alignment of purpose. “Future2 and Milford share a powerful connection – both dedicated to strengthening communities and leveraging the profession to drive positive change.”
Olivia agrees. “Being part of the program and being able to contribute to something bigger is really rewarding. It’s about connection, impact, and knowing that the support provided is helping to create meaningful opportunities for communities in need.”
About the Future2 Foundation
Future2 is committed to supporting Australians in need by funding grassroots programs that improve financial wellbeing. Since 2007, it has committed more than $1.8 million in grants to over 180 initiatives – many focused on empowering young people, women, and communities facing disadvantage or isolation.
By engaging financial services professionals to nominate causes and contribute to fundraising, Future2 channels the collective power of the profession into real, lasting impact across the country.
