Semi Finalist Site Visit: Blacktown Youth Services Association

In 2025, Impact100 Sydney sought grant applications from charities undertaking activities to promote social cohesion in the Greater Sydney region. We received 64 applications from across Sydney, and nine have been selected to proceed to the semi-finalist stage.

This stage of the process involves the provision of additional information by the shortlisted organisations, and the participation in a virtual site visit that is open to all Impact100 Sydney 2025 donors to attend.

Site visits present a terrific opportunity for organisations to bring to life their grant application, for you to meet key people in the organisation and ask questions that help clarify the program being pitched.

Blacktown Youth Services Association (BYSA)

Blacktown Youth Services Association has been empowering young people in Western Sydney for over three decades, working primarily with those aged 12-24 who face barriers such as disadvantage, social isolation, disengagement from education, and limited employment opportunities. BYSA has pioneered innovative approaches that address not only material disadvantage but also the impact of negative social environments through their concept of "peer elevation" - helping young people break free from harmful peer groups and build positive, motivating networks.

The organisation is well-known for creating safe spaces where young people feel heard, respected, and inspired to grow through creative industries programs in music, media and art, leadership development, mentoring, life skills workshops, case management, and community events. Each year, BYSA supports thousands of young people with over 80% of participants reporting increased confidence and connection, many successfully transitioning into education, training, or employment.

A $100,000 investment from IMPACT100 Sydney would enable BYSA to implement Collab Lab, a new program combining volunteering, community projects, skills development, and mentoring to strengthen belonging and pro-social behaviour. The funding would support dedicated youth workers, counselling services, and program delivery across Greater Sydney, reaching at least 400 young people in the first year. Participants would engage in community placements with local organisations, receive mentoring and life skills workshops, access counselling and wellbeing support, and lead youth-driven neighbourhood activation projects including public art and environmental improvements. This comprehensive approach would help young people build confidence, resilience, and see themselves as valued contributors to their community.