Donate

Become a patron of Arts Education

Parados Education, in partnership with the Sunshine Coast Arts Foundation, is creating something quietly powerful—spaces where young people can find their voice, reconnect with the natural world, and see themselves as artists, storytellers, and caretakers of place.

This work matters now more than ever.

Many of the young people we support don’t always thrive in traditional systems. They are thinkers, feelers, and observers—often deeply attuned to their environments, yet underserved in spaces that don’t recognise their strengths. Through Parados Education, they are mentored by practicing artists, guided by First Nations knowledge holders, and immersed in experiences that value slow learning, deep listening, and creative expression.

They walk Country. They learn to notice. They create with found materials. They begin to understand that their stories—woven with land, water, and community—have meaning.

And something shifts.

Confidence grows. Connection deepens. A sense of purpose begins to take root.

But this work relies on support.

Your donation directly enables:
– Artist mentorships for young people
– Access to creative programs in natural environments
– Cultural knowledge sharing and storytelling
– Materials and resources that prioritise sustainability and care for Country
– Opportunities for young artists to exhibit and share their work with the community

This is not just arts education. It is wellbeing. It is environmental stewardship. It is cultural continuity. It is giving young people the tools to understand themselves and their place in the world.

With your support, we can continue to hold these spaces—where creativity, community, and Country come together in meaningful, lasting ways.

If you believe in the power of art to transform lives, we invite you to contribute.

Every donation helps a young person be seen, heard, and supported.

3% Cover the Fee

Why give?

  • ✽

    Make A Difference

    Your donation helps create real, measurable change in the lives of those we serve.

  • ✽

    Support A Cause You Love

    Give back to something that aligns with your values and passions.

  • ✽

    Be Part of A Solution

    Join a community of people working together to address important issues.

  • ✽

    Create Lasting Impact

    Your contribution helps build long-term solutions, not just quick fixes.

  • ✽

    Fund Grassroots Work

    Support local, hands-on efforts that make a difference where it matters most.

  • ✽

    Inspire Others

    Your generosity can motivate friends, family, and colleagues to do the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes — donations to Parados Education, through the Sunshine Coast Arts Foundation, are now tax-deductible.

    The Foundation holds Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, which means that any donation of $2 or more made to support Parados Education under its auspices can be claimed as a tax deduction in Australia.

    After donating, you’ll receive a receipt from the Sunshine Coast Arts Foundation to use when lodging your tax return.

    This means your contribution not only supports meaningful, community-driven arts and environmental education—it also provides a financial benefit at tax time.

  • Your donation goes directly into delivering meaningful, place-based arts and environmental programs through Parados Education, under the auspices of the Sunshine Coast Arts Foundation.

    It is used to support the real, on-the-ground experiences that make this work possible, including:

    – Artist mentorships — paying local practicing artists and cultural knowledge holders to guide young people
    – Workshops and camps — covering costs for immersive experiences like bush camps, storytelling sessions, and creative intensives
    – Access and inclusion — ensuring young people who may not otherwise have the opportunity can participate
    – Materials and resources — prioritising sustainable, low-waste artmaking and use of natural/found materials
    – Exhibitions and outcomes — supporting young artists to share their work publicly through exhibitions and community events

    A portion also contributes to essential program coordination and safeguarding, ensuring the programs are well-run, safe, and accessible.

    Every dollar is directed toward creating spaces where young people can connect—with creativity, with Country, and with themselves—and where their voices are genuinely supported and valued.

  • Yes — and you’re very welcome to.

    Parados Education is built on community, and there are a number of meaningful ways to get involved alongside the Sunshine Coast Arts Foundation:

    Volunteer support
    You can assist during workshops, camps, and exhibition installations—helping with logistics, set-up, or simply being an extra pair of hands to support young people in creative spaces.

    Share your skills
    If you’re an artist, educator, filmmaker, environmentalist, or have experience in wellbeing or youth work, there may be opportunities to contribute to programs, mentor participants, or run sessions.

    Program and event support
    From documenting projects (photo/video), to helping coordinate community events or exhibitions, there are many behind-the-scenes roles that make a big difference.

    Partnerships and collaborations
    Local businesses, schools, and community groups can partner with Parados Education to expand access, resources, and reach.

    Advocacy and community support
    Even spreading the word, attending exhibitions, or introducing the program to others helps build a stronger, more connected community around this work.

    If you’re interested, the best next step is to reach out and share a bit about your interests and availability. Opportunities can be flexible and shaped around what you bring.

  • Yes — in-kind donations are welcomed and can be just as valuable as financial contributions.

    Through the Sunshine Coast Arts Foundation, Parados Education can accept in-kind support that directly reduces program costs and strengthens delivery.

    Common in-kind contributions include:

    – Art materials (especially sustainable or natural/found materials)
    – Camping and outdoor equipment (tents, cooking gear, safety equipment)
    – Printing, documentation, and exhibition support
    – Transport support (vehicles, fuel vouchers, logistics assistance)
    – Venue or space access for workshops or exhibitions
    – Professional services (photography, videography, design, mentoring time)

    All in-kind donations are acknowledged, and where applicable, receipts can be provided for the value of goods or services donated (depending on eligibility and documentation).

    If you have something specific in mind, it’s best to connect with the team first so we can ensure it aligns with program needs and safety requirements.