Our Young Leaders
Young Leaders in Philanthropy — Launching 2026
Why Young Leaders Matter
At Unite4Kids Foundation, we believe that if we’re raising funds for children and young adults, then their voices need to be heard.
Young people bring lived experience, fresh perspectives, authentic connection to the cohort we serve, passion and energy, and future vision for what philanthropy can become.
Yet youth voices are often overlooked in charitable decision-making, even in organizations raising funds specifically for young people.
Unite4Kids is changing this.
Young Leaders in Philanthropy Program
In 2026, Unite4Kids will launch our Young Leaders in Philanthropy Program designed to:
✓ Give young people a voice in charitable decision-making
✓ Develop the next generation of philanthropic leaders
✓ Create succession pathways ensuring our mission continues
✓ Connect young leaders with mentors and opportunities
✓ Amplify youth perspectives on what children and young adults actually need
✓ Build leadership skills in governance, fundraising, and impact measurement
The Young Leaders Advisory Group
A dedicated group of young people aged 18-30 who will advise on strategic direction, lead fundraising initiatives, advocate for change (especially for young adults 18-25), and develop leadership capacity through hands-on nonprofit governance experience.
Mentorship & Oversight
The Young Leaders Advisory Group will be overseen through a structured mentoring program connecting young leaders with established leaders from our Board and partner network, providing regular sessions, group learning, shadowing opportunities, and access to professional networks.
Meet Our Inaugural Chair
Holly Mead
Co-Founder & Inaugural Chair, Young Leaders in Philanthropy
Holly knows firsthand what it means to face serious illness as a child. Diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia at age six, Holly spent 2.5 years in treatment, experiencing the fear, isolation, and disruption that seriously ill children navigate.
Now a university student studying a Bachelor of Zoology with plans to pursue her passion for the ocean and become a Marine Biologist, Holly has grown from patient to advocate, from beneficiary to leader.
As Inaugural Chair of the Young Leaders in Philanthropy Advisory Group, Holly will lead a new generation of young people committed to creating change and ensuring charitable giving reflects the actual needs and experiences of children and young adults.
Who Can Join?
Young people aged 18-30 who have been personally impacted by illness, disability, or hardship; have witnessed loved ones face serious health challenges; possess genuine desire to help, give, and serve; want to develop leadership and philanthropic skills; and reside in or have strong connections to South Australia.
Program Benefits
- Develop Skills — Nonprofit governance, fundraising, advocacy, impact measurement
- Build Networks — Connect with philanthropic leaders, access mentorship
- Create Impact — Influence funding decisions, advocate for underserved populations
- Gain Experience — Hands-on leadership, resume-building role