FINANCIAL WELLBEING PROGRAM
For jobs-focused social enterprises and employment focused not-for-profit organisations.
Stronger financial wellbeing.
Better outcomes.
Whitebox Enterprises’ Financial Wellbeing Program, funded by Ecstra Foundation, supports organisations to deliver practical financial wellbeing education to their employees.
Originally developed as the first program of its kind created specifically for, and with, jobs-focused social enterprises, the program has entered a new phase. Building on three years of evidence and learning, it is now open to employment-focused not-for profit organisations as well.
When people feel confident managing their money, it can reduce financial stress and contribute to better health, stronger relationships, and improved life outcomes.
Many organisations recognise this need, but don’t have the capacity to deliver tailored financial wellbeing support. This program is designed to fill that gap.
“Growing up, no one really talked to me about money. I wasn’t taught how to manage it.
It wasn’t until I was in my late teens, early 20s that my late grandmother showed me how to budget.”
– Jasmine, Marriott Support Services
What the
program offers
Tailored to your organisation
White Box works with each organisation to understand their workforce and context, and adapts delivery accordingly.
Embedded in your model
Designed to integrate into your existing employee support approach, strengthening the wrap-around support you already provide.
Flexible delivery
Choose from train-the-trainer or direct delivery options to suit your operations.
Ongoing support
Mentoring before, during and after delivery to help sustain the program within your organisation.
Peer learning
Connect with like-minded organisations through shared learning and practice forums.
Fully funded
No cost to participate.
how it works
Plan
We work with you to tailor the program to your workforce and support model.
Deliver
Flexible delivery to suit your organisation and operations.
Support
Ongoing mentoring, coaching and shared learning.
Reflect
Light-touch evaluation to track outcomes and capture insights.
The impact so far
to access financial help
See the difference the Financial Wellbeing Program could make for your team. Get in touch
What organisations
are seeing
“Participants have gained a better understanding of their finances and are making efforts to avoid living week to week. Some have even been able to save for a car.”
“I think it’s an extremely valuable experience, not only for the team and myself, but for our supported employees… really I suppose I’m quite impressed with it.”
“She took me aside and said, ‘I’m up to $100 now!’ The look in her eye — I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so alive… She’s managed to save this enormous amount of money , and she’s so empowered by it.”
Action into insights
Like all major programs and initiatives within Whitebox, we evaluate our work – translating impact into data. This helps those outside the sector understand what wrap-around supports are, and the incredible value they add. Over three years, independent evaluation by CSI Swinburne told a consistent story: participants built real confidence and capability managing their money, and organisations were able to embed this support within their existing wraparound model.
Year 1 Evaluation
CSI Swinburne completed its first year independent evaluation of the Financial Wellbeing Program.
Here’s what they found out:
Year 2 Evaluation
CSI Swinburne completed its second year evaluation of the Financial Wellbeing Program.
Here’s what they found out:
Year 3 Evaluation
CSI Swinburne completed its third year evaluation of the Financial Wellbeing Program.
Here’s what they found out:
Participant Stories
These stories bring to life the difference the program is making for participants, and what’s possible when financial wellbeing education becomes part of wraparound support.
Nathan stayed on at Jigsaw just to finish the program.
Jasmine helped shape the program and took away skills she’s still using.
Hikmat shared what he learned with his whole community.
Chris lodged his first tax return and got a refund.
At 68, Lynette is managing her finances for the first time.
Jacob found the confidence to face his debt.
Participating social enterprises
Funding Partner
A special thanks to Ecstra Foundation, this program would not have been possible without your support.
Ecstra Foundation is also leading the call for a National Financial Wellbeing and Capability Strategy: a coordinated, government-led approach to financial capability across Australia. White Box is proud to be one of a growing number of organisations backing this call to action.
The outcomes we’re seeing through this program are a small-scale example of what properly resourced, embedded financial wellbeing support can achieve. Learn more about the campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Financial Wellbeing Program for?
The program is open to jobs focused social enterprises and employment-focused not-for profit organisations. If your organisation employs people who face barriers to work and you provide wrap-around support, this program is likely a good fit.
How much does it cost to participate?
Nothing. The program is fully funded by Ecstra Foundation. There is no cost to your organisation.
Is the program co-designed with each organisation?
The program was originally developed through a co-design process with jobs-focused social enterprises and their employees during a three-year pilot (2023–2025). That work is done. The curriculum has been independently evaluated over three years and is now delivered as a proven, evidence-based program. Before delivery, we run a customisation step, taking this evidence-informed curriculum and refining it to suit each organisation’s workforce, context and delivery setting. Organisations are not co designing the curriculum from scratch, but the program is shaped to fit where it’s being delivered.
Can we take part if we’re not a social enterprise?
Yes. In 2026, with renewed Ecstra Foundation funding, the program expanded beyond social enterprises to include employment-focused NFPs and community organisations. The program was built for organisations that employ people facing barriers to work — that’s the common thread. If that describes your organisation, it’s worth getting in touch.
How is the program delivered?
There are two delivery options: direct delivery, where a White Box facilitator runs sessions with your employees; or train the-trainer, where your staff are equipped to deliver the program themselves. We’ll work with you to choose the approach that best fits your organisation.
What does our organisation need to commit to?
Participating organisations agree on a delivery window and schedule that suits their operations, take part in light evaluation (capturing participant feedback and staff insights), engage in post delivery shared learning activities that help sustain and embed the program, and work to embed financial wellbeing into their existing wrap-around supports.
What evidence is there that it works?
The program has been independently evaluated by CSI Swinburne across three years. All three evaluations found it to be highly effective. Year 3 results showed 86% of participants improved their confidence managing money, and 100% found the program understandable. All desired outcomes for participating social enterprises — integration with existing support, personalisation, and capability building — were achieved. [See the full evaluations ↑]
How do I find out more or register interest?
Get in touch with Kelly at [email protected] to discuss your organisation and whether the program is a good fit.
NEED FINANCE?
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