HELP BUILD THE SADDLE ACADEMY

Practical skills. Meaningful work. A future built with purpose. dignity. opportunity.

Tax-deductible. Simple bank transfer.

'The Saddle Academy is about more than saddles.'

The Saddle Academy is a specialised training initiative developed by Bootstraps, focused on preserving traditional saddle-making skills while creating real pathways into skilled trade work.

Participants learn through hands-on experience, mentorship and real production work — not theory alone.

The program is designed to:

  • Teach practical, transferable skills

  • Create pride in craftsmanship

  • Support sustainable, long-term outcomes

The Saddle Academy operates as a paid traineeship. Participants work toward a formal qualification — Certificate III in Leather Production (Saddlery) — ensuring the skills gained are recognised, transferable and meaningful beyond the program itself.

Your Support In Action

Across Australia, hands-on trades are disappearing – along with the pathways they create for people who don’t thrive in traditional classroom settings.

By teaching traditional saddle-making skills, the Saddle Academy creates real opportunities for learning, employment and connection to meaningful work. This is education with a purpose.

As a DGR1-registered charity, donations to Bootstraps are tax-deductible and help build a sustainable Australian industry while supporting our veterans.

Your support helps turn this from an idea into a working program.

A Message from Our CEO

Sam Kavanagh, CEO, Bootstraps
Why We’re Here
Leatherwork, as a tool in itself, has been helping the mental health of not only the 700 plus participants we have already had through our doors, but also our volunteer staff. We want to take the next evolutionary step in our leather craft journey, and are hoping you might like to come along for the ride.
Why the Saddle Academy Exists
Our motives for the Saddle Academy are threefold, with each being as equally important. Born from the artisan’s passion for the craft, we want to revive an Australian icon industry and provide Aussie owned and operated, high-quality, hand-made leather products - including horse tack. Expanding into the saddlery academy will also provide us with a much greater ability to support a larger portion of our communities. The final motivation is to enable Bootstraps to become financially self-sustainable, by manufacturing well-known, well-priced fine leather goods.
Hand cutting leather with tools

Our Fundraising Goal

Million
$ 0

Our goal is to raise $1.5 million to establish and operate the Saddle Academy as a sustainable, long-term training program.

Reaching this goal enables:

  • A fully fitted, dedicated workshop

  • Ongoing program delivery

  • Long-term investment in equipment and facilities

  • Broader access to training opportunities

What Your Donation Supports

Every contribution goes directly toward establishing and growing the Saddle Academy.

Tools & Training

up to
$ 1K
  • Essential tools and materials used in training
  • Day-to-day delivery of hands-on learning sessions
  • Access to training for participants at the early stages

Skilled Pathways

up to
$ 10K
  • Paid traineeship placements for participants
  • Workshop resources and specialist equipment
  • Skilled instructors and supervised training delivery

Full Scholarship

is
$ 45K
  • Includes a paid traineeship placement
  • Supports completion of a Certificate III qualification
  • Covers training, mentoring and associated costs

Academy Partner

over
$ 500K
  • Long-term partnership with the Saddle Academy
  • Recognition through branding and visibility
  • Reach out for more information

Choose the option that feels right for you. Every contribution moves us closer to opening the doors.

Donate Now

Simply click on the ‘DONATE’ button below to make donation via PayPal.

If you’d prefer to make a direct transfer from your bank account please see the account details below!

BTSTRAPS INC
National Australia Bank (NAB)
BSB: 084657
ACCOUNT NO: 240018621

NB: In order for us to register, reconcile and provide a receipt for your donation correctly, please take a moment to complete our ‘Donation confirmation form’ below and leave a message outlining your company name and/or details.

*BOOTSTRAPS ADVISES TO SEEK THE PROFESSIONAL ADVICE OF AN ACCOUNTANT BEFORE MAKING TAX DEDUCTABLE DONATIONS TO ANY ORGANISATION.

Donation confirmation form

Once you’ve made a transfer, let us know so we can acknowledge your support.

Questions You Might Have

If you’re considering supporting the Saddle Academy, these are the questions we’re most often asked.

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes. Bootstraps is a DGR1-registered charity, and eligible donations are tax deductible.

How will my donation be used?

Donations are used to establish and operate the Saddle Academy, including training materials, workshop equipment, instructors and program delivery. Supporters are welcome to indicate where they would like their donation applied. We will do our best to honour these preferences in line with program needs.

How do I know my donation has been received?

Once you’ve made a bank transfer, you can confirm your donation using the form on this page. We’ll acknowledge your support once it’s received.

Can businesses or organisations donate or sponsor the Academy?

Yes. We welcome business donations, sponsorships and partnerships. Please get in touch to discuss suitable options.