Community Impact & Foundations

Investing in change that matters since 1879.

History

We’ve been helping people in need for over 140 years. Doing good is in our DNA.

 

In 1879, Westpac became the first company in Australia to establish a charitable organisation. Launched by then CEO Thomas Buckland, the Buckland Fund (now part of the Westpac Foundation) originally helped widows and orphans of bank employees.


Since then, we’ve invested heavily to establish four other philanthropic foundations, including St.George, Bank of Melbourne, BankSA Foundations and Westpac Scholars Trust. The last of which was formed in 2014 with a $100 million gift to fund 100 scholarships a year, forever. At the time this was the largest philanthropic endeavour by an Australian corporate.  

Vision

In continuing our support of the foundations, along with our employee programs, we are determined to make a difference by backing the people and organisations who are building better futures for all Australians.  

Strategic approach

The foundations focus on the areas that matter to our customers, communities and people – job creation, investing in next generation leaders and supporting young people facing challenges.  

 

In alignment with the foundations, Westpac Group employees are also able to contribute to driving purposeful and sustainable progress through their participation in our employee programs.


Together with the foundations, we are seeking to:  

  • Create 10,000 jobs for people facing disadvantage by 2030
  • Award 100 scholarships a year forever, to individuals transforming the future of Australia
  • Improve educational and well-being outcomes for children and young people in local areas where we operate
  • Empower Westpac Group employees to give back through skilled volunteering
  • Match employee donations through our Matched Giving Program. 

Impact

In 2023, Forbes Australia named us the largest corporate giver in the banking sector. It also ranked us fifth overall for community investment among all Australian corporations, contributing $65 million through charitable gifts, matched giving and community partnerships.


The foundations also contributed an additional $11 million in FY23.

$65M

Community investment by Westpac Group in 2023 including charitable gifts, matched giving and community partnerships. 

$28M

Provided by Westpac Foundation to more than 600 social enterprises creating 7,240 jobs for disadvantaged Aussies since 2015.

$45M

Invested by Westpac Scholars Trust into 830 scholarships for our next generation of leaders since 2016.

$25M

Provided by St.George, BankSA & Bank of Melbourne Foundations to local charities creating brighter futures for children and young people since 2014.

We measure impact using grant partner provided statistics alongside our own financials and internal surveys, including the Westpac Scholars Trust Long-Term Impact Evaluation and annual Scholar Survey. 

Our foundations

Westpac Foundation

Investing in job creation by providing funding and programs to help create jobs and opportunities for those facing barriers to work.

Westpac Scholars

Investing in the next generation to transform the future of Australia by awarding 100 scholarships a year, forever.

St.George Foundation

Investing in small, local charities helping to create brighter futures for children and young people in our communities.

Bank of Melbourne Foundation

Investing in small, local charities helping children and young people in Victoria thrive.

BankSA Foundation

Investing in small, local charities helping children and young people realise their potential in South Australia and Northern Territory. 

Employee programs & other community initiatives

Through our Workplace Giving Program #DoubleTheGood, we focus our impact on five key areas important to both our people and our purpose of creating better futures together. Westpac matches employee donations to more than 150 charities aligned to the following areas:

  • Support in good times and bad
  • Action on climate and nature
  • Equitable and inclusive societies
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Westpac Group Foundations.
Things you should know

In addition to establishing the foundations, Westpac Group continues to provide administrative support, skilled volunteering, and funding for operational costs for the Foundations, although they are not part of the Westpac Group.