Media releases
Westpac Foundation to award $800,000 in funding to local not-for-profit organisations
16 February 2015
- Westpac’s biggest community grants program to date
- Applications now open for the 2015 Westpac Foundation Community Grants Program.
Westpac Foundation will award $800,000 in funding to local not-for-profit organisations in its largest Community Grants program to date. Not-for-profit organisations can now apply for a funding boost of up to $10,000 each through the Program, with applications open from today.
The Foundation, in partnership with Westpac, will be supporting local organisations whose innovative ideas make a real difference in their community. Specifically, the grants address social disadvantage by funding organisations that create better futures for youth at risk, people living with disability, Indigenous Australians and people from refugee backgrounds building a new life in Australia.
The Foundation is supported by staff members from across Westpac who have contributed over $270,000 during 2014, enabling the Westpac Foundation to give away more Community Grants this year. Since 1999, Westpac Foundation has been supporting Australian communities through grants worth more than $28 million to more than 300 not-for-profit
organisations.
Westpac Group Executive of Retail & Business Banking and Westpac Foundation Board Trustee, Jason Yetton said, “We have a long and proud history of supporting those who need it most in our communities. By partnering with the Westpac Foundation, we are able to support innovative social programs that have the potential to achieve real change and improve the lives of those who are facing disadvantage.”
“We are also proud to this year provide Community Grants recipients with nonfinancial support, leveraging the skills and expertise of the Westpac Group for the benefit of our grantees. This will include capability-building opportunities like mentoring and financial education. We know that organisations really benefit and prosper when they have this combined support,” said Mr Yetton. Grant applications are open from today until Tuesday 24 March. Applicants will be assessed by Westpac Foundation in partnership with Westpac employees. Recipients will then be approved by the Westpac Foundation Board and announced in June 2015. To check grant eligibility criteria and apply, please visit: www.westpac.com.au/about-westpac/westpac-foundation/
About Westpac Foundation
Westpac Foundation is a charitable organisation that invests in enterprises taking a fresh approach to addressing social problems, borrowing the best from business to create more opportunity for Australia’s most disadvantaged. While being independent, the Foundation considers The Westpac Group to be its greatest supporter. Since 1999, The Westpac Foundation has granted more than $28 million to more than 300 not-for-profit organisations and remains steadfast in its goal to be a catalyst for improving community wellbeing in Australia
For further information:
Caroline Bligh
Westpac Public Relations
carolinebligh@westpac.com.au
T: 02 9295 7867
M: 0413 271 528
Stephanie Williams
Map and Page
stephanie.williams@mapandpage.com.au
T: 02 9368 4507
M: 0403 052 648