Media releases
Westpac Foundation launches a record grants program with $940,000 available to benefit local Australian communities
- Applications for the 2016 Westpac Foundation Community Grants program are now open
- Westpac Foundation has donated more than $28 million to more than 450 not-for-profit organisations since 1999
- For the first time, all Westpac Community Grant recipients will also be provided with mentoring, training and networking support
Westpac Foundation is inviting local organisations around Australia to take part in its largest Community Grant program to date, with a total of $940,000 to be awarded to local not-for-profit organisations.
Grants up to the value of $10,000 will be awarded to worthy, not-for-profit organisations that make a real difference in their communities and help to improve the lives of Australians experiencing disadvantage.
Specifically, the grants will assist organisations that provide either educational opportunities, employment opportunities, or improve the quality of life for young people, women at risk, people living with a disability, Indigenous Australians and/or people from refugee backgrounds who are building a new life in Australia.
Westpac Group General Manager and Westpac Foundation Board Trustee, Bernadette Inglis said Westpac has a long and proud history of helping to create better futures for those in our local communities.
"We are so proud to provide support both through our Community Grants program and in times of crisis through our Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service, our partnership with the Salvation Army and our disaster recovery grants.
"We know that organisations really benefit and prosper when they have comprehensive support. So in addition to the grants, for the first time, we will provide all 94 grant recipients with essential non-financial support which will include skilled volunteering, mentoring and networking opportunities," Ms Inglis said.
Applications are open now until Thursday, 17 March 2016, and will be assessed by Westpac Foundation, in partnership with Westpac employees. Grant recipients will be announced in May 2016.
Since 1999, Westpac Foundation has helped more than 450 not-for-profit organisations by providing over $28 million in much needed funding to improve the lives of disadvantaged Australians. Westpac Foundation is supported by contributions from Westpac employees and each dollar raised is matched by Westpac.
To check grant eligibility criteria and apply, please visit: http://www.westpac.com.au/about-westpac/our-foundations/westpac-foundation/grants/community-grants/
ABOUT WESTPAC FOUNDATION
Westpac Foundation is a charitable organisation with a legacy that dates back 137 years. In 1879 Thomas Buckland, the President of the Bank of New South Wales (which became Westpac), established The Buckland Fund to help families of deceased bank employees who found themselves in financial hardship. The fund commenced with Mr Buckland's initial donation of £1,000, a bonus he received for services to the bank.
Today, Westpac Foundation continues to support social enterprises and local grassroots organisations taking a fresh approach to addressing complex social problems, borrowing the best from business and the social sector to create more opportunity for Australia's most disadvantaged. While being independent, Westpac Foundation considers Westpac Group to be its greatest supporter.
Since 1999, Westpac Foundation has granted more than $28 million to more than 450 not-for-profit organisations and remains steadfast in its goal to help open doors to social and financial inclusion for fellow Australians experiencing disadvantage.