Media releases

Westpac Foundation to award $2 million in funding to local not-for-profit organisations

1 May, 2017

 

  • Applications for Westpac Foundation’s 200 Community Grants are now open, until 9 June
  • For the first time, community members are encouraged to nominate local community groups which could benefit from the program
  • Westpac Foundation has provided $30 million to more than 450 not-for-profit organisations since 1999

 

To celebrate Westpac’s 200th anniversary, Westpac Foundation will double the amount of Community Grants on offer this year, providing 200 grants worth $10,000 each. This is the Foundation’s largest Community Grants program ever, to help local community organisations around the country work towards a fairer, more inclusive Australia.

 

A record $2 million in funding is now available, and not-for-profit organisations that seek to tackle complex social issues by providing education, employment opportunities and improving the quality of life of Australians experiencing disadvantage are encouraged to apply.

 

In its sixth year, the Westpac Foundation Community Grants program has previously helped to deliver employment pathways for refugees and asylum seekers, support those experiencing homelessness, and provide employment opportunities for Indigenous Australians. The Grants have also helped provide safe refuge for women and youth who are suffering violence at home and assisted people living with disabilities or mental illness, as well as the carers who look after them.

 

Sinclair Taylor, Westpac Foundation CEO, said Westpac has a long and proud history of supporting all Australians, and is celebrating its 200th anniversary by doubling the amount of grants in 2017.

 

“This year, we’re thrilled to double the amount of grants with a record $2 million in funding to help create brighter futures for Australians who are experiencing disadvantage by backing the local community organisations who support them,” Mr Taylor said.
 

“For the first time, we are also asking Australians to get behind their local community and nominate a not-for-profit organisation they think would benefit from a Westpac Foundation Community Grant. These Community Grants are our way of ensuring local organisations can continue to help those that need it most.”

 

Westpac Foundation recognises that organisations can’t succeed through financial support alone. As part of each Westpac Foundation Community Grant, recipients also receive valuable non-financial support from Westpac Foundation via its ‘More than Money’ program, which leverages the skills, resources and networks of Westpac Group employees acting as Community Grant Ambassadors, helping these local community groups create even greater social impact.

 

Applications and nominations are open until 5pm AEST on Friday, 9 June. For the first time, Westpac Group employees will vote and help select the 200 Community Grant recipients. Recipients will then be approved by the Westpac Foundation Board and announced on 18 September 2017.  

 

To nominate, apply or find out more information visit: www.westpac.com.au/grants.   

 

   

 

About Westpac Foundation

Westpac Foundation is a charitable organisation with a legacy that dates back 138 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 $30 million to over 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.