Westpac Banking : 01/05/2018 Westpac Foundation to award $2 million in funding to local community organisations

01 May, 2018

• Applications for the 2018 Westpac Foundation Community Grants program are now open
• Grants offer $10,000 in funding as well as valuable non-financial support to local community organisations across the country
• Since 1999, Westpac Foundation has provided more than $35 million to over 590 not-for-profit organisations

Westpac Foundation has announced that applications are open for its annual Community Grants program, with $2 million to be awarded to community organisations around Australia.

In its seventh year, 200 grants of $10,000 each will be available for not-for-profit organisations that are working towards a fairer, more inclusive Australia by helping Australians in need with educational opportunities, employment pathways and improved quality of life.

Local organisations and members of the community have been invited to nominate local not-for-profit groups which could benefit from the program.

Westpac Foundation CEO, Susan Bannigan, said 'We have a long history of helping Australians and are proud to continue this through the Community Grants program, which is all about supporting community organisations that are making a real difference. This year we're looking forward to hearing from Australians about those doing great work in their local area.'

Westpac Foundation's Community Grants program has assisted organisations to deliver education and employment pathways for Indigenous Australians, refugees and asylum seekers, and those experiencing homelessness. Additionally, the grants have helped to provide safe refuge for women and youth at risk, as well as assistance for people living with disabilities or mental illness.

'In addition to the $10,000 grant, each community organisation is matched with a Westpac Group employee ambassador and has access to employee volunteers, who are keen to share their skills, resources and networks to help create even greater social impact,' Ms Bannigan said.

Applications and nominations are open until 5pm AEST on Friday 8 June 2018. Nominations are open for Australians who want to put forward a not-for-profit organisation they think would benefit from a Westpac Foundation Community Grant and not-for-profit organisations are also welcome to self-nominate. Recipients will be approved by the Westpac Foundation Board and announced in September 2018.

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

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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 provided more than $35 million to over 590 not-for-profit organisations and remains steadfast in its goal to help open doors to social and financial inclusion for fellow Australians experiencing disadvantage.