Media releases
Westpac Foundation gives $870,000 to improve social change for over 10,000 Australians
29 June 2015
- 92 organisations have today received Westpac Foundation Community Grants valued at up to $10,000 each to improve social disadvantage
- 5 organisations received grants through crowdfunding at Westpac events
Local community organisations with innovative ideas for social change have today received a record $870,000 worth of grants through the Westpac Foundation Community Grants program.
Over 90 community organisations will receive grants valued at up to $10,000 each, directly benefiting over 10,000 Australians1. Since 1999, the Westpac Foundation has donated more than $28 million to assist local communities create better futures for youth at risk, people living with a disability, Indigenous Australians, refugees, homeless and elderly Australians.
A total of $310,000 was raised from employee and customer fundraising and donations. In addition, a Westpac-first crowdfunding initiative raised more than $50,0002 at a series of customer events in May, which will go to local organisations to address social issues in Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory.
Lisa Waldron, Executive Officer of the Westpac Foundation said the grants help to alleviate growing social issues like homelessness, domestic violence, unemployment, a shortage of affordable housing and mental illness experienced by many Australian families.
"The need right now in our communities is significant. There are 100,000 homeless people – half of these are individuals under the age of 243 – and 14 per cent of children live in jobless families4. The generous donations given by our employees and customers mean more funds than ever will go directly back into their local communities through the Westpac Foundation. These Grants help to open doors for those who need a hand-up to improve their futures.
"We have a long and proud history of helping our communities to prosper and grow. 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.
"From a centre in Western Australia that helps Indigenous youth remain engaged in education, to a Queensland helpline for women and children who experience domestic violence, the Westpac Foundation Community Grants are addressing social disadvantage at its core," Lisa added.
Westpac aims to strengthen organisations and support their innovative programs for long-term sustainability by combining ongoing non-financial support with a financial grant. This year, Westpac Group employees will also provide support through mentoring and ambassador programs.
For more information on the Westpac Foundation Community Grants program and eligibility, please visit www.westpac.com.au/westpacfoundation
ABOUT WESTPAC FOUNDATION:
At Westpac Foundation our vision is of a future where every Australian has the best possible chance to succeed in life. With a heritage dating back to 1879, today we invest in enterprises taking a fresh approach to addressing social problems, borrowing the best from business to open doors and create opportunities for Australia’s most disadvantaged. Since 1999, we have granted more than $28 million to more than 200 social enterprises and not-for-profit organisations.
- According to Westpac Foundation Community Grant applications
- $30,000 from the Westpac crowdfunding events will be distributed to 2015 Westpac Foundation Community Grants recipients. The remaining funding from the events will go towards Grant recipients in 2016.
- Salvation Army, ‘Homeless Australians’, http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/Who-We-Are/our-work/Homelessness
- Growing up in Australia Report, Longitudinal Study of Australian Children Annual statistical report 2010, http://www.growingupinaustralia.gov.au/pubs/asr/2010/asr2010d.html