Media releases
Westpac Foundation to award $1.5 million in funding to Australian social enterprises
1 February, 2017
Westpac Foundation has today announced that applications are open for its Social Scale-up Grant program, with not-for-profit social enterprises invited to apply for grants that are $300,000 each, over three years.
As well as the financial support, successful organisations will also receive non-financial support in the form of business mentoring via Westpac Group employees, to help improve their business sustainability and capacity to scale-up their operations for increased social impact.
This grant program builds on the long history of support for Australian communities offered by Westpac Foundation since it was formed 138 years ago. Since 1999, the Foundation has granted more than $30 million to more than 450 not-for-profit organisations, of which over $15 million has been awarded to social enterprises.
Westpac Foundation CEO Sinclair Taylor said the work of social enterprises in creating employment pathways was critical to those Australians facing barriers to gaining mainstream jobs.
“Our Social Scale-up Grants reflect our focus on supporting not-for-profit organisations which create jobs and employment pathways for people who may otherwise be unable to access sustainable employment opportunities.
“We have designed these grants – over multiple years, with both financial and non-financial support aspects – to best support organisations to become financially sustainable through their own business activities ensuring they are around for the long-term to deliver more jobs and employment pathways for disadvantaged Australians.
“We’re excited by the prospect of backing the people with the passion and conviction to make a positive, measurable difference for their fellow Australians and watching communities strengthen as a result,” Mr Taylor said.
The successful applicants for 2017 will join our 2016 cohort; STREAT, Bama Services, Green Connect, Jigsaw Business Solutions and The Bread & Butter Project. Visit our website to view their stories.
Westpac Foundation will present an information webinar briefing on Friday, 10 February at 12 noon (Sydney AEDT) to be hosted by Westpac Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Sinclair Taylor. The webinar will provide a detailed overview of the Social Scale-up Grant Program, eligibility criteria, plus hints and tips on submitting a strong application.
For more information and to apply, visit: westpacfoundation.org.au > Grants > Social Scale-up 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 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 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.