2025 Inspire grants: $1.2 million investment in education achievement

We are delighted to announce St.George, BankSA, and Bank of Melbourne Foundation have awarded their 2025 Inspire Grants to five remarkable local charities - GO Foundation, EPIC Pathways, Country Education Foundation of Australia, Australian Business Community Network Scholarship Foundation and Skyline Education Foundation.


Funding of $1.2 million will support innovative programs that aim to uplift the educational achievements of young people facing disadvantage including those from low socio-economic, rural and remote areas, and First Nations communities.


St.George, BankSA, and Bank of Melbourne Foundation CEO, Sally-Anne O’Brien said “Funding to address educational inequity in Australia is essential to help ensure all children and young people have the opportunity to thrive. Disadvantage can significantly impact a student's educational outcomes from an early age, and without intervention, the gap continues to grow.”


“We focus on these areas because they provide pathways out of disadvantage” continued Sally-Anne. “Educational attainment in particular is a vital predictor of future employment, welfare, and health prospects. It is one of the most powerful ways to create positive change and have a lasting impact.”


This year’s Inspire Grant partners will each receive grants ranging from $150,000 to $300,000. In the last five years, St.George, BankSA and Bank of Melbourne Foundations have committed $3.87 million in funding to 13 local organisations to support education equality.


Together, they are focused on creating a future where every young person has the chance to reach their potential, regardless of their background or circumstances.


Join us in congratulating the 2025 Inspire Grant recipients:

  • GO Foundation: Granted $300,000, GO Foundation provides an education scholarship program for First Nations children and young people. Their program includes cultural and aspirational activities, access to opportunities through partnerships, and financial support for school essentials.
  • EPIC Pathways: Granted $300,000, EPIC Pathways' program empowers First Nations high school students by integrating cultural knowledge with contemporary education strategies, enhancing education outcomes, and expanding pathways into further education, training, and employment.
  • Country Education Foundation of Australia: Granted $300,000, this foundation provides community-based support and financial assistance to rural and regional youth, helping them pursue post-school education and training.
  • Australian Business Community Network Scholarship Foundation: Granted $150,000, ABCN's Accelerate program supports young people to complete Year 12 and pursue tertiary pathways through financial assistance, professional mentorship, and career readiness resources.
  • Skyline Education Foundation: Granted $150,000, Skyline empowers high-potential students facing social and economic adversity to complete VCE by providing educational, emotional, and practical support, payment of school fees, and transformative learning experiences.


About the Foundations at Westpac Group – Investing in change that matters since 1879


Since creating its first philanthropic foundation 140 years ago, Westpac Group has gone on to establish a family of five foundations (Westpac, St.George, BankSA and Bank of Melbourne Foundations, and Westpac Scholars Trust) which are investing in – job creation, next generation leaders and supporting children and young people to thrive. They are determined to make a difference by backing the people and organisations that are building better futures for all Australians.


#DoingGoodIsInOurDNA

NB: Image courtesy of Skyline Education Foundation.