Community Impact & Foundations

Vision

We’re entering a new chapter in our approach to community investment. In 2026, Westpac is uniting its philanthropic foundations — Westpac, St.George, BankSA and Bank of Melbourne —  and launching a bold new plan to help improve numeracy and literacy outcomes for children in under-resourced communities.

This involves uniting the strengths, funding and resources of our philanthropic foundations to tackle this critical issue. Westpac is also investing in additional partnerships with leading education charities so that together, we can make a bigger difference.

History

We’ve been helping people in need for over 140 years

In 1879, Westpac became the first company in Australia to establish a charitable organisation. Launched by then CEO Thomas Buckland, the Buckland Fund (now part of Westpac Foundation) originally helped widows and orphans of bank employees.

Since then, we’ve invested heavily to establish four other philanthropic foundations, including St.George, Bank of Melbourne, BankSA Foundations and Westpac Scholars Trust. The last of which was formed in 2014 with a $100 million gift to fund 100 scholarships a year, forever. At the time this was the largest philanthropic endeavour by an Australian corporate.  

Strategic approach

Why education, why now?

Right now, one in three Australian children aren’t meeting minimum benchmarks in reading and maths — a gap that’s even wider in under-resourced communities.

The gap is real — and it’s growing. Without action, too many children will continue to fall behind in the fundamental skills that open doors to every opportunity in life.

This builds on our decade-long commitment to education, established with the Westpac Scholars Trust’s pledge to award 100 scholarships a year, forever. Now we’re going earlier, with a bigger and bolder ambition — because when we invest in a child’s education, we invest in Australia’s future. 

Backed by scale and partnerships

Launching in 2026, our new grants program and partnerships will help us scale evidence-based solutions, break down barriers to learning, and support more children in under-resourced communities.

Employee programs & other community initiatives

Acknowledgement

We acknowledge the First Peoples of Australia and recognise their ongoing role as Traditional Owners of the land and waters of this country. We acknowledge Westpac’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees, partners, and stakeholders, and pay our respects to their Elders, both past and present.