ANZ Social Inclusion Grants

Warragul fireman, Tyler Hogan, speaking at the 2010 launch

Small grants to aid ‘grassroots’ social and economic development in regional and rural communities throughout Australia are available through ANZ Bank's Seeds of Renewal partnership with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR).

Since its beginning seven years ago, Seeds of Renewal has provided in excess of $2 million in grants to more than 500 community projects in support of rural and regional Australia.

ANZ says the social inclusion funding focuses on communities identified as more vulnerable because of location, industry composition, demographic profile, skill mix and past economic performance.

In 2010, the grants have been increased up to $15,000, from $10,000 in 2009, and are available to fund projects that create education and employment opportunities, build financial capability, help to bridge urban and rural social and economic gaps or support disaster recovery or preparedness.

FRRR Chief Executive Officer, Sylvia Admans says the increased funding will provide local projects with an extra boost they need to really make a difference to their communities.

Speaking at the program launch, Warragul Fire Brigade fire-fighter, Tyler Hogan, told how the devastating effects of the Victorian Black Saturday fires in February 2009 had resulted in a large increase in volunteer fire-fighters and a need for training facilities.

Tyler said the 2009 Seeds of Renewal grant gave the brigade the funds it needed to set up a training facility which is being used by the CFA to run courses as interbrigade training across the region.

Also speaking at the program launch, ANZ Managing Director Retail Distribution, Mark Hand, said initiatives that are identified and managed locally and designed to meet local needs have the best chance of delivering long-term economic and social benefits.

ANZ Seeds of Renewal is open to Not for Profit organisations in communities with a population of 15,000 people or less. Applications close Friday 3 September 2010. Successful applicants will be notified in late October 2010.

To apply for an ANZ Seeds of Renewal grant visit www.frrr.org.au