Australian Ethical Delivers Dollars to NFPs

Australian Ethical Investment has announced the winners of its 2013 Community Grants program, among them include the Asylum Seeker Centre and the Australian Conservation Fund.

Ten per cent of Australian Ethical Investments’ profits go into the program that donates to outstanding Not for Profit and social organisations, locally and abroad.

Australian Ethical Investment General Manager for Strategy, Paul Smith said considering recent events, including AusAID’s integration into the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, corporate giving was now in a crucial role.

“Charities already find themselves in a challenging funding situation, and with this announcement on the future of AusAID in the climate of post-election uncertainty, we are likely to see an escalated reliance on the generosity, leadership and foresight of corporate givers,” Smith said.

“It’s a privilege to be able to provide this essential funding and support to projects and organisations at the forefront of positive environmental and social change – in particular two groups that are currently receiving AusAID funding and are looking at an uncertain future.”

The recipients which received between $4000 and $30,000 each are:

• 40K Foundation for 40K PLUS an after-school education program created for kids living in poverty or with limited access to a good education;

• Asylum Seeker Centre for the Employment Assistance Program, which helps asylum seeker prepare and find a job;

• Australian Conservation Foundation for 100% Renewable Ready, a campaign for clean renewable energy;

• Communities@Work for The Yellow Van Food Rescue, a food rescue service;

• East Timor Women Australia for the Fair futures for women and girls in Timor-Leste;

• Free to Shine for Scholarship for girls at risk;

• Inanna inc – community organisation in Canberra providing crisis accommodation and support services to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, experiencing mental health issues or who have been through trauma –  for Comforting kids program;

• Kokoda Track Foundation for Lighting up PNG – a solar light program for people in Papua New Guinea;

• Primary Ethics for the Delivery of ethics classes;

• Street Swags, which provide swags to the homeless, for 80 Street Swags.

Australian Ethical Investments is an ethical superannuation and investment fund management company.

The company says the Community Grants program aims to provide support to projects that efficiently deliver tangible outcomes, in line with the Australian Ethical Charter.