Local community organisation Binjari Community Aboriginal Corporation (BCAC) has been awarded a $10,000 grant by Westpac Foundation 200 Community Grants program in recognition of their work helping to improve the quality of life for those who are experiencing disadvantage.
The programs run by BCAC in Katherine contribute to the community by enhancing the lives of the Aboriginal people and their families, whilst protecting the Binjari peoples’ traditions, beliefs and culture.
Ms May Barron – Chairperson of Binjari Community Aboriginal Corporation said, “Our community-based programs and services empower Aboriginal people, inspiring a sense of pride and positively impacting overall wellbeing. The Westpac Foundation Community Grant will enable us to continue to provide opportunities, particularly for young people in our community.”
In 2017, a total of $40,000 has been awarded to 4 organisations in the Northern Territory who take a fresh approach to addressing social problems. Since 2012, Westpac Foundation Community Grants have provided more than $133,000 to not-for-profits in the Northern Territory who are making a difference to their local communities.
Lisa Grundy, Westpac Regional General Manager Northern Australia, said the increase in this year’s funding showed Westpac’s commitment to support all Australians and not-for-profit organisations who are addressing social issues in their local community.
“For the past 200 years we have helped Australia to prosper and grow and we remain committed to supporting not-for-profit organisations that work tirelessly to address social and economic disadvantage in our local community and are thrilled that Binjari Community Aboriginal Corporation will be able to continue their great work which will benefit our region.
“Westpac Foundation was one of the first philanthropic organisations in Australia to develop a grant program specifically to support social enterprises. We are proud to continue that work and double the amount of funding in our 200th year in business,” Ms Grundy said.
In addition, BCAC will also receive non-financial support from Westpac Group employees, acting as Community Grants Ambassadors. Ambassadors will provide tailored support that draws on Westpac Group’s strengths, such as financial and business services, marketing, HR and innovation. This valuable guidance contributes to the ongoing success of each organisation, helping them to prosper and grow.
The 2017 Community Grants program is Westpac Foundation’s largest funding round to date and will help almost 47,000 people in need across Australia. In its sixth year, the program helps to build vibrant and inclusive communities by assisting organisations that are working with some of the most marginalised individuals in our community.
To view the full list of grant recipients, please visit: westpac.com.au/grants
ABOUT WESTPAC FOUNDATION
Westpac Foundation is a charitable organisation with a legacy that dates back 138 years. Since 1999, Westpac Foundation has granted more than $34 million to over 590 not-for-profit organisations and remains steadfast in its goal to support community organisations which are creating a fairer, more inclusive Australia for those who are experiencing disadvantage.While being independent, Westpac Foundation considers Westpac Group to be its greatest supporter.
ABOUT 200 COMMUNITY GRANTS
Since 2012, 570 Community Grants have been awarded to a value of $5.5 million. Through our Community Grants program, we:
- Partner with smaller community organisations that require a funding boost and are often not big enough to generate significant fundraising income of their own.
- Fund organisations that demonstrate they can improve the lives of Australia’s most disadvantaged; helping to create opportunities that aim to break the cycle of social exclusion and poverty.
- Offer all grant recipients non-financial support
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2017 WESTPAC FOUNDATION COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM
- 1,399 nominations were made and 1,110 applications were submitted by 959 community organisations
- It is estimated that 46,961 people will be supported in the community as a result of the 200 grants
- 39 (20%) grant recipients have been funded previously by Westpac Foundation
- 60% of grant recipients have a gross annual revenue <$1m
