ANZ commits $250,000 for grants to support rural and regional Australia
More than $3 million in grants donated by ANZ since 2003
ANZ and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) today announced the opening of the national 2013 Seeds of Renewal program, providing $250,000 in grants for education and employment projects in regional communities of fewer than 15,000 people.
Tania Motton, ANZ General Manager Regional Business Banking, said: “Supporting local communities is a key part of our Banking on Australia program. Since we started Seeds of Renewal in 2003, ANZ has provided more than $3 million in grants to 635 regional communities across Australia.
“Last year the Robinvale Network House in the Sunraysia Valley was one of 35 Australian community organisations to receive a Seeds of Renewal grant. They used their funding to deliver financial literacy training and provide mentoring to low income residents, many of whom are newly-arrived migrants, which helps build local capacity and skills.
“ANZ has a long history of supporting customers in regional Australia, and through programs like Seeds of Renewal, we remain committed to making a significant contribution to the wellbeing of the rural communities we serve across Australia,” Ms Motton said.
Alexandra Gartmann, FRRR Chief Executive Officer, said the Seeds of Renewal program is important in helping to build sustainable communities.
“A strong local economy is critical to a vibrant rural and regional community. Projects that focus on developing skills, creating jobs or support life-long learning lead to real outcomes. Importantly local communities are best placed to know what will work for their area,” Ms Gartmann said.
Seeds of Renewal is funded by ANZ and independently administered by FRRR. For more information or to apply for an ANZ Seeds of Renewal grant visit www.frrr.org.au/seeds. Applications close 5:00pm on 12 August 2013 and successful applicants will be notified in November 2013.