$250,000 grants offered for rural communities
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Applications for ANZ Seeds of Renewal are now open. The bank has pledged $250,000 in funding to support initiatives that help to build vibrant and sustainable rural communities, ensuring the ongoing prosperity of regional Australia.
The 2017 program, launched by ANZ and the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal (FRRR), and supported by Lenovo, seeks to identify and support projects that will deliver demonstrable medium-to-long-term economic benefits to the community.
ANZ General Manager of Regional Business Banking, Isaac Rankin, said the program has a proud history of supporting regional Australia, with $4.3 million invested by ANZ since 2003 to help 779 community groups achieve their goals.
“Seeds of Renewal is truly an investment in regional Australia and our regional communities. The hundreds of community-based, grassroots programs and initiatives that Seeds of Renewal has supported over the years have left a lasting legacy and created new opportunities for economic diversification, transition and prosperity across the country,” Rankin said.
Since inception, Seeds of Renewal grants have contributed to a variety of initiatives in communities of fewer than 15,000 people, including the construction and restoration of community facilities, education, training and mentoring programs, and the development of social enterprises.
FRRR Chief Executive Officer, Natalie Egleton said Seeds of Renewal grants often kick-start sustainable change within the community.
“A key focus of the program is to empower regional communities to build a strong and sustainable future for themselves. Last year alone, Seeds of Renewal funded 26 grant applications, contributing to the delivery of successful programs that upskilled and educated individuals and community groups – opening doors to new opportunities,” Egleton said.
Applications close at 5:00pm on 4 August 2017, with successful applicants notified in November 2017.
