With $105,000 worth of funding awarded this month, Real Needs aims to support Aussie kids by helping to launch new initiatives or build on existing services and programs.
The first grant recipients of the Real Needs monthly program span a wide range of local and national not-for-profit organisations and community groups from across Australia. The successful applicants have also highlighted the variety of needs for child support including pet therapy, teen pregnancy support, mental health services and food relief.
Awarded the highest grant value of $20,000, Ronald McDonald House Perth’s Real Needs Learning Program provides educational and creative therapy services to heal and empower children who have fallen behind in their education due to illness.
Peter King, Head of Ronald McDonald House Perth, said, “We’re honoured to be the first recipient of the $20,000 grant from Real Needs. It’s great to see Australian businesses like Real Insurance recognising the needs of children in local communities.
“We look forward to working with Real Insurance as we roll out our new learning program to help minimise the adverse impact of ill health upon the education of children across West Australia.”
Real Insurance staff also had the opportunity to vote for a finalist to receive an additional $5,000 ‘Staff Choice’ grant. The beneficiary of this award for the first round was Guide Dogs NSW/ACT for their Mobility Adventure Weekend Program for kids with impaired vision.
Mark Reid, CEO, Greenstone (the distributor of Real Insurance), said, “We are overwhelmed with the quality of applications which came through in the first round of submissions and are excited to assist the selected recipients in making a difference in the lives of children in need. We can’t wait to see what these programs will offer to the local communities and how we can continue to work together in supporting Australia’s youth.”
The second round of the monthly Real Needs program is now open for applications. To be eligible for a Real Needs 2015 grant, not-for-profit organisations must support children up to the age of 18 years and be a registered charity, community group or service, sporting club or hospital community program.
To find out more or apply for the second round of grants from Real Needs, please visit http://realneeds.realinsurance.com.au or contact admin@realneeds.com.au.