ANZ commits $250K to help rural and regional communities through Seeds of Renewal
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Applications are now open for the ANZ Seeds of Renewal program, with grants of up to $15,000 available for not-for-profit organisations in remote, rural and regional areas to support the ongoing prosperity of regional Australia.
“This year we are proud to once again contribute to the long-term growth and sustainability of small rural communities,” said Jenefer Stewart, ANZ General Manager Business Banking.
The program, which is now in its 21st year, is administered by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) and has provided more than $5.5 million to more than 800 community groups for approximately 900 projects to help build vibrant and sustainable communities.
This year, the ANZ Seeds of Renewal program is again offering a share of $250,000 to community organisations in remote, rural or regional locations for projects aligned to four focus areas:
- Environmental sustainability: initiatives that restore and conserve the natural environment or which contribute to lower carbon emissions, water stewardship and waste minimisation;
- Financial wellbeing: particularly for under-represented and disadvantaged people in the community, including initiatives that improve economic participation. For example, building financial literacy and vocational skills and providing access to meaningful work;
- Housing access: initiatives and programs that support those experiencing or at risk of homelessness or that provide supports for people living with disability; or
- Projects that assist local communities to thrive by either enabling vibrant communities where everyone can participate and build a better life, or creating sustainable communities that help deliver demonstrable medium to long term economic sustainability.
Stewart highlighted that ANZ is committed to enhancing the wellbeing and prosperity of the communities where our people live and work, and where our business operates.
“One way we do this is by reinvesting in communities through programs like Seeds of Renewal.”
FRRR CEO Natalie Egleton shared that in today’s financial environment, there is a heightened need to support and strengthen the sustainability of rural Australia.
“We believe local leaders and community groups are best placed to identify and address the environmental, financial and housing concerns in their region, and to know first-hand what their communities need to thrive.”
Related: ANZ commits $250,000 for Seeds of Renewal Program helping rural and regional communities
“Programs like ANZ Seeds of Renewal mean we can support these types of meaningful and community-led projects that promote the sustainability and liveability of remote, rural and regional Australia,” she said.
“We look forward to seeing what projects local groups put forward this year,” Egleton said.
Last year, ANZ and FRRR provided grants to 20 community groups for projects including preserving Anbinik Rainforests through Indigenous Fire Management in Arnhem Land, NT; building capability and confidence by providing practical financial literacy skills and awareness training to women in East Gippsland, Victoria; providing fit out of accommodation to support women at risk of domestic violence and homelessness in remote WA; and delivering key skills training to increase the employability of young people in agriculture in Crookwell, NSW.
“This year we are proud to once again contribute to the long-term growth and sustainability of small rural communities,” Stewart added.
Applications open on 12 July and close 5pm AEST, 10 August 2023.
Menchie Khairuddin is a writer Deputy Content Manager at Akolade and content producer for Third Sector News. She is passionate about social affairs specifically in mixed, multicultural heritage and not-for-profit organisations.
