Applications are now open for ANZ’s Seeds of Renewal program, with grants of up to $15,000 available for not-for-profit organisations in rural areas to support the ongoing prosperity of regional Australia.

Established in 2003 and administered by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), the program has provided more than $5 million to more than 800 community groups to support local projects and help build vibrant and sustainable rural and regional communities.

In 2020, the ANZ Seeds of Renewal program is offering a share of $250,000 to community organisations in regional locations for projects that improve environmental sustainability or initiatives that restore and conserve the natural environment or which contribute to lower carbon emissions, water stewardship and waste minimisation; and 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.

It will also be catered to housing access initiatives and programs that support those experiencing or at risk of homelessness or that provide supports for people living with disability.

ANZ General Manager Business Banking Jenefer Stewart said, “The ANZ Seeds of Renewal program has supported hundreds of community-based, grassroots programs and initiatives that have created new opportunities for regional communities. It is truly humbling to see the difference these grants are able to make in rural and regional Australia.”

Last year, ANZ and FRRR provided grants to 25 community groups for projects ranging from saving an endangered bee species on Kangaroo Island to supporting young people at risk of homelessness in the Port Hedland region of Western Australia. These projects shared in $250,000 in cash, and a further $16,728 in IT equipment provided by ANZ’s technology partner Lenovo.

FRRR CEO, Natalie Egleton said, “Rural and regional communities play such a vital role in the prosperity of Australia. Yet they face far greater economic inequity and limited housing opportunities compared to those living in the city. Additionally, rural areas are also often at the forefront of environmental disasters, like drought and bushfires. The ANZ Seeds of Renewal program is a great opportunity to help address these challenges with locally-appropriate solutions. We look forward to seeing what inspirational ideas rural and regional communities put forward this year.” .

Applications will  close on Wednesday, 19 August 2020 through the FRRR website.