Westpac, in partnership with Westpac Foundation, will be awarding more than half a million dollars in funding to not-for-profit (NFP) organisations looking to make a positive impact on Australian communities across the nation with big ideas for social change.

The aim of the Westpac Foundation Community Grants Program is to help organisations continue to address important social issues and improve the lives of disadvantaged people in the community, including youth and the unemployed, those living with disability, Indigenous Australians and migrants building a new life in Australia.

Jason Yetton, Group Executive of Retail and Business Banking at Westpac and member of the Westpac Foundation board, says “We have a strong history and commitment to contributing to Australian communities, and the Westpac Foundation Community Grants Program is a practical example of our ongoing support of Australians who need it most. Since its establishment two years ago, we have provided more than one million dollars in grants, which has benefited 113 NFP organisations across Australia.”

Applications are open until 31 March 2014. Grant applications will be judged by panels of staff, selected by the Westpac Foundation Board, with the winners announced in June 2014.