The Westpac Foundation will award $800,000 in funding to not-for-profit (NFP) organisations in its largest Community Grants program to date.

NFP organisations can now apply for a funding boost of up to $10,000 each through the Program.

The Foundation, in partnership with Westpac, will be supporting local organisations whose innovative ideas make a real difference in their community. Specifically, the grants address social disadvantage by funding organisations that create better futures for youth at risk, people living with disability, Indigenous Australians and people from refugee backgrounds building a new life in Australia.

The Foundation is supported by staff members from across Westpac who have contributed over $270,000 during 2014, enabling the Westpac Foundation to give away more Community Grants this year.

Since 1999, Westpac Foundation has been supporting Australian communities through grants worth more than $28 million to more than 300 NFPs.

Westpac Group Executive of Retail and Business Banking and Westpac Foundation Board Trustee, Jason Yetton said, “We have a long and proud history of supporting those who need it most in our communities. By partnering with the Westpac Foundation, we are able to support innovative social programs that have the potential to achieve real change and improve the lives of those who are facing disadvantage.”

“We are also proud to this year provide Community Grants recipients with non-financial support, leveraging the skills and expertise of the Westpac Group for the benefit of our grantees. This will include capability-building opportunities like mentoring and financial education. We know that organisations really benefit and prosper when they have this combined support,” says Yetton.

Grant applications are open until Tuesday 24 March.

Recipients will then be approved by the Westpac Foundation Board and announced in June 2015.