$8 Million and counting goes towards helping those in need

$8 Million and counting goes towards helping those in need

Greater Charitable Foundation is calling for funding applications from eligible charities working to improve the life outcomes of families and communities throughout the Hunter.

Since 2011, Greater Charitable Foundation has allocated more than $8M to 28 charitable organisations throughout New South Wales and South East Queensland, impacting the lives of more than 30,000 beneficiaries.

This year’s funding round will be open Monday, 25 February and close Friday, 29 March.

Greater Charitable Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Anne Long said that with the expression of interest form already available online, charity groups can make a start on their application now.

“We understand the majority of not-for-profits rely heavily on volunteers and time is a precious commodity, so we wanted to ensure community groups have ample opportunity to complete their application this year to give them the best shot at receiving the funding they require,” Anne said.

“Community groups can apply for funding between $30,000 and $350,000 for single through to multi-year programs. Applications are required to demonstrate how the initiative will provide practical, life-changing outcomes for those set to benefit.

“Over the past eight years we have taken great pride in the work our dedicated charity partners have undertaken in their respective communities, particularly here in the Hunter.”

More than 50 per cent of the funding committed by Greater Charitable Foundation since its establishment has been directed towards 20 Hunter-based community groups.

One such beneficiary is OzHarvest, which was successful in the 2018 funding round, receiving $90,000 over three years to allow the rollout of its NEST education program across the region. It is focused on delivering a series of hands-on cooking and nutrition workshops that teach people in need the skills and knowledge to nurture themselves through healthier eating choices and food preparation.

OzHarvest NEST Coordinator, Lea Browning, highlights first-hand how funding a dedicated and committed charity group can make a significant impact on a specific area of need in the community.

“As a not-for-profit, we rely on corporate donations and community funding to deliver our wide range of food rescue services. Education programs are one such example and are crucial to help achieve our goal to enable positive change for vulnerable people,” Lea said.

“Without the funding assistance provided by Greater Charitable Foundation, we would not have been able to deliver 125 NEST workshops and counting to 762 participants in the Newcastle region.

“Furthermore, the support provided through the foundation goes well beyond financial. We also get the added bonus of regular visits by Greater Bank employee volunteers who give up their valuable time to help coordinate these sessions.”

Volunteering is a key platform of the Greater Charitable Foundation, with Greater Bank staff providing volunteer and pro-bono support to a number of charity partners across its areas of operation.

“Last year alone more than 200 staff volunteered their time to support a number of our partners, many volunteering more than once,” Anne said.

“It’s just another example of Greater Bank’s commitment to supporting the communities that support us.”

Other charity groups across the Hunter region who have benefited from the foundation’s funding program to date include Starlight Children’s Foundation, Tantrum Youth Arts, McGrath Foundation, Clontarf Foundation and the Harry Meyn Foundation.

IMAGE | A beneficiary of a Greater Charitable Foundation’s donation in 2018, OzHarvest.

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