nib has given four Hunter charity projects a boost, with the charities sharing in the $315,000 of funding from nib foundation’s annual Community Grant program.

After receiving 300 funding applications, the charities were among the 11 grant recipients that displayed unique approaches to improving key health challenges faced by young people and carers. Issues addressed include youth mental health, family and youth disadvantage, chronic disease as well as disability services and support.

The funding recipients will receive grants of between $5,000 and $50,000 to undertake nominated programs.

The four Hunter beneficiaries of nib foundation’s 2015 Community Grants program are:

beyondblue, to pilot the Friends and Family Support Program to provide nonclinical support to the carers of a person who has attempted suicide.

Families Supporting Families, continue the Carers Café Plus series of workshops and gatherings for families caring for a child with special needs.

Tantrum Youth Arts, support the Opening Doors interactive theatre production to inform students with accurate legal information about domestic violence and sexting.

WEA Hunter Foundation, establish a new community-based life skills and mentoring program to support young mothers and mums-to-be in Raymond Terrace.

nib foundation Executive Officer, Amy Tribe, said the foundation continues to be impressed by the calibre of applications received for the grassroots grant program, particularly in the Hunter region.

“Since our inception, the foundation has maintained strong ties with the Hunter, committing more than $11 million to either locally-based programs, or state or national projects with a presence in this region,” Amy said. “This is our seventh year of grant making and we continue to see such a wide range of innovative projects from organisations that are looking to approach the health challenges within their communities in a new and unique way.”

“It’s amazing to see how a little can go a long way, with our partners managing to take a modest amount of funding to deliver exceptional programs and services that make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable and at-risk locals.”

The 2016 Community Grant program takes nib foundation’s total funding commitment to more than $15 million for over 100 charity partners across Australia.

Image | Families Supporting Families