Locally-based health fund, nib, will soon open for applications for their 2014 nib foundation Community Grant funding round.

The latest round will allocate up to $500,000 to around 10 charities that provide innovative health and wellbeing initiatives in communities around Australia.

nib foundation Chairman, Keith Lynch, said the foundation is looking to support community-based projects that offer practical and unique solutions to address important issues affecting young people and carers.

“Since 2008, nib foundation has taken great delight in supporting a wide range of health projects across Australia that are making a real difference to the communities they serve by delivering some amazing results,” Keith said.

“It really is these types of organisations and programs that we are looking to support. We want to partner with those groups that are working hard at a grassroots level and making a real change to the health and wellbeing outcomes in their region.”

Since its establishment, the foundation has already committed more than $10 million in funding support to over 60 charitable organisations across the nation, with over half of these projects providing outcomes in the Hunter.

One such beneficiary is ARAFMI Hunter, who conducts vital support programs in Newcastle for carers of people living with Borderline Personality Disorder.

Thanks to a recent $35,000 grant from nib foundation, this program is expanding into Muswellbrook, Port Stephens and other areas across the Hunter to meet the growing demand for the support services.

ARAFMI Hunter Regional Manager, Joanne Sinclair, said the funding from nib foundation allows them to meet the urgent need.

“The funding support from nib foundation will allow us to expand the program into other parts of the Hunter Region and close a gap that is currently having a significant effect on physical and mental health and wellbeing of our population,” Joanne said.

The 2014 Community Grant funding round will be open from 2 June to 27 June 2014 and applications can be lodged online.

Established over 60 years ago, nib provides health cover to more than 900,000 people nationwide.