Funding of up to $10 000 available to help build stronger communities
ANZ and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) today announced that applications for this year’s Seeds of Renewal grants are now open.
This year grants will be given to assist small rural and regional communities work towards a more sustainable future. Projects that create community well being, support volunteer initiatives at a local level or diversify local economies could be eligible for up to $10,000 through the program.
Commenting on the program, FRRR Chief Executive Officer, Ms Sylvia Admans said: “Seeds of Renewal grants have collectively made a real difference to hundreds of rural communities across Australia. The grants are designed to help communities help themselves, so I would encourage community organisations to seek support from this highly effective program.”
Seeds of Renewal is funded by ANZ and independently administered by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR).
ANZ Managing Director for Regional, Rural and Small Business Banking, Mr Rob Goudswaard said: “Seeds of Renewal is an important part of ANZ’s commitment to making a difference in the communities where we live and work. This year the grants will help small communities with projects that support renewal and sustain them long into the future.”
Applications will be accepted from not-for-profit organisations with an ABN in communities with a population of 15,000 people or less.
Since its inception in 2003, Seeds of Renewal has provided small grants to the overall value of more than $1.6 million to approximately 380 community projects including:
• A raw water line for recreational water use in the Baralaba community in Queensland
• An information and support network for refugee women living in the Lismore region
• The opening of a fuel outlet in Gulargambone, New South Wales
• An information kiosk at the Hume Freeway roadhouse to promote tourism and business opportunities in the local area • A 5,000 gallon water tank for kindergarten in Dunkeld, Victoria to capture rainwater
• A recording and filming studio for the Kimba local community in South Australia.
Communities interested in applying for Seeds of Renewal grants should visit www.frrr.org.au, call FRRR on 1800 170 020, or visit their local ANZ branch. Applications close 5.00pm, Wednesday 14 May 2008.