Seeds of Renewal applications open for regional communities to access up to $10,000
ANZ and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) today announced that applications for the 2009 Seeds of Renewal program are now open.
The Seeds of Renewal program provides grants of up to $10,000 for not-for-profit community organisations in regional Australia that help the growth of their community.
ANZ Managing Director Retail Distribution, Louis Hawke said: “We are committed to regional Australia in the good times and the hard times. This is one of the ways we are supporting our local communities, particularly those smaller communities that are experiencing difficulties due to the many challenges facing them at the moment.”
More than $2 million has been distributed to 467 community projects across Australia since the program began six years ago. $300,000 will be available for community groups in 2009. Seeds of Renewal is funded by ANZ and independently administered by FRRR.
The theme for the 2009 grants is ‘Strengthening Community Enterprise’. Applications are open until June 19 for communities with a population of 15,000 or less. Applications will be accepted from not-for-profit organisations with an ABN and should display:
- how the funding will contribute to a community enterprise
- how the project will support local volunteer initiatives
- how the project demonstrates community collaboration
FRRR Chief Executive Officer, Sylvia Admans said: “Regional communities are incredibly resilient and innovative. We’re encouraging people to think of ways they could use a grant to help the ongoing health and growth of their local community through community and social enterprise projects.”
The use of previous grants includes:
- a wind turbine for a small community school and meeting place
- a portable outdoor movie projector
- resources for a mobile early childhood service
- the development of a community market garden
- the establishment of a free community lending library
Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application in August 2009, when grants will be distributed. For more information or to apply for a Seeds of Renewal grant visit www.frrr.org.au.