ANZ and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) have awarded $250,000 in grants to 22 community groups and not-for-profit organisations through the ANZ Seeds of Renewal program.
Now in its 22nd year, the program provides grants to community groups across remote, rural and regional Australia.
The awarded funds will support projects that align with one of four key areas: improving access to housing; increasing financial wellbeing; advancing environmental sustainability; or helping communities to thrive.
“For over two decades, Seeds of Renewal has provided more than $6 million to approximately 930 projects, helping around 870 communities in remote and regional Australia build their resilience, sustainability and vibrancy,” ANZ head of agribusiness, Mark Bennett said.
“We are proud to provide funding for a diverse mix of projects that will support lasting economic and social growth for rural communities.
“These targeted and well-informed grants allow local organisations to implement initiatives that will have a meaningful impact and ensure the ongoing prosperity of regional Australia.”
FRRR chief executive officer, Natalie Egleton said: “Across remote, rural and regional Australia, not-for-profit organisations play a vital role in helping address the critical environmental, financial, housing or wellbeing needs of their communities.
“Through partnerships, such as our longstanding association with ANZ, we can support and fund these groups to lead local initiatives and continue to strive for, and celebrate, the liveability, sustainability and vibrancy of Australia’s remote, rural and regional communities,” Ms Egleton said.
The Orbost Arts Centre on the Snowy River has been awarded a grant of $10,000 to support its pARTicipate project, with funds going towards building a better, more accessible and financially sustainable centre for creative arts and venue hire in East Gippsland.
Upgrading this infrastructure will help to improve accessibility and sustainability.
Over the past 22 years the ANZ Seeds of Renewal program has provided more than $6 million to support around 870 community groups achieve their goals.
Administered independently by the FRRR, the ANZ Seeds of Renewal program offers grants of up to $15,000 to community groups for projects that support environmental sustainability; improve access to housing; or financial
wellbeing in regional communities of fewer than 15,000 people.
The FRRR is the only national foundation specifically focused on ensuring the social and economic strength of remote, rural and regional communities. FRRR’s unique model connects common purposes and investment with locally prioritised needs, to create communities that are vital and resilient. Since FRRR’s start in 2000, it has delivered more than $200 million to more than 15,000 projects.
