ANZ has announced the allocation of $389,450 through its Community Foundation to 19 charitable organizations focused on enhancing financial wellbeing, housing, and environmental sustainability. The foundation is supported by ANZ employees who contribute through a workplace giving program, with the bank matching each dollar donated with an additional two dollars. Since its inception in 1988, approximately 930 grants totaling over $6.4 million have been distributed across Australia.
Sarah Stubbings, Chair of the Foundation, expressed her anticipation for the projects submitted by charities each year. "Each year I look forward to seeing the projects submitted by the charities, each of them aligning to our purpose of helping people and communities thrive, particularly in the areas of housing, financial wellbeing and environmental sustainability," she said.
Stubbings also noted an increase in the total amount granted this year and praised ANZ employees for their continued contributions. “It’s pleasing to see the total amount granted to the charities increase this year. It is great to see our ANZ people continuing to contribute some of their pay each fortnight to help fund these important projects and make a difference to the lives of many Australians,” she added.
The grants were distributed among various states: five in Victoria; three each in New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, and South Australia; and one grant each in Tasmania and Northern Territory. Projects funded include mobile hairdressing services for homeless individuals in Western Australia by Short Back and Sidewalks ($30,000), dog therapy for at-risk youth by Homestead For Youth ($6,950), urban forest initiatives by Carbon Positive Australia ($24,000), financial literacy training for women escaping domestic violence provided by Juno Services ($22,000), among others.
The ANZ Community Foundation operates as a charitable trust funded through staff payroll donations managed by ANZ staff via a National Advisory Board and State Committees. The foundation ensures that all administration costs are covered so that donations are fully directed towards charitable causes across Australia.
Additionally, since its establishment, ANZ's Workplace Giving program has contributed more than $22.4 million to community partners. The program was recognized as a finalist in the 2022 Australian Workplace Giving Awards under Best Employer Grants Program category.