Applications are now open for ANZ's Seeds of Renewal program, which offers grants of up to $15,000 for not-for-profit organizations in remote, rural, and regional areas. The aim is to support the ongoing prosperity of regional Australia.
In 2022, the program celebrates its 20th anniversary. Administered by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), it has provided over $5 million to more than 800 community groups to help build vibrant and sustainable communities.
This year, a total of $250,000 will be available for community organizations in remote, rural or regional locations. Projects must align with one of four focus areas: environmental sustainability; financial wellbeing; housing access; or initiatives that assist local communities to thrive.
ANZ Head of Agribusiness Mark Bennett remarked on the milestone: "Now in its twentieth year, the ANZ Seeds of Renewal program has provided hundreds of groups in regional and rural Australia with funds to deliver projects to help their communities thrive. We are incredibly proud of the partnership and the contribution it has made to regional Australia," Mr. Bennett said.
FRRR CEO Natalie Egleton commented on recent challenges: "It’s been a particularly tough year for many rural communities, with the impacts of COVID on top of fires, floods and drought. Programs like ANZ Seeds of Renewal offer funding to help the local groups that are the backbone of their communities address local needs, issues and opportunities in a way that will help create stronger places to live and work," Ms. Egleton said.
Last year's grants supported 21 community groups with projects such as upgrading facilities for indigenous women and girls in Port Lincoln; improving meeting spaces for people with disabilities in Atherton; and educating students in Coffs Harbour about career opportunities related to bee propagation and environmental sustainability.
Applications opened on July 5th and will close at 5 pm AEST on August 3rd, 2022. An online grant seeker workshop is scheduled from 1-2 pm AEST on July 14th. For further information or application details regarding ANZ Seeds of Renewal, visit FRRR's website.