Bank of Melbourne Foundation Grants to Help Young People Thrive
Image credit: Shuttermain for L2R Dance
Nine local children’s charities have been named as recipients of Bank of Melbourne Foundation’s 2024 Thrive Community Grants that will aim to help over 2,500 children and young people in Victoria.
The grants of up to $50,000 each are awarded annually to support smaller, local community organisations working to improve the social and emotional wellbeing of children and young people facing disadvantage by supporting connection and participation in education and community life.
They are the first to be delivered under a new shared Bank of Melbourne, St.George and BankSA Foundation social impact strategy that focussed on the two key focus areas of Inclusive Education and Connection and Participation providing over $2.8 million to 50 local community organisations.
Bank of Melbourne Foundation CEO, Sally-Anne O’Brien said, “Helping children and young people connect with friends, family, and the community, engage in activities that enhance resilience, learn new skills, improve lives, and foster a sense of belonging is crucial."
“Connections bring us happiness, security, support, and a sense of purpose, which are essential for our identity and vital for mental health and wellbeing.”
“Unfortunately, poverty, discrimination, and disadvantage can hinder access to these opportunities. Our Thrive Community Grants aim to assist vulnerable children and young people to overcome these barriers.”
Among the nine Thrive recipients is L2R Dance, Australia’s only youth hip hop and street dance not-for-profit organisation that provides free programs, arts leadership, and employment pathways.
They will use the grant to expand their popular free dance programs series into more areas experiencing high youth unemployment rates where local young people are experiencing disadvantage or are particularly at-risk of disengagement.
L2R Founder and CEO, Jacinda Richards, said, "We are immensely grateful for the support of Bank of Melbourne Foundation to help us continue to provide safe creative spaces for young people in Melbourne's Western suburbs.”
“With this funding, we can continue to foster social inclusion, enhance mental well-being, and offer meaningful employment pathways for our participants.”
“Together, though the power of dance we are building a more inclusive and connected community."
L2R Dance is one of 85+ community organisations and social enterprises to receive a share in over $5 million in grant funding from the four philanthropic foundations supported at Westpac Group (Westpac Foundation, Bank of Melbourne Foundation, St.George Foundation and BankSA Foundation) to create jobs, education and wellbeing opportunities for young people in 2024.
Together we are committed to building better futures for all Australians.
#Doing good is in our DNA.
Congratulations to all our 2024 grant recipients. To see the full list visit: https://www.westpac.com.au/about-westpac/our-foundations/2024-grant-announcements/