One hundred and seventy-five community organisations will each receive $20,000, totalling $3.5 million, through the CommBank Staff Foundation's Community Grants program in its most significant funding year yet.
The 2024 Community Grants will enable a diverse array of projects and provide funding to worthy community organisations supporting mental health, regional communities, victim-survivors of domestic violence, First Nations Peoples education, children's health, migrants and refugees, and more. With the grants doubling from previous years, this funding will fuel important initiatives that reflect the diversity, resilience and needs of the communities in which these organisations operate in.
This year, the CommBank Staff Foundation has raised $3.5 million to fund these grants through regular salary donations from staff which are then matched by CommBank. Over the past 17 years, the Community Grants program has awarded more than $30 million to worth community organisations, building on CommBank's long-standing workplace giving culture which dates back to 1917.
Many of these community organisations operate nationally, including Angel Flight, a charity that coordinates free, non-emergency flights helping rural Australians access specialist medical treatment. Angel Flight was nominated by Sunil Thomas, CommBank General Manager, who is a volunteer pilot and has completed 36 flights across New South Wales since 2015.
"Over the years I've carried passengers across the full spectrum of society - as young as a few weeks old to the elderly, First Nations Peoples, immigrants, those from disadvantaged communities and those that just need some help at a time of incredible stress. In all cases, the relief we bring to these families is palpable. It is an incredible privilege and joy to help Angel Flight with their important purpose," said Mr Thomas.
Angel Flight CEO Marjorie Pagani said: "With the support of the CommBank Community Grant, Angel Flight can continue its important mission to serve rural communities who face the triple burden of poor health, financial difficulty and the challenge of distance. It's wonderful to receive this grant which allows us to provide around 40 flights and drives, and help so many individuals and families access the critical medical care they need. We are seeing demand for our service grow and it's our mission to bridge the gap for those in remote areas where healthcare is often out of reach."
Other grant recipients making a meaningful impact include:
- Brainwave - supports children and young people with brain illnesses and injuries and their families across Australia to cope, adapt and thrive. The $20,000 grant will deliver family days to enable over 300 children and their family members to get out of the house in the face of social isolation, have fun and build their networks.
- Orange Sky - supports people experiencing homelessness and hardship through the provision of free laundry and shower services, and most importantly, non-judgemental conversation and connection. Orange Sky operates services across metro, regional, and remote areas, assisting communities in need and those living without access to adequate laundry facilities. It costs $150,000 to keep an Orange Sky laundry and shower van on the road for a year - including fuel, repairs, maintenance, insurance, and volunteer training. This grant will go towards supporting service delivery operations in Darwin, which has the highest rate of homelessness of any city in Australia.
- Head Above Water - builds mental fitness from the grassroots up to help prevent mental and reduce suicide across Australia. This grant will fund up to 10 mental health workshops for marginalised community, sporting and school groups, which in turn will affect between 400-500 people. The workshops will help build mental literacy, improve well-being and help to prevent mental illness and reduce suicide across the community.
Nathan Barker, Head of Community Investment at CommBank, said: "This year's recipients showcase the strength and creativity of local communities and their ability to deliver tangible benefits to those in need. We are thrilled to support these organisations as they drive positive change across the country.
"The Community Grants Program reflects our employees' dedication to building brighter communities. Our staff don't just work here; they live in these communities. By nominating charities and contributing through salary donations, they directly uplift the causes that matter most to them. We believe in the power of local leadership and community-driven solutions. These grants are not just a financial support; they are a way for us to stand alongside these communities and amplify their vital work."
The Community Grants program represents a meaningful partnership between CommBank and its employees, as they work together to support community organisations that reflect the values and priorities of their communities. The CommBank Staff Foundation empowers employees to actively participate in the selection process by nominating charities they are passionate about. Employees contribute directly through salary donations, with CommBank matching these donations to amplify the impact.
For the full list of 2024 grant recipients, visit: commbank.com.au/communitygrants
About the CommBank Staff Foundation
- The CommBank Staff Foundation was formed in 1917 to send care packages to Australians fighting in the First World War. Thanks to the generosity of CommBank staff, this work has continued since, supporting Australians during times of hardship for more than a century.
- The Bank covers all operating costs of the Foundation, meaning 100 per cent of donations are passed on to community organisations. In addition, all contributions to the Foundation are matched by the Bank, doubling the impact of staff generosity in the community.
- The CommBank Staff Foundation is a registered Charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission and is also a member of the Fundraising Institute of Australia, complying with their best practice code.
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