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ANZ commits $250,000 to rural and regional communities through Seeds of Renewal

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Media releases: 3 July 2024

Applications are now open for the 2024 ANZ Seeds of Renewal program, with grants of up to $15,000 available for not-for-profit organisations and community groups in remote, rural and regional Australia.

The Hub Foundation Castlemaine were supported with an ANZ Seeds of Renewal grant to boost the capacity of backyard composting through engaging young volunteers to support older community members.

Since 2003, ANZ has partnered with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) to fund more than 850 community groups through the program, with a total investment of more than $6 million.

Now in its 22nd year, the ANZ Seeds of Renewal program is again offering a funding pool of $250,000 to community groups in remote, rural and regional locations for projects aligned to four areas:

  • Environmental sustainability: initiatives that restore and conserve the natural environment or contribute to lower carbon emissions, water stewardship and waste minimisation;
  • Wellbeing: initiatives that improve economic participation, particularly for under-represented and disadvantaged people in the community. For example, building financial literacy and vocational skills and providing access to meaningful work;
  • Housing access: initiatives and programs that support those experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness, or that provide housing support for people living with disability; or
  • Assisting local communities to thrive: projects that either enable vibrant communities, where everyone can participate and build a better life, or create sustainable communities that help deliver demonstrable medium to long-term economic sustainability.

ANZ Head of Agribusiness, Mark Bennett said: “The ANZ Seeds of Renewal program has been providing grants to communities in rural and regional Australia for more than two decades, many of which find it difficult to access the resources they need to prosper. The program is something we’re really proud of, and each year I look forward to seeing the diverse mix of applicants and projects,” Mr Bennett said.

FRRR CEO, Natalie Egleton, said: “Partnerships, like our long-running one with ANZ, are critical to enhancing the liveability and vibrancy of remote, rural and regional communities. These grants allow local not-for-profits to get support for initiatives that address the local priorities that communities have identified. I look forward to seeing what projects come through this year,” Ms Egleton said.

Last year, ANZ and FRRR provided grants to 20 community groups for projects including increasing rainforest regeneration, restoring Indigenous plants, enhancing local housing and employment opportunities, and improving financial literacy and money management skills against digital fraud.

Applications for the 2024 Seeds of Renewal program open on 3 July, and close at 5pm (AEST), 1 August 2024.

Interested community groups are invited to join a grantseeker webinar on Tuesday, 9 July at 12.30pm AEST. Register online.

Watch the ANZ Seeds of Renewal 20 year video.