Grants for good

Posted on 13 Feb 2024

By Greg Thom, journalist, Institute of Community Directors Australia

Endless
Endless Australia co-founders showcase their eco-friendly skateboards at the Canberra Innovation Network's innovation showcase.

Grants are the lifeblood that allows many for-purpose organisations and entrepreneurs to do good in the world.

From green initiatives aimed at helping to save the planet to programs that foster diversity and enable digital inclusion, injections of cash from like-minded benefactors can help take ideas to the next level.

Insurance company QBE, the nation’s internet domain regulator auDA and a Canberra based not-for-profit supporter of innovative start-ups could not be more different from each other in terms of what they do.

What all three organisations have in common however, is a commitment to funding worthy projects trying to make the world a better place.

Each has recently awarded grants totalling $1.3 million to support more than 35 projects and organisations determined to make a difference.

QBE Foundation: fostering inclusion and climate resilience

The QBE Foundation has awarded more than $440,000 in grants to 11 charities and community organisations working to foster inclusion and boost climate resilience in Australia.

The winner of each grant will receive $40,000 towards their project.

More than 200 organisations applied for funding under the foundation's 2023 local grants program, which included an employee choice category.

This allowed QBE staff to nominate a charity they work with or feel passionately about, to receive a grant.

QBE Foundation co-chair Jon Fox said the grants program aimed to make a real difference in areas that matter.

“The local grants program reflects QBE’s dedication to creating positive change and empowering local charities actively working towards it,” he said.

“Our 11 grant recipients have shown exceptional commitment and innovation in addressing climate challenges, promoting inclusion, and empowering communities – and it is inspiring to witness their impact and be part of their journey.”

auDA Foundation: enhancing digital inclusion

The auDA Foundation distributed $600,000 in community grants to 15 organisations working to promote digital inclusion and innovation.

Each recipient will receive $40,000 toward projects that benefit one or more of the following areas:

  • Rural, regional, and remote Australians
  • Australians living with disability
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
  • Older Australians (aged over 65)
  • Young Australians (aged 12-24)

The chair of the auDA public benefit program committee, Sandra Davey said the auDA Foundation supported community initiatives aimed at enhancing societal wellbeing through the internet.

This included improving access to digital health and education resources in regional Australia, as well as enhancing online safety for people living with disabilities.

“I extend my sincere congratulations to this year's recipients, and I’m looking forward to seeing the lasting impact of their initiatives,” said Ms Davey.

The CEO of auDA, Rosemary Sinclair AM, said the oganisation’s commitment to improving digital inclusion and digital innovation for Australians is backed up by the auDA Foundation's support of more than 172 projects with more than $4.5 million in funding.

“The auDA Foundation community grants form a central pillar of our vision to drive social and economic value for Australians through the internet,” said Ms Sinclair.

Canberra Innovation Network: Innovation in action

The Canberra Innovation Network (CIN) aims to empower entrepreneurs and businesses to build on the city's excellence in research and innovation to create social and economic benefits for all citizens.

Since launching its Innovation Connect (ICON) grant program in 2008 it has helped more than 300 companies to help turn their vision into reality by supporting market testing, prototyping, patenting and commercial feasibility of the new concepts.

In partnership with the ACT government, the Iatest round of grants saw individual grants of up to $30,000 totaling more than $264,000 in funding awarded to nine innovative businesses.

Their projects and programs range from using recycled bottle tops to make eco-friendly skateboards to designing mobile shower commodes to protect elderly and disabled people from falls.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the Innovation Connect grants program played an important role in bringing to life some of Canberra’s brightest ideas.

“Integral to our innovation ecosystem, ICON continues to help shape the future of innovation in the city,” said Mr Barr.

Canberra Innovation Network chief operating officer Sharyn Smith said the Canberra community could be proud of the incredible innovations that continued to be developed by the clever minds of the city.

“The Innovation Connect grant provides an important boost for the recipients to progress the development of their product or service to the next stage. We can all look forward to seeing the great things that await them,” said Ms Smith.

Au DA Foundation grant 2023 recipients resized
Recipients of grants from the auDA Foundation in 2023.

Funding Centre manager Steff Ball said building relationships with philanthropic funders was an important way to stay on their radar and increase the chance of receiving ongoing, rather than once-off funding for an organisation or cause.

She said preparation was also key.

“For grant rounds with a smaller application window, four weeks and under, my tip is to make sure your application is ready to go before the round opens,” said Steff.

“Knowing about upcoming round dates and putting effort into preparing your application before the application period opens will increase your ability to submit a quality application.”

Funding Centre subscribers can set tailored alerts for grants they are interested in and receive updates when a funder has indicated a round is open.

“This means they don’t miss out on timely grant round alerts,” said Steff.

More information

Dollars to help make a difference

Bright ideas from bright young minds

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