St.George Foundation Awards Over $1.1 Million to 26 Local Children’s Charities to Help Young People Thrive
Twenty-six children’s charities in NSW, QLD and WA have been named as recipients of St.George Foundation’s 2024 Thrive Community Grants program, valued at $1,165,573.
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.
St.George 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 26 Thrive recipients is the Australia Children’s Music Foundation (ACMF), a charity founded by Dom Spencer OAM, one of Australia’s most iconic musicians, songwriters, entertainers and former children’s television presenter (Play School). For more than 20 years, ACMF has been using music to tackle inequity in Australia by helping to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate in the joy of music.”
They will use the funding from St.George Foundation to expand the reach of their youth-at-risk programs in youth justice centres (YJC) in NSW, QLD and WA.
Children in detention are frequently reported to be disengaged from institutional bodies and education and are at risk of continuing the cycle of offending and re-incarceration into their adult lives.
Ben Sibson, ACMF Programs Manager said, “The music activities provided by ACMF can be a valuable tool in breaking this cycle. Music education provides invaluable academic and social benefits for children in detention, fostering confidence, resilience, and self-expression for young people participating in our programs.”
“The existing work of ACMF in YJC settings has shown remarkable success, with participating centres reporting moderate or major improvements in young people’s resilience (90%), task focus (100%), and literacy and numeracy skills (80%), creating positive social, interpersonal relationship and educational outcomes.”
“Like St.George Foundation, we believe inclusivity, education, connection and participation is the key to changing the trajectory of young people’s lives, and we are incredibly grateful for their continued support. We’re looking forward to the impact this grant will have over the next 12 months and beyond.”
ACMF 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, St.George Foundation, BankSA Foundation and Bank of Melbourne 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/