BankSA Foundation Grants to Help Local Young People Thrive
Image credit: Restless Dance Theatre
Eight children’s charities have been named as recipients of BankSA Foundation’s 2024 Thrive Community Grants program that will aim to help over 2750 children and young people in South Australia and the Northern Territory.
The grants of up to $50,000 each are awarded annually to support smaller, local charities 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 BankSA, St.George and Bank of Melbourne Foundation social impact strategy focussed on the two key focus areas of Inclusive Education and Connection and Participation providing over $2.8 million to 50 local community organisations.
BankSA 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 eight BankSA Foundation Thrive recipients is Restless Dance Theatre, one of Australia’s foremost dance organisations and charity that works with neurodiverse individuals and those with and without disabilities to create impactful art, foster arts careers, and inspire creativity among the next generation of artists.
They will use the funding to offer more accessible dance classes providing physical, social, emotional, intellectual, artistic, and professional benefits to around 2,000 participants over the next 12 months.
Julie Moralee CEO), Restless Dance Theatre said, "We are immensely grateful to BankSA Foundation for their generous support of our programs that offer invaluable opportunities for young people to thrive both on and off the stage.”
“Together, we are fostering a more inclusive and empowered community where every child gets the chance to succeed and shine."
Restless 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, BankSA Foundation, St.George 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/