Cash pitched for non-profit

A MAJOR grant will be awarded to the Ballarat Foundation should Labor win the upcoming State election.

Member for Wendouree, and the seat’s Labor candidate, Juliana Addison announced $75,000 would support the non-profit’s community work, including the delivery of the L2P learner driver mentor program.

“Philanthropic organisations like the Ballarat Foundation need a bit more help. I’ve identified this as one of my key priorities for the election,” Ms Addison said.

“It’s going to be through this support, and this grant, that more kids will have access to the drive program, and more kids will be able to get books through the Ballarat Reads program.

“I’m really, really proud to be backing in the Ballarat Foundation so they can have continued success into the future supporting our community.”

The Ballarat Foundation has been operating since 1983, and Ballarat Foundation CEO Andrew Eales said the funding would help the organisation continue to deliver their regular grants, programs, and events.

“Ballarat Foundation’s vision is for a Ballarat community that is ready to prosper. We run programs such as the L2P learner driver program, the Ballarat Reads program and Volunteering Ballarat,” he said.

“We also run annual grants programs where this year we’re going to deliver more than $200,000… to other not-for-profit and community organisations.”

The Ballarat Foundation previously received more than $1 million through the State’s Regional Infrastructure Fund for a new community hub, and Mr Eales said he welcomed the additional assistance.

“We’re really grateful for the support of Juliana, not just with today’s announcement but previously through our redevelopment of our building in Lydiard Street,” he said.

“We need that support so we can continue to do the work that we are [doing] within the Ballarat community.”