Applications open for education and employment grants

THE Give Where You Live Foundation has opened applications to this year’s Education and Employment Grants, and community organisations can apply for up to $40,000 for their projects that will benefit the G21 region.

Kerry Farrance, head of impact at the foundation, said the grants aimed to ensure every person in the region had the support and access they needed to set and achieve their education and employment goals.

“We know that having access to education and quality employment opportunities help support people to participate in their community and improve their life outcomes.

“Unfortunately, there are many areas in our community where people don’t have equal access, so these grants focus on increasing opportunity and helping reduce inequality.”

The foundation says education and employment are keys pillars in its strategy to create a fairer G21 community where all people and places thrive.

The funding focuses on eight key outcome areas. They are:

Parent engagement – supporting the important role parents play in their child’s learning

Early years learning – supporting and enhancing children’s learning age 0-5 years and ensuring they are ready to enter school

Transitions – ensuring that children and young people experience successful transitions that support their learning

Disengaged young people – supporting young people to reengage in learning to support their life aspirations

Employment readiness – supporting the skills and resources needed for people to be able to get a job

Employment pathways – supporting people into appropriate and meaningful employment pathways

Supporting job retention – assisting with problem solving of barriers to ensure ongoing and sustainable employment, and

Supported employment – provision of appropriate, ongoing support for individuals that is necessary for success in a competitive work environment.

In 2021, the foundation awarded $550,800 in funding to 17 local organisations through the Education and Employment Grants.

Recipients included Back to Back Theatre, CatholicCare Victoria, Kids+ and the Raise Foundation.

The Give Where You Live Foundation is also calling for volunteers to join the Community Grant Review Panels to review the 2022 Education and Employment Grants.

“Volunteering for the Community Grant Review Panels is a great opportunity for people in the community to learn more about the issues and the organisations creating change in our region and a chance to provide feedback on where community donations are allocated,” Ms Farrance said.

She said all people living within the G21 Region are being invited to apply for this opportunity.

“Anyone from the community regardless of their qualifications and experience can join us to be a Community Grant Review Panellist.”

Panellists are required to read three to four grant applications and attend a discussion with other panellists to provide feedback on allocating funding.

For more information on applying for a grant or registering for a Community Grant Review Panel, head to givewhereyoulive.com.au