Grants to highlight the benefits of philanthropic partnerships

Community organisations can now apply for a share of $160,000 in Commonwealth Government funding for projects that showcase their philanthropic partnerships.

In opening the grants round today, Minister for Social Services, Christian Porter, said that community organisations working with philanthropic or business partners could apply for up to $10,000 to demonstrate the success of their partnerships in strengthening communities during Community and Philanthropy Partnerships Week.

This year’s Week, to be held from 20-26 November, will focus on ‘building stronger communities together’.

“The Week celebrates philanthropic partnerships with community groups around Australia, to advance our culture of philanthropy and volunteering,” Minister Porter said.

“It is a great opportunity for community organisations and their philanthropic or business partners to highlight their collaborative work.”

The grants round is managed by Philanthropy Australia, in partnership with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, and closes on 12 May 2017.

Highlighting the impact of philanthropy in Australia, today the Minister also released new research commissioned for the Prime Minister’s Community Business Partnership. Minister Porter said that more Australian philanthropists are involved in collective giving and young philanthropists are giving while building wealth rather than waiting until later in life.

“These new trends are identified in the Philanthropy and Philanthropists report, part of the Giving Australia 2016 project,” he said.

“Giving Australia 2016 is Australia’s largest ever review and analysis of giving and volunteering, with Commonwealth Government funding of $1.7 million.

“This research will establish benchmark data to measure progress on philanthropic giving, and a strong basis for policy decisions to encourage charity in Australia.”

Minister Porter, who is Deputy Chair of the Community Business Partnership, said it was important to recognise the enormous contribution made to strengthen Australian communities at the grassroots.

“Local champions of philanthropy, volunteering and investment will also be acknowledged through the Australian Government Community Business Partnership Awards in the lead up to Community and Philanthropy Partnerships Week celebrations,” he said.

“These initiatives reflect the Government’s strong commitment to recognising the impact of community, business and philanthropic collaboration to building a culture of corporate social responsibility, strategic philanthropy and volunteering to help us build a strong civil society.”

For information on the grants and the Week, go to www.communitypartnerships.com.au/

For information on the Giving Australia 2016 project and the Prime Minister’s Community Business Partnership, go to www.communitybusinesspartnership.gov.au/

For information on the Australian Government Community Business Partnership Awards, go to www.dss.gov.au/communities-and-vulnerable-people/programmes-services/australian-government-community-business-partnership-award