A Shepparton organisation has been awarded a grant from ANZ and Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal through the ANZ Seeds of Renewal program.
The program, now in its 22nd year, has awarded $250,000 in grants to 22 community groups and not-for-profit organisations.
It supports projects in remote, rural and regional Australia that focus on improving access to housing, increasing financial wellbeing, advancing environmental sustainability or helping communities to thrive.
The Kaiela Institute in Shepparton received a $15,000 grant to support its Dungala-Kaiela Indigenous Business project.
The money will go towards delivering financial training to improve sustainability of First Nations organisations and lift community aspirations.
ANZ head of agribusiness Mark Bennett said the bank was proud to provide funding for a diverse mix of projects that would support lasting economic and social growth for rural communities.
“For over two decades, Seeds of Renewal has provided more than $6 million to about 930 projects, helping around 870 communities in remote and regional Australia build their resilience, sustainability and vibrancy,” he said.
“These targeted and well-informed grants allow local organisations to implement initiatives that will have a meaningful impact and ensure the ongoing prosperity of regional Australia.”
Since 2000, FRRR has delivered more than $200 million to over 15,000 projects across rural Australia.
FRRR chief executive Natalie Egleton said not-for-profit organisations played a vital role in helping address the critical environmental, financial, housing or wellbeing needs of communities across remote, rural and regional Australia.
“Through partnerships, such as our longstanding association with ANZ, we can support and fund these groups to lead local initiatives and continue to strive for, and celebrate, the livability, sustainability and vibrancy of Australia’s remote, rural and regional communities,” she said.