Wednesday, 30 January 2013: The ING Foundation is now seeking applications for charitable grants of up to $25,000.

Three grants are available to non-profit organisations which deliver new and different programs or services to help young people realise their potential.

ING DIRECT CEO, Vaughn Richtor said, “The way the social issue is defined may be new or different or it might be unique in its execution, but we are keen to back some bold new ideas

”I’m excited to see how we can support the successful applicants to achieve long term benefits for young people facing challenges in our community,” Richtor said.

To apply, go to the ING Foundation website. Applications close 1 March 2013.

ING Foundation Grant – selection criteria:

Applications must meet all of the below selection criteria to be considered for an ING Foundation grant:

• Must be registered with the Australian Taxation Office as an approved charity (Deductible Gift Recipient covered by item 1 of the table in section 30-15 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997)
• Must be innovative in the way it delivers programs/services to young people in need;
• Must address at least one of the below focus areas:
  – Youth Disadvantage
  – Education
  – Youth Health and Mental Health
• Must help young people to ‘realise their potential’

Previous recipients include:

Camp Kookaburra

Camp Kookaburra’s mission is to support children who live in a family affected by mental illness by providing an early intervention and mental health education program focusing on building resilience and coping skills through camps and other activities.

Batyr Australia

In a typical Australian year 12 classroom with 30 students, 7 will have experienced a serious mental health issue, 2 will seek professional help and 1 will attempt suicide. By sharing personal experiences, by young people to young people at various schools and universities, Batyr targets the 5 in 7 young people who do not currently seek the necessary and available help to address their mental health.

Aboriginal Literacy Foundation

The project will use the latest in e-learning technology providing a range of exciting new literacy resources to indigenous children who are struggling to read and write. The grant will purchase 20 new e-readers to aid the weekly literacy tutoring sessions conducted by volunteers.

For more information, contact:

Shannon Carruth
Manager, Community Impact
ING DIRECT
Ph: 02 9028 4099
Email: shannon.carruth@ingdirect.com.au

About the ING Foundation

The ING Foundation was established in 1978 to make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged Australians. As well as its grants program, the ING Foundation is proudly partnered with four worthwhile and important charitable organisations in Australia – Cerebral Palsy Alliance, National Centre of Indigenous Excellence, School for Social Entrepreneurs and United Way. We provide these charities with financial assistance as well as employee fundraising and volunteering time.