Foster’s 2009 Community Grants funding round is now open and not-for-profit organisations in Australia and North America are encouraged to apply for a community grant.

Now in its fourth year, Foster’s Community Grants program is designed to fund and support innovative projects that make a real difference to local communities. To date, Foster’s has awarded more than 100 grants to the value of $3mill AUD to registered not-for-profit groups across Australia and North America.

Recent awardees have included the Centre for Sustainable Leadership, Julalikari Aboriginal Council, OzHarvest, Yarra 4 Life, Northern Illinois Food Bank, Leroy Loggins Foundation, New Jersey Contact Community Helpline, Napa Valley Opera House and Mission Australia. These groups have benefited from Foster’s cash grants, enabling them to pursue a range of exciting and sustainable community projects in the areas of physical and mental health, the environment, sport and the arts.

“Foster’s Community Grants program is a successful way of supporting local communities in areas where Foster’s people live and work”, said Chief Executive Officer, Ian Johnston.

“In many cases, these projects would otherwise never get off the ground without corporate funding,” Mr Johnston said. “By applying for a Foster’s Community Grant, local charity groups and not-for-profits can access funds to help turn their community initiatives into long-term realities."

Foster’s Grants Advisory Committee is largely comprised of eminent, independent members of the public, each of whom is recognised for the contribution made in their respective field of expertise. The Committee is chaired by General Peter Cosgrove AC MC and Foster’s CEO Ian Johnston is the company’s most senior representative on the Committee.

“The Foster’s Grants Committee awards innovative, quality community projects that fit into one of three criteria – wellness, culture and the environment,” said General Cosgrove. “There is no maximum or minimum dollar value on the grants and there is no limit on the number of applications an eligible group may make.”

Interested organisations can apply for a Foster’s Community Grant via the Foster’s Group website from 1 June to 6 July 2009.

For more information or to apply for a Foster’s Community Grant, visit http://www.fosterscommunitygrants.com

Further information:

Foster’s Community Relations
Lil Barac
Tel: +61 3 8626 2853
Mob: +61 405 450 047