GOVERNMENT BUILDS STRONG FOUNDATIONS IN YARRA
A Community Foundation providing support for disadvantaged residents in Melbourne’s inner northern suburbs has become the first recipient of funding from a new Brumby Labor Government initiative.
In Carlton today, Community Development Minister Peter Batchelor announced the Inner North Community Foundation had received $100,000 as part of the Government’s $5.3 million Community Foundations Initiative.
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to support communities during these tough economic times and this initiative is about giving disadvantaged communities a helping hand,” Mr Batchelor said.
“The Community Foundations Initiative was developed to establish independent funds for local communities that can grow and be held in perpetuity.
“The Foundation will raise money from local businesses, philanthropists and fundraising events. This money will be invested, and the interest and equity used to fund local projects in disadvantaged areas.
“We’re pleased that Inner North Community Foundation will be our first partner in the initiative – it’s a great organisation with a terrific board that’s providing grants programs that focus on learning and employment for young people.”
Mr Batchelor said this part of Melbourne was a great place to start the initiative.
“While some community members need some extra help, others have demonstrated a willingness to help out,” he said.
“Statistics just released show that nearly 1 in 2 residents in Melbourne’s Inner North opened their wallet for philanthropy in 2006-2007, well ahead of the Victorian average, and we are pleased to be able to chip in to help a community help itself.”
Mr Batchelor said the program would also include the potential for further funding to the Foundation in the future.
Chairman of the Inner North Community Foundation Alan Brown welcomed the Brumby Labor Government’s investment.
“The result will be a new grant program that will fund community projects in Darebin, Moreland and Yarra for generations to come,” Mr Brown said.
“We are looking forward to building on the Government’s contribution by working together with local people and business to raise money to build our grant-making even further.”
For more information, phone Trudy Hairs at Inner North Community Foundation on 0404 661 293.