Media Release

BankSA Foundation has today announced funding grants totalling $158,278, which will help five charitable organisations in South Australia continue their exceptional community work.

BankSA Foundation has awarded the following funding grants:

• $26,469 to Disability Recreation & Sports SA (DRSSA) to purchase 18 new sports wheelchairs, which are crucial for the future of the organisation and the provision of wheelchair sports in South Australia;
   
• $48,840 to Employment Options to support the delivery of its Furniture Homewares Arts Training (FHAT) to young people who have disengaged from other education,training and employment pathways;
   
• $30,000 to Youth Opportunities to help it deliver its Personal Leadership Program and the life-changing skills it teaches to students from Mount Gambier, Millicent and Grant High Schools in the state’s south east;
   
• $30,000 to Lions Medical Research Foundation to help fund an expansion of its Mobile Skin Cancer Unit, which has been screening the public for skin cancer since 2017; and
   
• $22,969 to Life Education SA to deliver its Learn Engage Accelerate Program (LEAP) in northern Adelaide, which assists young adolescents make informed and healthy lifestyle choices as they prepare to transition to middle and secondary schools.
   

BankSA Chief Executive Nick Reade said the Foundation, which is funded primarily through BankSA staff donations, is pleased to provide financial support to these five deserving not-forprofit organisations.

“BankSA Foundation exists to help small charitable organisations make a big difference,” he said.

“The Foundation is delighted to support these five wonderful organisations by giving them a much-needed financial boost to help them deliver critical programs that help South Australians.”

In announcing today’s grant funding, Mr Reade also launched the next round of BankSA Foundation funding grants, inviting applications from charities and not-for-profit community groups in South Australia and the Northern Territory.

Applications for the next round of BankSA Foundation funding grants close on Friday 15 February. Eligibility criteria and information about applying can be found at banksa.com.au/foundation.

BankSA Foundation has developed a proud history of charitable and community support since 1941 when bank staff first agreed to donate part of their wages to send comfort parcels to colleagues serving in the armed forces.

It has since donated more than $9 million to help small charities make a big impact, due primarily to the ongoing generosity of BankSA employees who continue to raise or donate funds for BankSA Foundation grant purposes.

Media contact

Megan Grey / 0466 320 662 / greym@banksa.com.au