Telstra Foundation celebrates a decade with $1 million grants program
One hundred Australian non-profit organisations are set to benefit from $1 million in local grants announced today by the Telstra Foundation marking its 10th anniversary.
Telstra Foundation Chairman Geoff Booth said the Foundation had a long and proud history of connecting Australian children and young people with their communities and each other.
“Over the past 10 years, the Telstra Foundation has committed $40 million to almost 7000 projects, including $4.25 million already this year, and today we extend that support to another one hundred organisations with the announcement of the $1 million Telstra Foundation Everyone Connected grants program.
One hundred $10,000 grants are available to local community organisations to support activities that help enhance digital inclusion – connecting disadvantaged children and young people to the internet, building their online skills or promoting cyber safety.
“We know some groups in our communities are less likely to have access to modern communications technologies and the social and economic benefits and opportunities they bring,” said Mr Booth.
“Our Everyone Connected grants will support activities that enhance these opportunities and help children and young people reach their potential, regardless of ability, income, ability or disadvantage.”
Dr Judith Slocombe, CEO The Alannah and Madeline Foundation, said the Telstra Foundation’s early support for the eSmart project was instrumental to its success.
“Receiving support from the Telstra Foundation was fundamental in helping us develop eSmart which is now helping thousands of young people be smart, safe and responsible when using technologies,” she said.
Mickey Kovari, Online Engagement Coordinator at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence (NCIE), said a grant from the Telstra Foundation helped NCIE develop an online Indigenous social network to connect young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to each other, their mentors and role models.
“Through the Community of Excellence, young Indigenous Australians are empowered to pursue their personal and professional aspirations. The network fosters communities with common interests and provides a supportive environment where they can share their stories and find opportunities to help them reach their full potential,” he said.
Mr Booth also announced today that to align with Telstra’s broader Sustainability program, the Telstra Foundation will focus future community investment into programs that promote digital inclusion.
“Telstra believes all Australians irrespective of age, income, ability, location or disadvantage, should enjoy the everyday social and economic benefits that come with being connected. Technology and socio-economic disadvantage are now inextricably linked.
“As social and economic activities increasingly move online, the consequences of digital exclusion become much more profound. Access is fundamental, and people must have the skills and capability to go online. Through our programs we also seek to ensure people are safe and protected while online.
“Our future investments will continue to support programs which assist people to access and use telecommunications services to help them fully participate in economic and community life,” he said.
Each year, Telstra helps millions of Australians establish a connection or stay connected through a Telstra Foundation grant, the Telstra Indigenous Directorate and the Access for Everyone and Connected Seniors programs.
Non-profit organisations can apply for a grant of $10,000 to deliver a digital inclusion project in their community as long as they have been endorsed by a Telstra Group employee.
For more information on how to apply for a grant, visit telstrafoundation.com.