Additional funding announced for Warrnambool community grants

The South West Community Foundation is offering a record $84,000 in its 2015 community grants and distributing a further $20,000 on behalf of the David and Isobel Jones Foundation. However, as in past years, demand for these grants has again substantially exceeded these funds.

In response to this demand the Foundation has been delighted to receive an additional contribution of $15,000 from Deakin University for immediate distribution.

These funds will form a new Deakin University Community Fund within the Foundation. This Deakin Community Fund will be managed and distributed as part of the Foundation's granting round.

Foundation Chair, Barrie Baker, welcomed the new Fund.

"This is a wonderful gesture from Deakin in support of the community in which they work," he said.

"It is wonderful that the Foundation is being recognised as a significant support organisation for charitable causes and organisations in our region, and anything that assists in fulfilling this role is very welcome."

Professor Gerry Quinn, Head of Deakin University's Warrnambool Campus, is proud to extend the University's commitment to the South West Community Foundation.

"Deakin's Warrnambool Campus has played a vital role in developing the economic, social and knowledge fabric of south west Victoria for the past 25 years," Mr Quinn said.

"Deakin is thrilled to partner with South West Community Foundation and continue supporting the many organisations who do great work in regional communities."

Applications for 2015 grants from the Foundation have now closed with 64 requests for support having been received.

Consideration of the requests is currently underway, with results due to be announced by the Board in May.