Media release – MyState, 11 March 2022
MyState Foundation Grants are open
Applications for the 2022 MyState Foundation Grants are now open. Ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the submissions close on Friday 6 May 2022.
Since 2001, the Foundation has awarded over $2.4 million in grants to 120 not-for-profit organisations, resulting in almost 300 initiatives.
This includes Mara House, part the Tasmanian social enterprise Colony-47. Mara House provides accommodation for teenage girls and young women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and supports them towards independent living options.
The mission of the MyState Foundation is to provide young Tasmanians with greater opportunities, with a vision to make a genuine difference.
“For more than 20 years we’ve been supporting the Tasmanian community through these grants, especially those groups focussed on youth health and wellbeing. We want young Tasmanians reach their full potential,” says MyState Limited Managing Director and CEO Brett Morgan.
“As one of Tasmania’s leading banks we’re proud to play our part as a large employer, as well as supporting our customers and the wider community through these yearly MyState Foundation grants.”
Behind the facts and figures are human stories that have shaped the MyState Foundation’s youth focus.
Like the Bridgewater PCYC, which used its 2021 grant to fund sports gear and a mobile BBQ facility for programs for its 3,200 participants.
“Funding is our biggest problem. Large grants don’t give you the opportunity to get fundamental equipment — they’re usually related to educational outcomes,” says club manager Constable Justin Abrahams.
“That’s the value of a MyState Foundation grant. They’re broad. If you express a need they have the flexibility to say, ‘That is a worthwhile use of our money.’ The grants are game changers and every penny gets spent.”
In the past two years, MyState Foundation grants to the Shepherd Centre have supported early intervention for Tasmanian children with audiology, speech therapy and counselling services via a telehealth program called A Listening Ear.
It has “made a huge difference” to children with hearing loss and their parents, says key relationships executive Jesse King.
“Of the children we support, 95 per cent develop the spoken communication skills they need to thrive in a mainstream school and that is really setting them up for success.”
To apply, groups or organisations must be an incorporated not-for-profit and have Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status.
“The MyState Foundation has gone from strength to strength. We’re excited to launch the grants program for 2022. We’re hoping to support as many community projects and initiatives as we can,” said MyState Foundation chair Bob Gordon.
“I encourage all eligible Tasmanian not-for-profit organisations to apply. This is about giving back and creating a positive future for young Tasmanians.”
For 21 years, the MyState Foundation has helped young Tasmanians most in need access special education, care and support.
These opportunities have helped many to flourish mentally, physically and emotionally, says Janelle Whittle, MyState General Manager of People, Community & Public Affairs.
“What makes the MyState Foundation Grants different is that we’re strongly encouraging smaller organisations to apply. These grassroots organisations can be incredibly successfully in creating change with a personal approach.”
“We’re looking forward to seeing where we can provide financial support again this year. We’d love to hear your story, and how your team is making a difference by supporting and empowering Tasmania’s young people.”
If you’re part of an incorporated not-for-profit group giving young Tasmanians educational or development opportunities, visit https://mystate.com.au/about-us/community/mystate-foundation for application details.
