Today Melbourne Airport launched the second round of its Community Grants program, which will provide $100,000 to local Neighbourhood Houses.
The airport’s Community Grants program awards 10 individual grants worth $10,000 each, and is available to 49 eligible Neighbourhood Houses – spanning from Craigieburn to Coburg, Broadmeadows to Braybrook and from Sunshine to Sunbury.
The grants support established and successful Neighbourhood House initiatives that improve educational and employment pathways for those in need. This can include project salaries and co-funded programs to ensure centres have adequate resourcing and can be responsive to their communities.
Each Neighbourhood House provides services and programs tailored to their community needs. The initiatives range from classes assisting people wanting to re-enter the workforce to family programs offering migrants literacy lessons and computer coding for young people.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lyell Strambi said he was pleased to launch the second year of the grants which are especially crucial to communities during COVID-19.
“Building on from a successful 2019 Community Grants program, we are proud to open applications for a second year and provide a helping hand for existing community programs supporting locals through this challenging time,” said Mr Strambi.
“We know people are doing it tough, and as an airport, it is important we continue to support our local community.
“We are confident these grants will help Neighbourhood Houses to support their local communities and the airport is committed to investing in educational and employment outcomes through the Community Grants program.”
Neighbourhood Houses Victoria CEO Nicole Battle said Neighbourhood Houses are an important resource in providing communities with support during the COVID-19 crisis.
“Neighbourhood Houses are adapting in the current climate providing communities with online resources in the way of training and job seeking support for those experiencing financial hardship or marginalisation during this time,” Ms Battle said.
“They continue to be vital to the social infrastructure of local communities, providing a safety net of wrap- around services and referrals to foster vibrant, healthy and supportive community cohesion.
“We feel humbled to have Melbourne Airport continue their support and investment in Neighbourhood Houses for a second year and look forward to growing our relationship each year.”
Applications are open until 13 May 2020. For a list of eligible houses, or to apply, visit www.melbourneairport.com.au/communitygrants.