Corporate Partnerships For NFPs Announced

Two national Not for Profits have been awarded major partnerships with global enterprise application software company SAP Australia.

The Australian Indigenous Education Foundation (AIEF) and The Smith Family will receive $400,000 annually to be allocated between  the Not for Profits to help them “empower Australia’s youth with innovative education programs”.

SAP Australia  says that as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) program, the annual donations are targeted at providing students with enhanced science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, as well as equipping  the future workforce with much needed ICT skills.

“As part of its ongoing support, SAP will contribute to the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation, a private-sector-led Not for Profit organisation focused on empowering Indigenous children in financial need to build a future through quality education and careers,” Greg Miller, Chief Operating Officer at SAP Australia & New Zealand, said.

SAP says its  2013 donations will go toward the AIEF Scholarship Program, which provides boarding school, tertiary and residential university college scholarships for Indigenous students in financial need, giving them the tools and confidence to take full advantage of educational and professional opportunities.

“We are very pleased to have SAP among our committed partners,” CEO of AIEF, Andrew Penfold said.

“We are thrilled to have both their financial investment and specialist skills in providing additional educational and professional opportunities to Australia’s Indigenous youth and supporting them to realise their potential.”

SAP’s donations will also support The Smith Family, a Not for Profit focusing on creating opportunities for young Australians in need by providing long-term support for their participation in education. SAP says this year’s donations will support 800 disadvantaged children with tailored education programs.

“SAP has a strong track record in Australia as a supporter of social outcomes,” Dr Lisa O’Brien, CEO of The Smith Family, said.

“We look forward to partnering with SAP to support Australia’s disadvantaged youth, both directly through volunteering and mentoring as well as indirectly through technology donation and expertise."

“Donations will also explore technology deployments for both organisations to support their programs and operations. It will also provide SAP employees the opportunity to participate in each organisation’s mentoring and volunteering programs,” Greg Miller said.

The selection process saw SAP Australia’s employees nominate  and select AIEF and The Smith Family from more than 40 local candidates.

“The Smith Family and AIEF are two very special organisations that make a real difference to Australia’s youth,” Miller said.

“At SAP, we believe that it is only through education that we can equip our youth and Australia for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow, so it’s fantastic that our employees have selected such critical community organisations as our long-term partners.”