$1 Million Child Welfare Grants Announced

An Australian Insurance company is investing $1 million towards a new grants initiative for Not for Profits as new research it commissioned shows that more than 75 per cent of Australians underestimate the number of children in need of welfare.

The latest Galaxy research, commissioned by Real Insurance also found that 57 per cent of Australians believe that their country is well above average when it comes to looking after disadvantaged people in the community.

It also revealed that large sections of the community are worried about other issues affecting children, including homelessness (48 per cent), children affected by domestic violence (75 per cent) and excessive of mobile phones and the internet by children (51 per cent).

More than 75 per cent of Australians also believe there should be more support for children in key areas such as providing increased educational support, counselling, health care and food services.

The research was conducted to coincide with the launch of Real Insurance’s new grants program, Real Needs, to help support children in need across Australia.

$1 million is being invested in the grants initiative for Not for Profits working with children in need with a total of $650,000 available. 

Principal child psychologist at The Quirky Kid Clinic and judge for the Real Needs grants program, Kimberley O'Brien, said children needed support in their early years.

“Early support for children, whether physical or mental, is crucial for their development as they mature and become a more active part of our society. The effects of neglecting the needs of our youth, if not addressed, will have a profound effect on Australia’s social and economic well-being through the current century,” O’Brien said.

“There should never be barriers to children receiving the essential services that many of these charities provide. It’s great to see a company like Real Insurance connecting with the community in this way and making a real difference to the lives of Australian children in need.”

The Real Needs Program launches in April 2015, with grants of differing values of $5,000, $10,000 and $20,000 available.

Real Insurance said the grants will be awarded to Not for Profit organisations who demonstrate innovative approaches for how the funding will be used to support youth programs.

Real Insurance staff will also have the opportunity to vote for their preferred charity to receive a monthly $5,000 'Staff Choice’ grant.

Mark Reid, CEO of Greenstone, the distributor of Real Insurance, Mark Reid said he hoped the grants would help improve the greater community.

“I’m excited to launch the Real Needs grants program and I look forward to seeing how this initiative can make a real difference to children across Australia. I encourage all eligible organisations to apply so we can work together to support those who need it most.”

To be eligible for a Real Needs 2015 grant, Not for Profit organisations must support children up to the age of 18 years and be a registered charity, community group or service, sporting club or hospital community program.

More information can be found here.