QR National Launches Second Round Grants Scheme

Queensland-based rail freight giant, QR National, has announced its second round of cash grants for community projects.

QR National is calling for community groups to put their hands up for cash grants aimed at grassroots community projects in regional and rural Australia.

The program encourages eligible charitable organisations to seek grant funding up to $20,000 for specific community-based projects.

Managing Director & CEO Lance Hockridge says the QR National Community Giving Fund is about giving back to the communities where the company’s employees live and work.

“The majority of our 9,000 strong workforce is based in regional and rural Australia and that’s where we’re giving out money for community projects.

“The Fund was established last year with input from employees on what was important to them in their local communities and that turned out to be three areas – Health and Wellbeing, Community Safety and Education.

“They’re the areas we focused on in the first round and that we’ll continue to target,” Hockridge said.

QR National works in conjunction with the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) Australia to provide two grant rounds per year.

Hockridge says the Fund celebrates and supports community ties.

“It’s about locals giving locally to provide a helping hand in the community,” he said.

Applications will close 5pm (AEDT) Monday April 30, 2012.

The QR National Community Giving Fund is a foundation account within the CAF Community Fund.

For further information and to lodge applications email: community@qrnational.com.au