Reichstein Public Funding Grants Open
9 September 2013 at 2:13 pm
The Reichstein Foundation has launched a 2013-14 public grants program focused on promoting economic rights and reducing inequality.
It’s the first time the 43-year-old Foundation has offered grants towards advocacy and policy reform projects around economic rights that directly affect Victorians.
The Foundation says the rationale for granting in this domain is that the top 20 per cent of Australians possess 62 per cent of the nation's wealth.
“The bottom 20 per cent has 1 per cent. Economic inequality has widened in recent decades and is not only much greater than most Australians realise but much greater than they think it should be,” the Foundation said.
“Inequality and entrenched disadvantage lead to lower growth, reduced competitiveness, greater inefficiency and diminished national well-being.
“We believe smart advocacy, reforms and innovations will lead to a better distribution of wealth and power. Our 2013 grants program will invest in smart advocacy, reforms and innovations that address tough social and economic disadvantage.”
The grants are for up to $25,000 for one year with the potential to be extended for up to a further two years, conditional on satisfactory progress.
The Foundation says it is looking for causes that are focused on legislative, policy, regulatory or funding reform and innovative projects that address the causes of disadvantage and economic inequity.
As well, making breakthroughs for people with disabilities accessing quality employment is a priority. Other areas such as transport poverty and gambling policy reform could be of interest. However, the Foundation says it is open to a range of proposals and interest areas that address entrenched disadvantage.
A key part of the program will be a strategic seminar in early 2014. All successful grantees will be invited to a strategic policy and planning seminar to share approaches, knowledge and insights around achieving social change.
Applications close on October 11, 2013. For more information and to discuss a proposal, phone John Spierings or Stephanie Exton at Reichstein Foundation 03 9614 0919.
2013_4 Grant Application 34.21 kb
