THE Stand Like Stone Foundation will award its one-millionth dollar of grant funding as part of its upcoming annual Small Grants and Educational Scholarship round.
Since its inception in 2004, the foundation has delivered over $255,500 in grants, $98,600 in scholarships, $385,000 in back to school vouchers (in partnership with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal), $182,500 stay at achool vouchers (in partnership with Wyatt Trust) and leveraged a further $77,000 in external grants into the Limestone Coast.
With a total $999,300 distributed over the last 13 years, the upcoming grant and scholarship round will see the one-millionth dollar flow back into the local community.
Founding chair and current director and patron Sue Charlton AM said giving back to locals was the reason Stand Like Stone was established.
“We are excited to grant our millionth dollar – to provide $1m to the local community is an incredible achievement,” Ms Charlton said.
“The flow-on benefits of this funding for the region are immense.”
Funding provided to date has been shared among 180 community projects and more than 8200 students have received support via scholarship funding and programs such as back to school and stay at school.
One of the key areas of consideration for Stand Like Stone is the ability for projects to drive local sustainability and build resilience in the local community.
Stand Like Stone works in partnership with donors, local organisations and community leaders to strengthen communities and increase opportunities.
The community foundation aims to build relationships and networks to understand and respond to the immediate and long-term needs of the community
Chair Bill DeGaris said the foundation’s operations were funded through generous sponsorship arrangements with local councils and organisations.
“With over $3.5m in trust and the ongoing support of the local community, Stand Like Stone is well placed to continue to make a difference,” Mr DeGaris said.
“We work with local people, schools and organisations to create awareness of the scholarships and grants and to target individuals, families and organisations that will derive the greatest benefit from funding.”
The Stand Like Stone Foundation Spring Small Grants and Scholarships round will open today.
Organisations can apply for grants of up to $5000 for charitable projects that benefit Limestone Coast communities.
Applications close at 5pm on September 30.
