Westpac Foundation has exceeded its target of helping 10,000 Australians overcome barriers to employment, achieving the goal five years ahead of schedule.
Since 2015, the foundation has facilitated 10,141 job placements through partnerships with social enterprises and community programs.
The foundation works with 61 social enterprises across Australia, providing funding and capacity-building support.
“Surpassing this milestone five years early is a testament to the extraordinary efforts of our social enterprise and community partners,” said Amy Lyden (pictured above), CEO of Westpac Foundation.
The foundation’s goal is not just job creation, but fostering inclusion for those often excluded from the workforce.
Westpac Foundation’s approach is about more than just grants.
“Our strategy has always been about long-term impact,” Lyden said.
The foundation forms lasting partnerships to help its partners grow and sustain their job creation efforts.
One of the Foundation’s key partners, social enterprise Free to Feed, empowers refugees and asylum seekers through training and employment in the food industry.
Since 2015, it has provided over $2 million in wages and 63,000 hours of training to over 400 participants.
“Westpac Foundation’s support of our business has been instrumental in our journey towards sustainable growth,” said Loretta Bolotin, CEO of Free to Feed.
With plans to award over $2.9 million to 45 jobs-focused community partners in 2024, the foundation is committed to expanding its efforts.
“We know the work isn’t over,” Lyden said, noting that nearly two million Australians remain unemployed or underemployed.
Westpac Foundation, along with other Westpac Group philanthropic foundations, has invested over $100m in the past decade to help those facing disadvantage.
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