Commonwealth Bank Staff Give $2 Million To Community Organisations To Help Australian Youth

Commonwealth Bank has announced more than 200 community organisations that support the health and wellbeing of Australian youth will receive individual grants of up to $10,000, as part of the 2013 Commonwealth Bank Community Grants program.

The annual Community Grants program is funded by staff donations to the Commonwealth Bank Staff Community Fund and is matched dollar-for-dollar by the Group.

Since inception the Community Grants program has awarded more than 700 grants, giving more than $5.6 million to help community organisations that support Australian youth. This year, grants will be awarded in Queensland (36), New South Wales (90), Australian Capital Territory (9), Victoria (46), South Australia (11), Western Australia (20), Northern Territory (7) and Tasmania (16).

Commonwealth Bank branch staff from across Australia will be congratulating the 2013 grant recipients by presenting the grant in their local communities.

David Cohen, Commonwealth Bank Staff Community Fund Chair, said the Group has a longstanding history of supporting young Australians and the organisations that strive each and every day to make a positive impact to their lives.

“The Commonwealth Bank Staff Community Fund is Australia’s longest running workplace giving program and through our 2013 Community Grants program we continue to support the wellbeing of communities in which we operate,” Mr Cohen said.

Louise Walsh, Chief Executive Officer, Philanthropy Australia, believes community grants programs are vital in assisting grassroots charity organisations.

“Programs like the Commonwealth Bank’s Community Grants have an important and positive impact on communities across Australia. The Commonwealth Bank can be proud of the contribution it makes through community grants to hundreds of organisations each year,” Ms Walsh said.

A full list of 2013 grant recipients can be found at commbank.com.au/grants

ENDS

Editor’s Note

About Commonwealth Bank Staff Community Fund

The Commonwealth Bank Staff Community Fund was formed in 1917 and is Australia’s longest running employee contribution program. Current and retired staff contribute to the Fund. All administrative costs for the Fund are met by the Bank, ensuring 100 per cent of funds raised go directly to youth charities. The Commonwealth Bank matches contributions made by staff dollar for dollar. The Fund supports various causes that work with Australian youth including the Community Grants program, Midnight Basketball and Clown Doctors.

About Commonwealth Bank in the community

Commonwealth Bank has been actively supporting the Australian community since it opened its doors in 1912. Commonwealth Bank together with its community partners and people achieve social outcomes that enrich the communities in which it operates. Community support includes financial literacy through the Commonwealth Bank Foundation, the health and wellbeing of children through the Staff Community Fund, and programs in the arts, sport, welfare, Indigenous communities and the environment.