Connecting Communities Grants Program

Optus people are given the opportunity to submit an application on behalf of a not-for-profit organisation, and not-for-profit organisations are able to submit an application directly, for a grant of up to $5,000 that will be used to address the Optus cpmmunity investment focus areas.

To define our community investment focus areas of building social inclusion and supporting disengaged youth, we have highlighted three priority areas where we believe as a leading telecommunications company we can make the most difference in the community.

Building Social Inclusion:

• By providing access to communications
  providing access to communication for individuals or groups that are currently excluded is one way that Optus can make a significant contribution to society and help overcome the barriers of distance and disadvantage.
• By connecting disengaged communities
  supporting local community organisations and groups' initiatives that help build and strengthen their capacity to deliver services that have a positive social impact for Australians in need.

Supporting disengaged youth:

• By improving their education, life skills and knowledge
  helping disadvantaged young people improve their eduction, life skills and knowledge is key to changing their future and helping them to reach their full potential in life. Improving disadvantaged youth with their education will also help in providing more employment opportunities which benefits the local economy.

Applications for 2010 open 9am (AEST) Monday, 3rd May and close 5pm (AEST), Friday 30th July 2010.

How to get involved

As a representative of a not-for-profit organisation, you can apply directly to Optus. All you have to do is submit the on-line application form before 5pm (AEST), Friday 30th July 2009.

Important:
You must read the following document before completing your online application.

Guidelines, Selection Criteria and Terms & Conditions  

Apply for the Optus Connecting Communities Grants Program 

Please note: If you are an Optus employee and wish to apply for a grant on behalf of a Not For Profit organisation, please apply online via the Optus intranet.

The 2009 Program

From March to July, Optus people were given the opportunity to submit an application on behalf of a not-for-profit organisation, and not-for-profit organisations were able to submit an application directly.

31 not-for-profit organisations were awarded grants for programs which complimented our community investment focus areas of reducing social isolation and provided solutions to help build a better future for disengaged youth.

The not-for-profit organisations are based in rural and regional areas across Australia, and through our support, they will continue to deliver positive social outcomes in their community by providing youth with new opportunities, skills and confidence, access to education and new and strong support networks, as well as reconnect disengaged young people to community life.