SA families with sick and premature babies to benefit from $40,000 BankSA Foundation grant

Up to 600 families trying to cope with premature babies and sick children will benefit from a new support group in Adelaide’s northern suburbs, thanks to a $40,000 grant from BankSA Foundation.

The new ‘NurtureGroup’ at Salisbury Plains will provide safe play and support programs for families with children aged 0-6 years who are affected by prematurity or illness.

The $40,000 grant from BankSA Foundation – which is driven by BankSA staff donations – will support the new NurtureGroup with toys, resources, volunteer recruitment and training, venue and cleaning costs, catering, project management and allied health costs.

It will become Miracle Babies Foundation’s second NurtureGroup in South Australia, building on the success of the inaugural NurtureGroup at Paradise, when it launches later this month.

BankSA Chief Executive, Nick Reade, said the funding grants to small charitable organisations like Miracle Babies Foundation are making a huge difference to South Australians in need.

“The $40,000 grant to Miracle Babies Foundation will ultimately provide care and support for up to 600 young children and their families in Adelaide’s northern suburbs,” he said.

“With 27,000 babies born premature in Australia every year, these NurtureGroups are playing a crucial role, not only in providing a reassuring, positive environment for children, but also as a place for parents and carers to meet, share stories and build support networks.

More grants available

The NurtureGroup launch coincides with the opening of the next round of BankSA Foundation funding grants today, with charities and not-for-profit community groups from across South Australia and the Northern Territory invited to apply for grants of up to $50,000 each.

“BankSA Foundation has already provided $142,000 in grants this year alone, and the next round of grants is now open for small charities who are striving to make a big impact in their local communities,” said Mr Reade.

BankSA Foundation has developed a proud history of charitable and community support since 1941 when bank staff first agreed to donate part of their wages to send comfort parcels to colleagues serving in the armed forces.

It has since donated more than $9 million to small local charities thanks to the ongoing generosity of BankSA employees through workplace giving and fundraising.

Applications for the next round of BankSA Foundation funding grants close on Friday 11 October 2019. Eligibility criteria and information about applying can be found at banksa.com.au/foundation.

Media contact:
Megan Grey / 0466 320 662 / greym@banksa.com.au
BankSA Foundation contact:
Olivia Thomas: 0466 427 448 / olivia.thomas@banksa.com.au