Successful projects announced for Community Grants Support Program 2022

Community Grants Support Program 2022 sucessful projects announced in a year of record applications. 

Orange Credit Union was founded on ‘helping people to help themselves and each other’ so the Community Grants Support Program demonstrates the value the organisation places on developing the community where we work, live and play. Team Orange Credit Union is proud to ‘give back’ to strengthen our community and support those who are making a real difference to improve the lives of others.

CEO, Mr Andrew de Graaff was pleased to receive a record number of applications this year as community groups make a strong resurgence after COVID-19 to connect with their members of many worthy projects, programs and events.

“Our team was delighted to receive about 40 applications representing a wide range of not-for-profit organisations from across the Orange region and beyond. Our archives show this is the most applications received in a single funding round since the program first started over 15 years ago,” Mr de Graaff said.

“After careful consideration from our Board Committee, I’m delighted to announce the Orange Credit Union Community Support Grants recipients for 2022 featuring diverse categories including youth, recreation, sport, culture, education, health and safety.”

Orange Credit Union is proud to support the following projects who are making a significant contribution to the community and the lives of others:

• FoodCare Orange – Providing fresh fruit and vegetables to less fortunate Orange families to encourage a healthy, balanced diet - $2000.
• Spring Hill Public School - Installation of a swing in their playground’s sensory garden to help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and anxiety - $2000.
• 3rd Orange Scout Group – Purchase of a trailer to transport their canoes to various lakes in the Orange region. - $2000
• Orange United Sports Club – Support for Indigenous Gala Day of the Hockey, Netball and League tag event planned for later this year with funding to purchase uniforms, merchandise and equipment - $5,000
• Canowindra Preschool Kindergarten – purchase of iPad technology to improve communications with families and the community - $600
• Orange Rainbow Club – purchase of equipment to support instructors with their learn to swim program for children with disabilities - $4000
• Nashdale Lidster Community Hall – purchase of two dishwashers to help volunteers with their events. - $2000
• Country Women’s Association of NSW at Borenore – purchase a defibrillator for use by members, local school and community - $3000
• Orange Society of Model Engineers Cooperative – purchase a defibrillator for use by members and the community - $3000

“Congratulations to these successful groups. Our team looks forward to working together to further develop the community where we work, live and play, for now and future generations,” Mr de Graaff said.

“As a customer-owned bank, we are 100% owned by our customers. Our profits are ‘given back’ to our customers and the community through innovation in products and services, local job creation and community support and development.

“When our customers back us by banking and borrowing from us, in turn, they are helping us to back others.

“Through the combined efforts of our customers and our team, over 190 grants have been allocated to benefit local organisations in Orange and the surrounding region have now received grant funding support totalling almost half a million dollars ($500,000) since program first began 16 years ago,” he said.

The next round of the annual Community Grants Support Program is planned to reopen in early 2023. For anyone who would like to register their interest, please visit orangecu.com.au/communitygrants