Optus Connecting Communities Grant 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 community investment focus areas.

Three priority areas have been determined

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 close 5pm (AEST), Friday 30th July 2010.

For more information, visit http://www.optus.com.au/portal/site/aboutoptus/menuitem.cfa0247099a6f722d0b61a108c8ac7a0/?vgnextoid=ce3897ce70973210VgnVCM10000002cd780aRCRD