Tasmanian-based financial institution MyState is helping vulnerable young Tasmanians achieve a brighter future, by awarding over $106,000 to 14 local not-for-profit organisations through the MyState Foundation, which has now donated over $1.1 million to over 200 initiatives in the past 14 years.

MyState Foundation Chairman Bob Gordon said the Foundation’s mission was to help educate, nurture, support and advance the interests of Tasmania’s young people, ensuring their future and the future of their communities were happy, healthy and safe.

SecondBite’s schools program was one of 14 Tasmanian not-for-profit organisations who received a grant from the MyState Foundation in 2015. Here SecondBite program participants from Montrose Bay High School are joined (L to R) by MyState Foundation Chairman Bob Gordon, SecondBite’s Aaron Kropf, Montrose Bay High School’s Nigel Walsh and SecondBite’s Pat Burton.

SecondBite’s schools program was one of 14 Tasmanian not-for-profit organisations who received a grant from the MyState Foundation in 2015. Here SecondBite program participants from Montrose Bay High School are joined (L to R) by MyState Foundation Chairman Bob Gordon, SecondBite’s Aaron Kropf, Montrose Bay High School’s Nigel Walsh and SecondBite’s Pat Burton.

“We help young Tasmanians to access opportunities they might not otherwise have access to by supporting and enabling a range of charitable programs and activities all around the state,” Mr Gordon said.

“This year we are incredibly proud to be awarding over $106,000 in grants to 14 charitable or community organisations across the state, ranging from Kennerley Children’s Homes in the south, St Giles Society in the north, and The Beacon Foundation in the north west.”

Mr Gordon said the MyState Foundation offered its grants program on an annual basis, providing grants between $1,000 and $10,000 to eligible organisations to assist with bettering the lives of young Tasmanians.

“In partnership with the University of Tasmania and the Tasmanian Principals Association, we also offer the Springboard to Higher Education bursary program, which assists students whose economic circumstances and location hinder their ability to complete higher education,” he said.

“We’re passionate about the potential our young people hold, but understand that sometimes it can’t be reached without a little help.

“The Springboard program awards talented, capable and willing students with a $2,250 bursary in years 11, 12 and during their first year at university. To date, the MyState Foundation has awarded 149 bursaries worth a total of $158,500 and has committed a further three years.

“We believe it’s the little ideas, local organisations and small acts that can help to make a big difference in people’s lives and help build a richer Tasmanian community.”

Applications for the next round of grants will open in early 2016.  For more information about the MyState Foundation visit www.mystate.com.au/community.