Optus announced today close to $150,000 worth of funding for 31 Australian not-for profit organisations, as part of its annual Optus Connecting Communities Grants Program.

Optus saw a threefold increase in grant applications on last year, with over 400 organisations applying directly for funding. The funding will help reduce social isolation for those in need and reconnect disengaged youth in the community.

"Our business is about connecting people across Australia. Since its inception last year, our grant scheme has helped reconnect hundreds of disadvantaged people, and assisted them in building a better future for themselves. We're delighted to today announce financial support to 31 worthy projects," Jann Kohlman, Optus Group Manager, Sponsorship and Community Programs said.

The Optus Connecting Communities Grants program awards funding of up to $5,000 to each not-for-profit organisation, and is an essential part of Optus' Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. All 31 organisations selected compliment Optus' community investment focus in the areas of social isolation and disengaged youth.

Examples of the supported projects include:

• Kids Plus Foundation, Victoria: Optus' funding will support specialist therapy for children and teenagers with Cerebral palsy and brain injury. The project assists them to achieve developmental and functional milestones, access education, gain independent mobility and strengthen self esteem, while helping them connect with a wider social network through participation and inclusion.
• Homeless Connect Perth 2009, Western Australia: Optus' funding will help to provide a range of services to assist people who are disadvantaged to find new pathways and connections. These services include internet and mobile phone access, which will allow homeless people to access personal information such as medical records and reconnect with their family and friends.
• Foodbank, South Australia: Optus' funding will help provide food relief to young, indigenous and regionally isolated children across the north and west coast region of South Australia. The project benefits an estimated 10,000 regional children annually and provides vital assistance to vulnerable areas.

"The high number of applications show there is a real need for support amongst these groups and we are committed to using this program to help build better communities. We also strengthen partnerships with the community by leveraging the power of our staff. Optus employees are involved in many not-for-profit organisations in their personal lives and through Optus supported programs such as volunteering and workplace giving we provide them with more ways to support the community in which we live and work," Ms Kohlman said.

In addition to the Community Grants Program, Optus supports 13 charity partners nationally, including Mission Australia, World Vision, Youth off the Streets and the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Kids Helpline and The Starlight Children's Foundation.

Media contact:
Tracy Woodley
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 8082 5302

About the Optus Connecting Communities Grants Program
The Optus Connecting Communities Grants Program is part of Optus' commitment to help build better Australian communities. Under this national program, launched in 2008, grants up to $5,000 are awarded to both Optus employees and not-for-profit organisations for projects that proactively reduce social isolation and provide solutions for disengaged young people.