Following the highly successful program launch in 2008 with 23 community projects across Australia awarded funding - the 2009 Optus Connecting Communities Grants Program is open for applications.

Now, in its second year, the Optus Connecting Communities Grants Program provides grants to not-for-profit community organisations to help reduce social isolation and reconnect disengaged youth in the community - each project receiving funding of up to $5,000.

Some success stories from 2008 include:

• The Yalmambirra Learning Centre (supported by Barnardos, a non-denominational welfare organisation) in Wellington, New South Wales received $5,000 in funding from Optus to assist local teenagers in their school academic performance. The funding allowed more students to have improved access to computers in a supervised and supportive environment.
• Ten young Queenslanders as part of the Youth Enterprise Trust (YET) undertook a ten-day wilderness project to build self-esteem, encourage team work and develop bush skills, with $5,000 in funding from Optus.
• Youth Focus, an early intervention service for young people at risk of suicide, depression or self-harm in Collie, Western Australia received $5,000 in funding. The support provided 12 to 18 year olds in the area with assistance and treatment through a range of youth suicide early intervention and prevention services.

The Connecting Communities Grants Program is part of Optus' commitment to building better Australian communities.

"The 2008 Connecting Communities Grants Program was a great success with 23 projects receiving much needed funding. We are proud to be supporting programs that work to make a contribution to the community. We are also delighted that Optus staff can nominate projects to support, in addition to the work we already do with the workplace giving program," Jann Kohlman, Optus Group Manager, Sponsorship and Community Programs said.

Applications close 31 July 2009 and for full grant guidelines/criteria and to apply visit: www.optus.com.au/grantsprogram

Media contact:
Tracy Woodley
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 8082 7850

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, grants are awarded annually to both Optus employees and not-for-profit organisations for projects that proactively reduce social isolation and provide solutions for disengaged young people.