Westpac Foundation backs ten organisations helping more children thrive at school

Ten organisations working to improve education outcomes for children across Australia have been awarded $1.2 million over two years in the inaugural Better Futures and Impact Grants from Westpac Foundation*.

 

The grants support initiatives helping children build strong foundations in literacy and numeracy, strengthen wellbeing and engagement at school, and create the conditions for learning. They also back collaborations seeking to address some of the systemic barriers that affect education outcomes.

 

The announcement coincides with International Literacy Day, highlighting the importance of literacy as a foundation for learning, participation and future opportunity. With one in three Australian students not meeting expected literacy and numeracy benchmarks, the grants aim to help more children build the skills they need to thrive at school and beyond.

 

Westpac Foundation CEO Amy Lyden said the organisations share a common goal: ensuring more children have the opportunity to learn, participate and thrive.

 

"Every child deserves the chance to build a strong future through education," Ms Lyden said.  "These organisations are tackling challenges in different ways, but all are focused on creating better opportunities for children to learn and succeed. We're proud to support their work and the positive impact they have in communities across Australia."

 

The eight Better Futures Grant recipients are delivering practical, community-led solutions spanning literacy, numeracy, school engagement, health and wellbeing.

 

Among them is Adelaide Crows Foundation, which uses kid’s passion for football to help bring mathematics and STEM learning to life on the field.

 

Through its STEM Footy program, students use AFL-inspired scenarios and hands-on activities to build confidence in maths, problem-solving and critical thinking. The program combines classroom lessons, digital learning resources and teacher professional development to strengthen outcomes for students and educators alike.

 

The Better Futures Grant will help Adelaide Crows Foundation expand the program to reach 6,000 primary school students across metropolitan and regional South Australia over the next two years, delivering 180,000 hours of STEM learning while supporting lasting improvements in teaching practice.

 

"Every child deserves the opportunity to develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed at school and beyond. Through STEM Footy, we're helping students connect classroom learning with real-world problem solving, using their passion for AFL to build confidence in maths, critical thinking and persistence,” said Katie Bell, Adelaide Crows Foundation Manager

 

“Westpac Foundation's support will help us reach thousands more students across metropolitan and regional South Australia, while also supporting teachers with practical tools that strengthen learning outcomes in the classroom," she said. 

 

In Western Sydney, Story Factory will partner with Shalvey Public School to deliver intensive creative writing programs designed to strengthen literacy, confidence and engagement among students.

 

Over two years, students will participate in a series of creative writing programs that encourage them to draw on their own experiences, imagination and interests. Along the way, they'll receive support from expert facilitators and volunteer tutors, helping build literacy skills and greater confidence in learning.

 

The program culminates in students publishing their work in professionally produced anthologies, giving young writers the opportunity to share their stories and celebrate their achievements.

 

The Better Futures Grant will support up to 400 children aged between seven and 12, while also exposing teachers to approaches they can continue using in the classroom.

 

“Every day at Story Factory, we witness the transformative impact that creative writing and storytelling has on young people’s literacy, confidence, and agency”, said Dr Catherine Keenan AM, Executive Director and Co-founder of Story Factory.

 

“We are incredibly grateful for Westpac Foundation’s support in helping us continue to deliver high-quality creative writing programs to students from under-resourced communities. This support provides students with unique opportunities to find and share their stories and imagine new possibilities for their futures.” 

 

Together, our Better Futures grant recipients will support children in metropolitan, regional and remote communities across Australia through programs focused on literacy, numeracy, wellbeing, school engagement and access to learning opportunities.

 

Westpac Foundation has also awarded two inaugural Impact Grants, supporting collaborations focused on addressing systemic barriers to educational equity and improving learning outcomes at scale.

 

By supporting both direct community programs and initiatives designed to influence broader systems change, Westpac Foundation's Education Grants program aims to help more children access the opportunities they need to learn, grow and reach their potential.  

 

Better Futures Grant recipients:

• Story Factory (NSW)

• Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers (National)

• Dymocks Children's Charities (SA, NSW, QLD & VIC)

• Education Equity Alliance (VIC)

• The Pyjama Foundation (NSW, QLD, VIC)

• Mornington Peninsula Foundation (VIC)

• Ear Foundation Australia (WA)

 

Impact Grant recipients:

• Learning Creates Australia (National)

• Impact Teaching Group  (Regional)

 

*Incorporating St.George, BankSA and Bank of Melbourne Foundations