St.George, BankSA, and Bank of Melbourne Foundations have jointly announced the recipients of their 2025 Inspire Grants, awarding a total of $1.2 million to five exceptional charities dedicated to improving educational outcomes for disadvantaged young Australians.

The grants aim to support innovative programs that enhance educational achievement among young people facing challenges such as low socio-economic status, geographic isolation, and systemic barriers, including those from First Nations communities.

“Funding to address educational inequity in Australia is essential to help ensure all children and young people have the opportunity to thrive,” said Sally-Anne O’Brien, CEO of the St.George, BankSA, and Bank of Melbourne Foundations. “Disadvantage can significantly impact a student's educational outcomes from an early age, and without intervention, the gap continues to grow.”

2025 Inspire Grant Recipients:

• GO Foundation – Awarded $300,000 to provide education scholarships for First Nations students, incorporating cultural and aspirational activities, partnerships, and financial support for school essentials.
• EPIC Pathways – Granted $300,000 to empower First Nations high school students by integrating cultural knowledge with contemporary education strategies, enhancing outcomes and expanding pathways into further education, training, and employment.
• Country Education Foundation of Australia – Received $300,000 to offer community-based support and financial assistance to rural and regional youth pursuing post-school education and training.
• Australian Business Community Network Scholarship Foundation – Granted $150,000 to support young people in completing Year 12 and pursuing tertiary pathways through financial assistance, professional mentorship, and career readiness resources.
• Skyline Education Foundation – Awarded $150,000 to empower high-potential students facing social and economic adversity to complete their Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) by providing educational, emotional, and practical support, including payment of school fees and transformative learning experiences.

Over the past five years, the St.George, BankSA, and Bank of Melbourne Foundations have committed $3.87 million to 13 local organisations, reinforcing their dedication to creating a future where every young person has the chance to reach their potential, regardless of background or circumstances.

About the Foundations

Since creating its first philanthropic foundation 140 years ago, Westpac Group has gone on to establish a family of five foundations (Westpac, St.George, BankSA and Bank of Melbourne Foundations, and Westpac Scholars Trust) which are investing in – job creation, next generation leaders and supporting children and young people to thrive. They are determined to make a difference by backing the people and organisations that are building better futures for all Australians.