Community Fund

More than $500,000 of funding has so far been provided to help rural communities across Australia through the company's Community Fund.

Overview

Launched in 2006, the Community Fund was established to assist rural communities in which many of Viterra’s people live, work, develop and grow.

Viterra relies on the goodwill of these communities to operate; it needs rural-based workers to function efficiently and depends on the support of farmers for its business base.  Consequently, Viterra has both a responsibility and a vested interest in the ongoing viability of rural communities. 

The Community Fund assists rural communities to help themselves by providing grants for modest but worthwhile projects in the key areas of education, health, youth development and community amenity, where external funding or charitable aid is not available or inadequate.

Fund Objectives

The key objectives of the Community Fund are:

1. To make a difference

Viterra believes that any grants must make a difference to the community that is receiving the grant. If the result of the grant does not impact on the people of the community, then in most cases the application will not be approved.

2. To provide donations that will benefit the community as a whole

All applications should disclose how the donation will benefit the community as a whole.  Donations to individuals will not be considered – donations or grants to individuals are regarded as sponsorships.

3. To allocate funds in a fair and unbiased manner

Viterra believes the best people to decide which applications receive funds are the people who reside in the communities that will benefit.  Therefore, to allocate funds in a fair and unbiased manner an advisory committee has been established to make the decisions on where funds should be allocated, comprising:

  • A current grower director of Viterra (who will be Chairman of the advisory committee)
  • Four individuals who are involved in the Australian agricultural industry, retired farmers or citizens of a rural background
  • The administrator of the Fund, (who will be a Viterra employee with no voting rights on the allocations)

4. To spread the Fund’s support over a wide range of community projects.

While there are no dollar limits on projects, assistance in the range of $1,000 to $5,000 is more likely to attract support.

In most cases the Community Fund will pay for the goods and services of the application rather than a cheque presentation. We will deliver the goods to the applicant or pay the service provider direct. Local suppliers and tradespeople are supported to ensure total community benefit.

Selection Criteria

Eligible projects

Projects must be based in rural Australia where Viterra and its subsidiaries conduct business. An announcement regarding the Community Fund in New Zealand will be made in the near future.

Projects must be worthwhile (as decided by the advisory committee), be likely to have a sustainable impact on the local community and fall into one of the following four categories: 

  • Education and training
  • Health
  • Youth development
  • Community amenity

 

  • Grant applications will be assessed principally on the quality of the community benefit they will deliver
  • The community support the project
  • Are able to demonstrate initiative and energy in raising funds locally
  • Demonstrate financial accountability
  • Demonstrate a coherent plan for the implementation and completion of the project
  • Are willing to cooperate in the promotion of Viterra and its products and services in the local community, as Viterra sees fit
  • Have demonstrated a considered approach to the grant application process

  • A receipt of funding does not necessarily mean that further funding will be forthcoming into the future

Projects that are not eligible

  • Projects that should be the responsibility for the most part of government at any level
  • Projects promoted by political or religious organisations (with the exception of schools) or those that are religious or political in nature
  • Projects that do not have a high level of community support
  • Projects that involve an activity of a sporting nature
  • Projects that are primarily aimed at the promotion or sponsorship of a sport
  • Projects that are commercial in nature
  • The funding of community services such as fire brigade, ambulance, flying doctor
  • Donations to other charities, foundations or general appeals and lotteries
  • Subsidisation of operating costs
  • Individuals, including Viterra staff members
  • Organisations or groups who discriminate or limit membership based on race, gender, beliefs, class or cultural considerations