Fortescue’s community grants program now open for applications

Pilbara-based community organisations are invited to apply for funding of up to $5,000 under the latest round of Fortescue Metals Group’s (Fortescue) community grants program. The biannual program provides funding to support projects within the Town of Port Hedland, Shires of East Pilbara and Ashburton and City of Karratha with a focus on education and training, Aboriginal engagement, health and wellbeing, safety and community involvement, economic development and environmental responsibility.

During FY20, Fortescue provided grants totalling over A$150,000 to 61 community, sporting and non-profit organisations, supporting a wide range of beneficial programs. One program to benefit from the program was Karratha Community House Little Explorers program, which received funding for resource equipment.

Renee Woolcott from Karratha Community House said, “Little Explorers is specially curated to allow children from three to five years old to explore, experiment, discover, create and learn fun facts.

“The grant we received from Fortescue gave the program the kick start it needed to be delivered and enjoyed by our most precious clients, our children,” she said.

“We were looking for quality products that are child-friendly and long-lasting, that cannot easily be found here in the Pilbara, and we were having extra difficulty because of the constraints of COVID-19.

“We thank Fortescue for this opportunity and look forward to sharing our work with the community.”

General Manager Hedland Operations Mark Komene said, “Fortescue is committed to empowering thriving communities through our growth and development and with 681 of our team members living locally in the Pilbara, we’re proud to contribute to the vibrancy of the region.

“The community grants program allows us to financially support local organisations to ensure their valuable services, projects and events continue to benefit people living and working in the Pilbara,” Mr Komene said.

Applications for the grants are open until 30 September 2020. For more information, visit http://www.fmgl.com.au/communitygrants or email community@fmgl.com.au.