The NAB Foundation, formerly known as the MLC Community Foundation, has today announced the opening of a new $1million grant program.

The 2016 grants program, Stronger Minds, is designed to support the mental health and wellbeing of Australians. Up to $1million in grant funding is available across four grants, in the following areas: research, youth, rural and remote Australia and social inclusion. Funding is available to help the successful applicants expand an existing program or service, pilot something new or help fund much needed research costs.

The Foundation aims to stimulate positive social change by supporting social purpose organisations that are doing amazing things in our communities.

Commenting on the role of the foundation, NAB Group Executive Michaela Healey said “The NAB Foundation wants to help make great things happen. We know this takes more than just funding. We also look to match the expertise of our employees and the resources of the broader NAB Group to help the organisations we work with achieve their goals, be it through capacity building, skilled volunteering, mentoring, communication and advocacy support.”

“For this year’s program, we’re focusing on organisations doing great things to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians. This is important to everyone – our communities, customers, employees and shareholders. We have consulted extensively and undertaken research to understand what aspects of mental health and wellbeing are most critical and relevant for us to support. This has informed our 2016 grant categories,” Ms Healey said.

Since it was established as MLC Community Foundation in 2008, the NAB Foundation has provided $8.1milllion in funding to not-for-profit organisations.

For more information, including how to apply for a grant, visit: www.nab.com.au/nabfoundation.