Community Underwriting's grant program backs over 50 projects

Community Underwriting has announced the successful conclusion of its Small Grants Program for 2023.

Following its distinctive business model, the company designates 5% of its annual surplus to clients who renew their insurance. Collaborating with insurer partners Berkley Insurance Australia and Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company, these additional contributions enable a broader response to various projects each year.

Community Underwriting's Small Grants Program 2023

In its 10th year, the program has contributed to 52 projects across the sector, surpassing the 46 projects assisted in 2022.

The 2023 program has supported initiatives spanning diverse areas, including:

• Koala Kids Superhero Program: an innovative distraction therapy for children with cancer undergoing radiotherapy, providing an escape through superhero dress-up
• Shine and Strength: transformative personal development and mentoring programs tailored for young girls and boys, aiding self-discovery, purpose identification, and life direction, particularly in high-risk school environments
• assistance for women and children fleeing domestic violence, offering “starter packs” of basic household items for a smoother transition from shelter to a new home
• employment training for African refugee women in Western Sydney, focused on providing skills and pathways to employment
• resources ensuring families receive accurate information when their baby is diagnosed with unilateral hearing loss through newborn hearing screening
• Christmas BBQ event for 45+ homeless young people, providing a meal on the day, a Christmas meal hamper, and a gift for Christmas day
• sensory room program for people with dementia, creating a controlled and stimulating environment to enhance their quality of life and provide respite to their carers
• accommodation, rehabilitation, and care for rescued mammals and native birds until they can be released back into their natural habitat
• purchase of a portable marquee gazebo for older people in the Bega Valley, providing an accessible shade area in community venues
• community art program in collaboration with the local indigenous community, designed to help those feeling marginalized, experiencing social isolation, stress, and anxiety
• support and education seminars for people recently diagnosed with Parkinson's to deepen their understanding of the condition and provide reassurance

Other contributions include much-needed defibrillators, replacement fridges, essential equipment, health information resources, enhanced signage, sensory gardens, art installations, and community and family events.

Community Underwriting's annual donations to NFP shareholders and the Small Grants Program reflect its commitment to reinvesting clients' insurance dollars back into the sector.

Since its inception in 2014, the company has donated over $8.9 million to clients or shareholders in the not-for-profit sector.