Tonight the Readings Foundation is being officially launched by one of the Foundation’s trustees, Helen Garner.

The Readings Foundation will be offering grants of up to $20,000 to projects that support literacy, community work or the arts. Recently established by Readings Managing Director, Mark Rubbo OAM, the Foundation aims to increase and formalise Readings’ ongoing commitment to support the local community. The Foundation will support Victorian individuals and organisations that wish to further the development of literacy, community work and the arts.

‘Readings prides itself on its long history of supporting local causes’, said Rubbo. ‘Over the years we have assisted a broad range of local organisations including The Brotherhood of St Laurence’s Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY), La Mama theatre, The Melbourne Prize and Sacred Heart Mission to name a few. Through the Readings Foundation, we aim to continue to contribute to the diversity and creativity of our local community for many years to come.’

This is a wonderful opportunity for individuals and arts organisations with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status to be able to bring their creative or literacy-related projects to life that otherwise would never have had the funds.

Applications open Monday 31 August 2009 and must be lodged by 5pm on Friday 30 October 2009. Final decisions about projects will be made by the Board of Trustees by Monday 30 November 2009. Application forms are available here.