PAYCE Foundation donates $80,000 to community grants program

The PAYCE Foundation has donated $80,000 to community groups, including those assisting the growing number of youth at risk in the Southern Highlands.

The Foundation has signed a two-year agreement as a major supporter to assist the life-changing work of the Southern Highlands Community Foundation (SHCF).

SHCF distributed more than $100,000 to community groups at a ceremony held at the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens.

The grants support community groups focusing on events, environmental programs, education, and health.

The PAYCE Foundation donation this year included $30,000 for specific youth programs. They are:

• Your Angel Charity – wellbeing support for students
• Pop In Southern Highlands Limited – domestic violence programs
• Community Links Wellbeing – intergenerational men’s group and mentoring
• Reading Friends Australia – promotional and event tools to encourage reading

SHCF Chair Jennifer Bott (pictured below) said there was a strong need for expanded youth services.

“The PAYCE Foundation donation, which has a strong commitment to assisting youth and domestic violence services, has helped us establish a specific subsection in the grant program.

“This will allow us to see what has an impact in the community and which programs we would like to see grow.”

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said: “The SHCF is a grassroots foundation that has an exceptional record of delivering programs that enhance the lives of its community.

“Our ambition is to help SHCF build its capacity to fund effective community programs.

“We understand that, like many regional areas, there is a significant number of youth who are at risk, and we are pleased to support community programs, including those specifically aimed at youth.”