Readings’ Managing Director, Mark Rubbo, has just announced four successful recipients of The Readings Foundation grants.

Rubbo says: ‘We found it extremely difficult to select the projects from such a strong list of applicants. We only wish that we had more money to award more grants.’

The Foundation received 35 diverse applications for funding requests totalling over $500,000. The selection panel included Trustees Mark Rubbo, Helen Garner and Phase III Consultant Gerald Smith, as well as several Readings staff.

The four selected projects were:

• The Aboriginal Literacy Foundation: to provide a tailored and individual tutoring program to disadvantaged and isolated indigenous children in Swan Hill ($10,000)
• Somebody’s Daughter Theatre Company: to conduct a program encouraging disengaged or marginalised rural school students in Wodonga to join a creative arts program working with Somebody’s Daughter Theatre artists and young people from HighWater Theatre ($20,000)
• Olympic Adult Education: to provide literacy tuition for older aged, long term migrants who are extremely disadvantaged because of their low level reading and writing skills ($12,995)
• Fitzroy Learning Network: to upgrade their music studio which is used by youth from disadvantaged backgrounds ($8,000)

The Foundation that was launched by award-winning Melbourne author and Foundation Trustee, Helen Garner at Readings’ 40th birthday earlier this year aims to increase and formalise Readings’ ongoing commitment to support the local community. The Foundation will support individuals and organisations that wish to further the development of Literacy, Community work and the Arts.

Funds for The Foundation are derived from a share of Readings’ profits, individual donations and proceeds from Readings’ ‘accommodation window’ and gift-wrapping service. After renewing Readings’ long-standing financial commitments to the Brotherhood of St Laurence’s Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY) and Sacred Heart Mission, The Readings Foundation had $52,000 to distribute in its inaugural round.

All contributions to the Foundation over $2 are tax deductible and can be made at any Readings shop.