Say hello to People First Bank Foundation

12 June 2024

The name might be new, but for People First Bank Foundation, there’ll be no change whatsoever to its absolute commitment to supporting communities.

From today, People First Bank Foundation is the new name for what was previously the Heritage Bank Charitable Foundation.

The change is in line with the launch of the People First Bank brand, the new name for the organisation formed by the merger of Heritage Bank and People’s Choice Credit Union in 2023.

The Foundation was established in 2018 to grow stronger communities by providing grants to support quality community programs that create long-lasting positive impacts.

The merger and the name change to People First Bank Foundation will provide added strength, thanks to the ability to leverage the customer-owned bank’s national presence to better support more wonderful community organisations.

“It’s very exciting to embark on our new era of supporting communities and people in need as People First Bank Foundation,” Executive Officer Paul Olds said.

“While we have a new look and name, our focus and philosophy of support has not changed. In fact, we’re building on the legacy we started as the Heritage Bank Charitable Foundation.

“We are still passionate about supporting high-quality programs that create long lasting positive impacts by reaching people in need.

“We are extremely excited about the prospect of harnessing the collective strength of the People First Bank community, and one of Australia’s leading customer owned organisations, to make a positive difference to the lives of individuals and their families.

“At People First Bank Foundation, we want to extend our reputation of providing support far beyond a cheque book. Taking a big picture approach, we are committed to working with our charity partners to provide both financial and non-financial resources in areas that will deliver the great impact.”

The Foundation focuses on three key areas:

• Positive educational and alternative pathways to help at-risk children and teenagers;
• Health care services for vulnerable Australians and their families; and
• Support for the economic and social wellbeing of people in regional, rural and remote communities, including in times of natural disasters.

People First Bank will continue to fund all operational costs of the Foundation, ensuring all donations received and investment income generated is applied to helping those in need, now and into the future.

Applications for the Foundation’s next round of grants open soon and registered charities across Australia are encouraged to apply.

More information on the Foundation can be found at www.peoplefirstbankfoundation.org.au.

Photo caption: People First Bank Foundation Executive Officer Paul Olds shows off the Foundation's new name and logo.