Here are some of the ways that we work with, and for, communities:

• In 2003, we conducted Australia’s first national survey into adult financial literacy. We have since taken a leadership position in the community to help ensure that people are equipped to make informed decisions when using and managing their money. We believe a ‘financially fit’ community is essential to long-term individual and community well-being and a healthy economy.
• Based on the results of our financial literacy research, we have simplified our product booklets, developed a website that explains the basics of credit, produced a customer booklet entitled ‘Kickstart your financial fitness’, and trained our staff to identify people who may need help with their finances.
• We are also piloting Australia’s first matched saving scheme, where low-income families are encouraged to save for their children’s education expenses. Every dollar saved by participating families is matched “two for one” by ANZ up to a maximum total of $2,000 in matched savings. Called “Saver Plus”, this program has been recognised by a Prime Minister’s Award for excellence in community business partnerships.
• We have launched MoneyMinded Australia's first comprehensive adult financial education program, developed to help people make better judgments and more informed decisions about their money. MoneyMinded will be delivered by community educators and financial counselors, who are well placed to work with people who have the most to gain from financial education. ANZ aims to work with 100 community organisations over the next five years to deliver MoneyMinded to 100,000 consumers nationally.
• We provide one day’s paid volunteer leave each year for our staff, who have so far contributed more than 34,000 hours since October 2002.
• We have established the ANZ Community Fund, which provides small grants for community projects identified by our frontline banking staff. More than $575,000 has been invested back in to the community since October 2002.
• ANZ partners with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) to offer Seeds of Renewal, a small grants program aiming to build the sustainability of rural communities. In 2004, ANZ and FRRR provided 59 grants under the Seeds of Renewal program, with a total value of $300,000.
• The ANZ Staff Foundation has distributed hundreds of grants to help disadvantaged people, children with disabilities, unemployed youth and community groups achieve their goals. Grants are funded by regular contributions from ANZ and its employees, and our people also volunteer their time to specific projects supported by the foundation. Since 1998 the ANZ Staff Foundation has contributed over $1.6 million to not-for-profit organisations throughout Australia and New Zealand.