Coca Cola Australia Foundation, that has provided over $18 million in funding, celebrates its 20th anniversary

This year, the Coca-Cola Australia Foundation (CCAF) celebrates its 20th anniversary, having provided more than $18 million in funding to hundreds of organisations around Australia.

Hundreds of organisations across Australia have been supported by the Coca-Cola Australia Foundation since it was first established in 2002.

Since the philanthropic fund was established in 2002 by Coca-Cola South Pacific and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Australia, the CCAF has awarded hundreds of grants in support of capacity-building projects and programs that positively impact the environment, mental health, employment, youth development, Indigenous, social connections, and inclusivity.

The mission of the CCAF is to create possibilities for a brighter, more sustainable future for Australians today and generations to come, and each year it pursues this aim through its Flagship Partner and Employee Connected Grants programs.

With recipients including organisations such as Earthwatch, The Song Room and First Hand Solutions, CCAF grants have given much-needed support to a variety of initiatives; from innovative solutions that tackle marine pollution and programs designed to restore and conserve native plants, to arts and employment programs that support underprivileged youth.

Malcolm Hudson, Chair of the Coca-Cola Australia Foundation since 2016, has seen first-hand the inspiring and impactful work undertaken by non-profit organisations across the country.

“The Foundation’s work supports initiatives that help to build a more sustainable future for Australia, whilst also empowering employees of Coca-Cola in Australia to deepen their involvement in the community,” said CCAF Chair Malcolm Hudson.

“It’s humbling to reflect on the many incredible organisations and programs we’ve supported over the last two decades, and we’re optimistic about what we can achieve together in the years ahead.”

Related: Coca-Cola Australia Foundation and Landcare Australia announce a new partnership to transform farm dams

Sydney’s Wayside Chapel is one organisation that has received several CCAF grants to support its efforts to lift disadvantaged people out of social isolation, giving them much-needed access to essential health, welfare, social and recreational services.

“We have worked with the passionate team at Coca-Cola for several years and we’re grateful for their support of our initiatives including our Heart Café in Bondi Beach, and most recently our Wingspan program,” said Jon Owen, CEO of Wayside Chapel.

“This year, we have been able to support an additional 14 young people who have experienced significant barriers to employment through our Wingspan program, and the funding from the Coca-Cola Australia Foundation has been pivotal. Through this initiative, we assist young people in gaining meaningful employment through access to sustainable job opportunities, skills and training.”

In 2022, the CCAF has distributed more than $1.1 million to non-profit organisations, of which a total of approximately $500,000 has been granted to 31 charities as part of its Employee Connected Grants program.

The program allows eligible employees of Coca-Cola South Pacific and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Australia to nominate a charity they have a connection with to receive a one-off grant of up to $25,000. A snapshot of charitable organisations supported by the 2022 CCAF Employee Connected Grants program can be viewed below.

The CCAF also provides funding through its Flagship Partner Grants, supporting charities with clear and measurable programs that address a challenge aligned with the CCAF’s mission. Earlier this year, Landcare Australia was announced as a new Flagship Partner, with the organisation being awarded $600,000 over three years to support its Farm Dam Restoration Project.

Related: Wetlands not Wastelands: Coca-Cola and Earthwatch announce a $600k partnership to tackle marine pollution in remote Australia

Menchie Khairuddin

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Menchie Khairuddin is a writer Deputy Content Manager at Akolade and content producer for Third Sector News. She is passionate about social affairs specifically in mixed, multicultural heritage and not-for-profit organisations.

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