Investing in change: Meet our Workplaces with Impact Grant recipients
We’ve partnered with four incredible organisations making a significant impact in the lives of people in our communities.
A great workplace isn’t just a place to work—it’s a force for good. At Lendlease, we believe in using our spaces, resources and partnerships to create meaningful change, supporting organisations that make a real difference in people’s lives.
That’s why we’ve launched the Workplaces with Impact Grant, supporting organisations that support underrepresented groups by fostering economic prosperity through education, skills development, and employment opportunities.
Following a rigorous selection process, we’re thrilled to introduce our four outstanding Workplaces with Impact Grant recipients.
Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF)
A long-standing Lendlease partner and 2024 ALMA Laureate, ILF is launching its new Talent Pathways program, designed to support First Nations youth in building literacy and career opportunities. This grant will fund the pilot of a unique, two-year program that trains individuals from remote Communities in publishing and creative arts, enabling them to become self-employed professionals working from their home Community.
“We are honoured to have been chosen for this grant, particularly given the highly competitive selection process,” says David Stewart, Indigenous Literacy Foundation. “This funding represents a strong alignment of goals between our organisations, with clear benefits for the individuals participating in the program. As the ILF does not receive or seek government funding, grants like this are essential to our work. This vote of confidence allows us to pilot a brand-new initiative that will empower individuals in remote regions with skills to build sustainable careers in publishing and creative arts.”
Beyond financial support, this grant further strengthens the nearly five-year relationship between Lendlease and ILF, paving the way for new collaborations and unique engagements.
Hotel Etico Australia
In a newly forged partnership, Lendlease is proud to support Hotel Etico, Australia’s not-for-profit social enterprise hotel, dedicated to providing employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities in the hospitality sector.
“Hotel Etico's approach to social impact is all about fostering partnerships within the tourism and hospitality industries, corporate Australia, and the broader community to shift perceptions and create real change,” says Andrea Comastri from Hotel Etico. “Our partnership with Lendlease is not just about financial support; it’s about building a more inclusive Australia when it comes to the employment and inclusion of people with disabilities.”
Lendlease Workplace’s funding will directly support Hotel Etico’s commitment to paying its trainees full award wages, a significant step toward fair employment practices in the disability sector.
“We made the decision to pay our trainees full award wages because we firmly believe it’s the right thing to do,” explains Andrea. “This funding helps ensure we can continue this commitment while providing training that leads to long-term employment.”
Good Shepherd & Fitted for Work
An existing tenant customer at 485 La Trobe, Good Shepherd is dedicated to empowering women through financial security and employment readiness. This grant will support a new program, delivered in partnership with Fitted for Work, focused on the job preparation journey, equipping individuals with the tools and confidence they need to succeed.
“Empowering women to take control of their lives and livelihood is a core part of the Good Shepherd mission,” says Soula Drummond of Good Shepherd. “We are excited about this partnership because it will help women, regardless of their situation, build the skills and confidence needed to enter the workforce and create a thriving future for themselves.”
The grant will fund workshops and support services, including job-readiness training, professional outfitting, resume writing, interview coaching, and mentoring. Participants will also have access to financial counselling and capability workshops tailored to their needs. Additionally, in-building activations will provide opportunities for Lendlease tenant customers to engage through mentoring, skill-based sessions, and corporate clothing donations.
“This partnership is about breaking cycles of disadvantage and giving women, girls and their families real opportunities,” says Soula. “Seeing women succeed is its own reward, and we look forward to witnessing the long-term impact of this collaboration.”
Two Good Co.
A valued Lendlease social partner, Two Good Co. provides employment pathways for women with lived experience of homelessness and domestic violence.
“Being selected as a grant partner for Lendlease Workplaces with Impact Grant is a huge endorsement of our work and mission,” says Daf Dar of Two Good Co. “This support allows us to expand our impact, providing more employment pathways for women who have experienced trauma.”
The funds will directly support Two Good’s Work Work program, which helps participants gain skills and confidence through paid on-the-job training and wraparound support.
“We’re most excited about collaborating with Lendlease to create meaningful change, amplifying our reach, and opening new opportunities for the women we support,” adds Daf.
Over the next year, we’ll be working closely with each of these organisations, offering support that goes beyond funding. Through digital collaborations, activations in our workplaces, employee volunteering or other opportunities, we aim to create partnerships that leave a lasting mark on our communities.
The Workplaces with Impact Grant is about investing in people, potential, and purpose. By working together, we can create places that are not just great to work in, but also great for the communities around us.
Stay tuned as we share updates on how these initiatives unfold and the incredible impact they create.