PETALING JAYA: The annual Star Social Impact Grant (SSIG) is now open for applications from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and social enterprises that have impactful project ideas.

After a successful inaugural grant cycle last year, the Star Media Group’s charitable arm Star Foundation is once again offering the funds to support impact-driven and sustainable social projects that help better the lives of local communities and the environment.

This grant is in tandem with Star Foundation’s ongoing efforts in supporting deserving social organisations to bring about long-term impact on the communities they serve.

NGOs and social enterprises with impactful project ideas that are aligned with the foundation’s five focus areas are encouraged to submit their applications for the SSIG.

The focus areas are community development, education, access to basic needs and infrastructure, environmental protection, as well as health and well-being.

The projects can be implemented over a course of 12 months from grant disbursement date.

Each grant size can be up to a maximum of RM50,000 depending on the complexity of the project.

Interested applicants may find out more about the grant or submit their proposals and relevant supporting documentation via bit.ly/starsig from today (March 1) until April 17.

Last year, four organisations were awarded a RM50,000 grant each for their community projects across Malaysia. The funded projects ranged from entrepreneurship training for urban poor communities, sustainable farming methods for rural farmers, vocational training for the mentally-handicapped and women empowerment.

Since its inception in 2004, Star Foundation has donated a total of RM20.6mil to more than 360 social organisations.

It has also been running a Medical Fund Programme since 2015 to help underprivileged individuals suffering from chronic illnesses, by sponsoring one-off medical treatment and care.

For more information on Star Foundation’s work with the community, visit starfoundation.com.my