Through IGA Community Chest and associated programs, well over $80m has been raised to help local communities.

IGA Community Chest raises funds to support local communities, charities and other worthwhile causes. It could be in response to a major event like floods or bush fires or something as simple as new soccer balls for the local under 8’s.

The money is raised in a number of ways but predominately through the purchase of products with an IGA Community Chest logo on the label or ticket.

When you purchase a product with the IGA Community Chest logo printed on the label a percentage is credited to that store’s IGA Community Chest account.

In most states IGA Community Chest beneficiary cheques are distributed throughout the year, meaning you can apply at any time. 

How are IGA Community Chest beneficiaries chosen?

There is a tiered system for choosing beneficiaries.

• For local activities the beneficiaries are chosen by the local stores 
• Regional activities they are chosen by the region or group of stores
• State beneficiaries are chosen in consultation with the State Executive and Board.

Here is a couple of tips on becoming an IGA Community Chest beneficiary:

• It is best to approach your local IGA store directly. Prepare a pitch and it may include:
  • An overview of your organisation and/or the individual that you’d like supported;
  • What support are you looking for – monies, donations of goods, providing team jumpers, holding regular fundraising at the store, group registrations at the store, etc;
  • How the donation will be used and your timing.
  • Is there anything you can offer in return to IGA?
  • Don’t forget to include your contact details.

The Humpty Dumpty Foundation
The Humpty Dumpty Foundation and Independent Grocers of Australia (IGA) made a significant difference to the lives of Sydney children. From January 2017, IGA made 11 donations across NSW and ACT to support much-needed medical equipment for hospitals to the value of $150,000. IGA’s support of the Humpty Dumpty Foundation and the local community is immeasurable. The support to families in Sydney means children have access to medical equipment that is very much needed by the medical staff and, most of all, it is life-saving.

Westmead Children’s Hospital
Mint Fresh IGA in Baulkham Hills visited The Children’s Hospital at Westmead in February to present a $2,670 Aerogen Nebuliser to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. The money for the nebuliser, which makes the administering of medications easier for children with respiratory illnesses.

Moruya District Hospital
The Humpty Dumpty Foundation and Dalmeny IGA purchase a piece of vital medical equipment for the Eurobodalla children. Local IGA retailers presented Moruya District Hospital with a jaundice detector valued at $4,780 for the Maternity Unity. This jaundice detector is used to help clinicians determine the jaundice levels through the skin without harming the baby.

MX550 Patient Monitor
IGA retailers and the Humpty Dumpty Foundation donated $26,920 to fund a MX550 Patient Monitor for the Blacktown Hospital’s special care nursery. The monitors are used daily to measure a child’s blood pressure temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate to determine how well they are recovering from surgery.