Schools and not-for-profit organisations in south-west Victoria seeking to promote health, safety and wellbeing can share in a new $100,000 allocation from the Westvic Staffing Solutions Foundation.

The Foundation has distributed more than $500,000 in recent years mainly to schools and students to develop skills that enhance their employability.

CEO Miles Coverdale said that the new focus would support the organisation's `Know Your Limits' campaign on responsible drinking awareness. While schools can still be involved, in 2011-12 Westvic is encouraging other community groups to apply for support for projects with a focus on health, wellbeing and safety.

"The Westvic Foundation is reviewed annually to ensure that it is aligned with community needs. This year Westvic Foundation funds will be directed to supporting projects and sponsoring activities that focus on addressing health, well being and safety of our community," he said.

Projects designed to raise awareness of drug and alcohol abuse, mental health, suicide prevention and healthy lifestyles will be among those considered by the Foundation.

Applications from emergency service organisations and sporting clubs will be considered along with those from not-for-profit community organisations and registered schools.

The Foundation will continue to support local schools, students and young people starting in the workforce.

It will offer eight personal scholarships to young apprentices and trainees employed by WWS to support them with their career development and education.It will continue to cover the training fees of school based apprentices who employed by the group training arm of Westvic Staffing Solutions and will also provide financial assistance to host employers providing training places for school based apprentices. The Westvic Foundation will also provide VET excellence awards to 25 students across the region.

Applications must be lodged by October 14 and the successful applicants will be announced at the Westvic Staffing Solutions awards night on November 4 in Warrnambool.

Click here to download the Westvic Foundation guidelines and Westvic Foundation application form or contact 5561 9000.