2012 Grants Announced
June 2012
The Geelong Community Foundation grants for 2012 have been announced. Thirty-nine diverse projects and programs have shared in $550,000 covering a range of community needs and interests such as education, training, research, community wellbeing and support for the aged, families, health, youth and the arts.
Some of the 39 broad reaching organisations to benefit include Samaritan House, Bethany, Second Bite, Geelong East Men’s Shed, McKillop Family Services, Kids Plus, Geelong Animal Welfare Society, Gateways, Riding for the Disabled, National Trust Barwon Park, Murrenda Aboriginal Community Care, Bravehearts, Hope Bereavement Service and Kalkee.
Foundation Chair Mrs Val Lawrence said “The Foundation simply would not be in a position to grant this amount of money if it were not for the continued generosity of our Foundation donors, whose total contributions are valued at over $12.5 million.”
“In 2012 we have funded $50,000 more than last year which indicates our growth and the generosity of our donors in such challenging economic times.”
Click here for a full listing of the 2012 Geelong Community Foundation grants.
2012 Annual Newsletter
May 2012
The Geelong Community Foundation produces an annual newsletter each May. Click here to read our latest edition.
Doug Aiton writes about Foundation Chair, Val Lawrence
February 2012
Geelong Community Foundation Chairperson, Val Lawrence OAM, has been recognised for her outstanding community contributions in an article by Doug Aiton. Read the article here.
Welcome Leigh Wallace
January 2012
Leigh Wallace OAM has joined the Geelong Community Foundation as Development Manager. Previously the Philanthropy Director of the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation in Melbourne, he holds the first Master of Social Science Degree (Philanthropy and Social Investment) from Swinburne University (2007) and was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2010 Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Leigh joins Executive Director Andrew Lawson at the Foundation.
Our region’s most worthy to share in half a million dollars
June 2011
Thirty diverse community projects and programs have shared in $500,000 thanks to the Geelong Community Foundation’s 2011 grants program.
The local programs funded aim to benefit the most disadvantaged in our region, helping to create a stronger, more resilient community. Grants cover a range of community needs and interests such as education, training, research, community wellbeing and support for the aged, families, health, youth and the arts.
Some of the 30 organisations to benefit include Diversitat, Pregnancy Help Geelong, Glastonbury, Urban Seed, Lifeline, Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House, Special Olympics Barwon Region, Multicultural Aged Care and Lorne Sculpture Exhibition 2011.
$200,000 “bonus” for Geelong Community Foundation
June 2011
Dr Denis Napthine Minister for Regional Cities announced that the Foundation is the recipient of a $300,000 state government grant.
In addition to the Foundation’s private and company donors, in 2010 the Victorian government granted $100,000 with a promise of a further $200,000 if the Foundation could raise $100,000 through its own fundraising. With the proceeds from the successful Adroit corporate golf day and a gala fundraiser dinner, the target was soon reached.
“The Geelong Community Foundation has met the government’s challenge, and I am delighted to announce this bonus $200,000 funding,” Dr Napthine said. “From its funding pool, in turn, the Foundation supports local programs and projects which address big local challenges like low retention rates, skills shortages and unemployment,” he said.
Dr Napthine congratulated the local community and donors for their generosity and hard work. “Local businesses have swung in to marshall fundraising efforts through your Golf Day, and many in the local community danced the night away at your fundraising dinner dance. And there have been generous donations from local residents and businesses too,” he said.
“The Geelong Community Foundation is extremely grateful to the Victorian government for the $300,000 grant which will be used to focus on programs in Corio, Norlane and Whittington” Mrs Lawrence said.