Media release: Community Foundation announces record grants total

Local community organisations are set to benefit from a record $1.26 million in grants awarded on May 26th by the Geelong Community Foundation.

The CEO, Gail Rodgers was pleased with this year’s results. “Our record total has been distributed to 61 organisations, who are doing some amazing work in our community. This brings the total grants we have distributed, since our formation in 2000, to $12 million.”

“Our focus this year has been on addressing key areas of disadvantage, mental health, domestic violence, education and training, social isolation, drug and alcohol support, preventative programs and housing needs. These are all key issues in our community.”

“The sobering aspect to all of this is we had nearly $3 million in grant applications, clearly the need is great in our region.”

The Chairperson, Michael Betts added, “Our success has been built on the continuing generosity of our donors, through their donations and gifts in wills. I personally wish to thank them on behalf of the entire Geelong region community.”

“We have been able to maximise our grants by keeping our administration expenses under 2 per cent.”

“We continue to build our total funds under management. The investment return on this effectively enables us to keep giving forever. Even in times of great stress, our Community foundation is a sustainable answer to philanthropy in Geelong.”