Growing Connection: Donors Experience Impact Firsthand at Farm My School

 

On Thursday 23 October, Geelong Community Foundation donors joined Foundation staff for a hands-on experience at Farm My School, one of the Foundation’s inspiring local grant partners. 

The visit offered an opportunity to see philanthropy in action—showcasing how donor generosity directly supports innovative, community-led solutions across our region. 

 

Connecting Land, Learning and Community 

The day began with an Acknowledgement of Country and a guided walk through the local basin — a rare stretch of remnant bushland (just 2% remains across Victoria). Participants learned about First Nations land management practices and how native plants were traditionally used for food and medicine. 

This powerful start framed the day’s theme: connection to land and regenerative practice — values deeply embedded in Farm My School’s approach. 

“Schools are at the heart of their communities. We wanted to create a model where school grounds could feed their communities and provide real learning and employment pathways for young people,”
— James McLennan, Founder and CEO, Farm My School 

Farm My School is part of a growing movement to reorient food systems to address both food insecurity and environmental degradation. As a not-for-profit, it transforms unused school land into regenerative market gardens that provide food to local communities. By engaging teachers, students, farmers and community partners, Farm My School builds food hubs for learning, sharing and connection — demonstrating how schools can become catalysts for healthier, more sustainable futures. 

Working in partnership with Bellarine Secondary College, the organisation has transformed underused school grounds into a thriving educational farm — bringing to life the idea that communities can be key to creating local, equitable food systems. 

 

 

Seeing Impact in Action 

Donors toured the pilot site and saw firsthand how the Foundation’s four grants have helped Farm My School to grow — from infrastructure and training programs to community engagement initiatives. 

The group met two of the trainee farmers, both of whom had been at risk of leaving school before joining the program. Through Farm My School, they’ve been supported to complete their VCE and a Certificate in Horticulture, setting them on a path toward meaningful employment. 

 

Getting Hands-On 

Participants then rolled up their sleeves to contribute directly — potting seedlings for sale as part of the farm’s social enterprise activities and clearing native paths to support ongoing maintenance. The activities gave donors a real sense of what daily life on the farm involves, and how small acts of support contribute to larger outcomes. 

 

 

Shared Food, Shared Purpose 

The visit concluded with a shared lunch featuring produce grown on-site — fresh salads, potatoes, and vibrant radishes — a fitting reflection of the day’s theme: growth, collaboration, and nourishment. 

Donors described the experience as inspirational and deeply grounding, offering a meaningful connection to the impact of their giving. 

“It was a fantastic opportunity to see firsthand how local organisations are responding with innovative solutions to local challenges,” one attendee shared. 

 

Looking Ahead 

Following the success of this visit, the Foundation plans to host more donor experience days each year, strengthening the connection between donors, the Foundation, and local grant partners. 

As GCF CEO Amy Waters reflected: 

“This event created a circular connection — between donors who give, the grant partners who deliver impact, and the Foundation that connects them. It’s about understanding local needs, celebrating local innovation, and cultivating more generosity across our region.” 

 

Interested in joining our next Donor Day Experience?
We love connecting our supporters directly with the people and projects creating positive change across our region. If you’d like to be part of a future visit to one of our grant partners, please get in touch to let us know and we’ll be sure to keep you in the loop – amy@geelongfoundation.org.