Strengthening Our Commitment to Trust-Based Philanthropy 

The Geelong Community Foundation’s new Strategic Plan 2025–28 marks an exciting new chapter in our journey to deepen trust-based philanthropy and create lasting impact across our region. 

At the heart of this plan is a commitment to strengthening partnerships with community organisations — those working every day to address core and ongoing needs in our community. We believe that when we invest in long-term relationships and provide flexible, multi-year support, we empower our partners to plan with confidence, deliver their vital services, and achieve greater impact. 

 

 

A New Approach to Community Grants 

To bring this vision to life, the Foundation’s Board has endorsed a refreshed design for the 2026 Community Grant Round. 

This evolved approach will: 

• Increase the number and value of multi-year grants, and 

• Continue to offer single-year grants for a diverse range of community initiatives. 

As part of this transition, 15 long-term grant partners will be invited to apply for a two, or three-year grant valued at up to $100,000 per year. These organisations have demonstrated strong, effective partnerships with the Foundation and play an essential role in delivering support and services in areas where there is continued and ongoing community need. 

 

Growing Impact Through a Stronger Corpus 

This evolution in our grantmaking has been made possible by the growth of the Foundation’s corpus, which allows us to plan and invest with greater confidence and impact. 

Over time, we are committed to expanding multi-year funding opportunities to include additional organisations — further strengthening our partnerships and ensuring sustained support for the people and communities who need it most. 

 

What’s Next 

• November 2025: Invited organisations will be contacted. 

• Early December 2025: The Foundation will open the single-year grant component of the 2026 Community Grant Round. 

This open and competitive process invites organisations delivering activities aligned to our four grant streams to apply for a single-year grant of up to $50,000. 

 

 

 

Building a More Connected, Resilient and Inclusive Community 

In the 2025–26 financial year, the Foundation will award approximately $1.9 million in grants across its grantmaking program — an important milestone that reflects our community’s collective generosity and our shared commitment to building a more connected, resilient, and inclusive Geelong region. 

 

We’re proud to continue working alongside community organisations that make a lasting difference across our region. Learn more about our grant programs and how we support local impact here

 

If you’d like to learn more about our grant programs or upcoming opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.
Reach out via email to our Program & Impact Manager, Charlotte Walker or CEO, Amy Waters.