Festive Season Philanthropy — A Moment of Generosity, Reflection and Legacy

 

The festive season invites us to pause and reflect on what matters most — the connections we nurture, the generosity we extend, and the legacy we hope to build for our region.

 

For many in our Geelong Community Foundation family, this time of year becomes a meaningful moment to deepen their commitment to local impact, whether through growing a sub-fund or supporting the Geelong Community Gift Fund.

 

Understanding Australia’s Giving Landscape 

Recent data paints a compelling picture of generosity in Australia today. According to the 2025 Australia Giving Report, 67% of Australians donated money in 2024, placing our country above the global average for charitable participation. Yet despite this strong culture of giving, Australians contribute only 0.73% of their income — notably below the global average of 1.04%. This combination of high participation but modest contribution highlights a unique opportunity for structured philanthropy and deeper engagement. 

The broader giving environment is also shifting. McCrindle’s Snapshot of the NFP Sector 2025 discusses that giving has been reducing in recent years, with cost cost-of-living pressures continuing to influence behaviour, with 38% of people reporting that rising housing costs have reduced their capacity to donate. 

This makes gifts from committed philanthropists — including sub-fund donors, P500 donors, and corporate partners — even more significant. Their leadership sustains local organisations, strengthens community resilience, and ensures critical programs continue to thrive despite national trends. 

Why Festive Giving Resonates 

The festive season remains one of the most active giving periods of the year. December inspires people to reflect on their values, express gratitude, and consider how they can contribute to the wellbeing of others. It’s a time when many choose to give more intentionally, directing their generosity towards causes that align with their personal or family values. 

Festive philanthropy is also an opportunity to lean into the idea of “giving forever” — a philosophy at the heart of the Foundation’s mission. Contributions made today help build the long-term capacity of local organisations, creating positive change not just for the coming year, but for generations to follow.

 

Five Ways to Give with Purpose This December 

Whether you’re an established philanthropist or someone exploring new ways to give, there are many meaningful pathways to contribute during the festive season:

1. Grow Your Sub Fund

A contribution to your existing sub-fund strengthens your long-term philanthropic vision. It deepens your commitment to community outcomes and ensures enduring impact for the causes you care about.

2. Support the Geelong Community Gift Fund

Our Geelong Community Gift Fund is designed to respond flexibly to local needs. A gift here enables the Foundation to identify, strengthen, and support organisations delivering lasting impact across our region. Gifts of any value can be contributed, and together these contributions make a significant difference to our capacity to support the Geelong region.

3. Honour Someone with a Gift of Giving

Making a contribution in honour of a friend or family member is a meaningful alternative to traditional gifting. With so many worthy causes and organisations to choose from, selecting one that reflects your loved one’s values creates a gift with real purpose. When that generosity creates impact within our own region, it becomes a tribute that honours the person you’re celebrating while strengthening the community we all share. 

4. Give Your Time Through Volunteering

Not all generosity is financial. Volunteering your time, skills, or experience is a meaningful way to support the wellbeing of our community. Whether helping a local organisation or offering expertise where it’s needed most, your contribution strengthens our region and shows that generosity takes many forms.

5. Share the Spirit of Philanthropy

Generosity often inspires more generosity. By talking about the causes and values that guide your giving, you encourage others to consider the impact they want to create. These conversations — in workplaces, families, and communities — help grow a culture of giving that strengthens our region now and into the future. 

A Season of Meaningful Impact 

The end of the year is a powerful moment to reflect on the change you’ve helped create and the future you want to shape. Your giving helps build a connected, fair, and thriving Geelong. 

However you choose to give this festive season, your generosity strengthens the fabric of our community. It supports organisations caring for our most vulnerable, fosters connection, and creates opportunities. Most importantly, it continues a legacy of giving that lasts well beyond December — helping to shape a Geelong region where everyone can thrive. 

 

Give With Purpose This Festive Season 

If you feel inspired to give this festive season, you can make a contribution through the Geelong Community Foundation. Whether you choose to grow your sub-fund or make a gift of any size to our Geelong Community Gift Fund, your generosity will help create lasting local impact.

Give a gift to the Geelong Community Gift Fund here 

Make an additional contribution to your named fund here