A community backing itself: Geelong Community Foundation announces record-breaking $2 million in grants
More than 300 donors, grant partners, volunteers and community leaders gathered at Dhilpamarna, Norlane ARC, on Thursday 28 May for Geelong Community Foundation’s Annual Grant Gala – a celebration of local generosity, community connection and lasting impact.
Recently named in partnership with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, Dhilpamarna translates to “clap your hands” – a fitting setting for an evening dedicated to celebration, connection and collective impact.
As the Foundation’s flagship annual event, the Gala brings together the people investing in our community with the organisations creating change across the Geelong region. Through conversations, storytelling and shared experiences, the evening showcased the power of community philanthropy in action.
A highlight of the evening was the announcement of a record-breaking $2 million in grants and scholarships – the largest annual grant distribution in Geelong Community Foundation’s history.
The funding will support 59 grants and scholarships across the Foundation’s Food & Emergency Support, Health, Resilience & Connection, Education & Employment, and Environment & Sustainability grant streams, helping local organisations and individuals respond to some of the region’s most pressing challenges.
Explore the full list of 2026 Grant and Scholarship Recipients here
Gala at a Glance
- 300+ attendees
- Record-breaking $2 million in grants and scholarships announced
- 59 grants and scholarships awarded
- 16 multi-year grants awarded
- $48,250 in scholarships distributed
- Nearly $50 million in community funds under management
- Almost $5 million in community donations received this financial year
- 315 P500 donors
- 100+ founding members of the Geelong Women’s Impact Collective
A community investing in itself
Reflecting on the Foundation’s continued growth and evolution, Chair Michael Betts AM highlighted the role local generosity plays in creating long-term community impact.
“For more than 25 years, Geelong Community Foundation has connected local generosity with local need,” Mr Betts said.
“This milestone demonstrates what can happen when a community invests in itself.
“Geelong has built something genuinely significant — a permanent community asset that will continue supporting local organisations and future generations for years to come.
“Behind every grant are local people seeking opportunity, connection, safety and support, and organisations working every day to strengthen our region.”
The evening also celebrated a year of significant growth for the Foundation, including nearly $50 million in community funds under management, almost $5 million in community donations received this financial year, 12 new named sub-funds established, and continued growth across the Foundation’s collective giving initiatives.
The evening also marked 10 years of the P500 program, one of the Foundation’s most successful collective giving initiatives. Over the past decade, P500 has introduced hundreds of people to philanthropy and demonstrated the power of accessible, community-led giving.
The Foundation also celebrated the strong early momentum of the Geelong Women’s Impact Collective, which has already attracted more than 100 founding members committed to collective giving and creating positive change across the region.
Together, these milestones reflect growing community participation in local giving and a shared commitment to building a connected, fair and thriving Geelong community.
Record investment in local impact
The record grant round comes at a time when many local organisations are experiencing increased demand for services as cost-of-living pressures continue to impact families and individuals across the region.
Through its long-term endowed funding model, Geelong Community Foundation continues to connect local generosity with local need, ensuring community support remains available where it is needed most.
CEO Amy Waters reflected on the growing appetite for community philanthropy and the desire people have to give back and stay connected to their community.
“We’re seeing strong momentum across Geelong from people wanting to invest in their own community and support organisations creating meaningful and lasting local change,” Amy Waters said.
“We’re increasingly focused on providing flexible, multi-year funding that gives organisations greater certainty and allows them to respond where support is needed most.
“Many organisations across our region are facing increasing demand for services as cost-of-living pressures continue to impact local families and individuals.
“We’re hearing directly from our grant partners that larger, longer-term funding is helping create more sustainable community impact and lasting local change.”
This year’s grant highlights included:
- An $88,000 P500 grant supporting The Empowerment Challenge Hub for vulnerable young mothers
- A $75,000 Adroit Capital Grant supporting Cultura’s Northern Hub Computer Lab and Digital Learning Space
- An $80,000 partnership with The Smith Family supporting students experiencing disadvantage to remain engaged in education
The Foundation also awarded $48,250 in scholarships to local students and individuals pursuing educational and career opportunities.
A memorable performance
A special highlight of the evening was a moving performance by the Ensemble of the North Children’s Choir from Bluebird Foundation, one of the Foundation’s grant partners.
The choir captivated guests with a beautiful selection of songs, their angelic harmonies filling Dhilpamarna and creating one of the most memorable moments of the evening.
Their performance was met with warm applause and served as a reminder of the talent, creativity and potential that exists within our community when young people are given opportunities to thrive.
Geelong Community Foundation extends its sincere thanks to the children, families and Bluebird Foundation team for sharing their artistry and helping create such a memorable and moving start to the evening.
Community philanthropy in action
One of the most valued aspects of the Annual Grant Gala is the opportunity for donors and grant partners to connect directly.
Before the formal proceedings, guests explored community showcase displays hosted by grant partners, learning more about the organisations delivering support, programs and services across the region.
These conversations provide an important opportunity to strengthen understanding, build relationships and demonstrate the impact local generosity is creating throughout Greater Geelong.
The evening also featured a panel discussion led by Philanthropy Manager Sheridan Emond-Salmon, with Kaylene Reeves from Good Neighbourhood Project sharing insights into the impact of trust-based, multi-year funding.
Their reflections highlighted the value of long-term partnerships and the importance of providing community organisations with the flexibility and certainty needed to respond to emerging local needs.
As Amy Waters reflected during the evening, community philanthropy is about more than funding alone. It is about fostering connection, belonging and shared responsibility for the future of our region.
Looking ahead
The Annual Grant Gala serves as a powerful reminder of what can happen when people come together to invest in the future of their community.
Every donation, conversation, partnership and grant contributes to something bigger — a connected, fair and thriving Geelong community.
As Geelong Community Foundation continues to grow, so too does our collective ability to support the organisations and people creating lasting change across our region.
To everyone who joined us at Dhilpamarna — thank you for helping make the evening such a meaningful celebration of generosity, connection and community impact.
Together, you are helping create a connected, fair and thriving Geelong community.
What’s Next?
Inspired by the impact of this year’s grants and scholarships?
Explore the full list of 2026 Grant and Scholarship Recipients
Interested in applying for future funding?
Learn more about Geelong Community Foundation’s grant programs and upcoming opportunities.
Looking to create lasting impact in our region?
Whether through a donation, collective giving initiative or named fund, your generosity helps support local organisations and communities for generations to come.
Giving Forever.
