Insights, Impact, and 25 Years of Giving: Highlights from the 2025 Annual Investment Briefing Luncheon

The Geelong Community Foundation was delighted to host its Annual Investment Briefing Luncheon last Friday at Truffleduck, welcoming more than 120 valued donors, partners, and community members.

The annual event offered not only a snapshot of the Foundation’s strong financial performance for FY25, but also an opportunity to reflect on how strategic investment and thoughtful philanthropy continue to build a connected, fair and thriving Geelong community.

Hosted by CEO Amy Waters and Chair of the Board Michael Betts, the luncheon reflected the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to transparency, stewardship, and the careful management of donor funds — ensuring that generosity continues to translate into meaningful local impact.

 

Strong Growth and Financial Performance

This year’s briefing highlighted another period of exceptional growth and responsible financial management:

• $46.7 million in total funds under management

• $6.98 million in donations received during FY25

• A 7-year investment return averaging 9.47% p.a.

• $1.76 million in grants and scholarships distributed across Greater Geelong, the Surf Coast, Queenscliffe and Golden Plains Shires

• 20 new sub-funds established

• 278 P500 donors contributing to the 2025 campaign

• Administration expenses of just 1.66% of funds under management, demonstrating strong efficiency and accountability

Since its inception in 2000, the Foundation has distributed more than $16.5 million in grants, supporting programs that respond directly to community needs across four key streams:

• Food & Emergency Relief, ensuring local families have access to essential support when they need it most.

• Health, Resilience & Connection, fostering wellbeing and social inclusion across all ages.

• Education & Employment, creating pathways for opportunity and lifelong learning.

• Environment & Sustainability, protecting and enhancing our region for future generations.

This balanced approach ensures that growth in the Foundation’s investment portfolio continues to translate into measurable, community-wide impact.

 

 

Exploring Impact Investing

Guest speakers Wilsons Advisory and the Conscious Impact Fund provided thought-provoking insights into the evolving field of impact investing — exploring how values-driven investment strategies can achieve both financial performance and measurable community benefit.

For the Foundation, impact investing represents an opportunity to align financial stewardship with community values — ensuring donor funds not only grow but also contribute to meaningful, measurable social outcomes in the Geelong region.

The event also offered a moment to recognise outgoing Board members Hayden Torney and Val Lawrence, whose leadership and service have been instrumental to the Foundation’s success. Val was presented with flowers in appreciation of her many years of commitment and contribution.

 

Celebrating 25 Years of Local Giving

This year’s luncheon continued to celebrate the Foundation’s 25th anniversary — a milestone recognising a quarter century of giving, growth, and community impact.

Guests enjoyed a special commemorative video capturing the Foundation’s journey, reflecting on the collective generosity that continues to shape the future of our region.

“We’re incredibly proud of what’s been achieved through 25 years of giving,” said CEO Amy Waters. “This event is a celebration of the people behind that impact — our donors, partners, and supporters who make this work possible.”

As the Foundation looks ahead, this milestone year reinforces our shared vision for a connected, fair and thriving Geelong community.

Looking Ahead

As the Foundation moves into the next chapter, the 2025 Annual Investment Briefing reaffirmed the ongoing importance of strategic philanthropy, sound financial management, and collaboration in creating positive change across the region.

Thank you to all who joined us to celebrate the power of generosity in our region.

As we reflect on another year of growth and impact, we extend heartfelt thanks to every donor who continues to invest in Geelong’s future.

If you’re inspired to build on your fund or introduce someone who shares our vision for a connected, fair and thriving Geelong community, we invite you to connect with our Development Manager, Tony McManus (tony@geelongfoundation.org) or CEO Amy Waters (amy@geelongfoundation.org).