About Us

About the Geelong Community Foundation

The Geelong Community Foundation connects people who care with the causes that strengthen our community.

For more than 25 years, we have worked alongside local donors, organisations and community leaders to invest in projects that improve lives across our region.

Through grants and scholarships, we support initiatives that address community needs, create opportunity and help build a stronger, more connected community.

Our work is grounded in local knowledge and made possible through the generosity of people who believe in giving back to the place they call home.

25 Years of Community Impact

For more than two decades, the Geelong Community Foundation has supported initiatives that strengthen our region.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we have distributed more than $16 million in grants and scholarships to support organisations and individuals across our community.

We remain committed to building a permanent community fund that will continue supporting the Geelong region for generations to come.
This short documentary celebrates the people, organisations and donors who have helped shape our community through grants and scholarships over the past 25 years.

Watch the story of how community generosity has created lasting impact across our region.

Our Vision

A connected, fair and thriving Geelong community.

Our Mission

Identify, strengthen and support local community organisations that deliver activities that create lasting change in our region.

Our Values

Community

We work in partnership with our community — including donors, organisations and local leaders — to understand local needs and create meaningful impact.

Trust

We build trust through transparency, accountability and integrity in all that we do.

Financial Responsibility

We steward donor gifts with care, demonstrating strong financial management to support long-term community benefit.

Impact

We invest in initiatives that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for the Geelong community.

Collaboration

We collaborate internally and externally to amplify our collective efforts and achieve greater outcomes.

Our Story

The Geelong Community Foundation was established in 2000 with a vision of creating a permanent community fund for the Geelong region.
The idea first emerged in 1997, when community leaders involved with United Way Geelong (now Give Where You Live) began exploring the concept of a community foundation — a model already operating successfully in North America and Europe.

They recognised the opportunity to create a permanent endowment that could support community organisations and initiatives across the region for generations to come.

After research and community consultation, the Geelong Community Foundation was publicly launched in December 2000, serving communities across the City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast Shire, Golden Plains Shire and the Borough of Queenscliffe.

From the beginning, the Foundation has been shaped by the generosity of local donors who wanted to ensure their contributions would continue supporting the community well into the future.

One of the Foundation’s earliest supporters was Ken Stott, a local resident who believed strongly in helping people when they needed it most. His generous donation helped establish one of the Foundation’s first major funds and played an important role in its early development.

Since then, many individuals, families and organisations have contributed to the Foundation, helping grow a permanent community fund that continues to support the region today.

Today, the Geelong Community Foundation is one of Australia’s leading community foundations and continues to grow thanks to the generosity of donors who care deeply about the future of our community.

Our Structure

The Geelong Community Foundation operates a permanent community fund designed to support our region now and into the future.

Funds donated to the Foundation are invested to build a long-term endowment. Each year, a portion of the income generated from these investments is used to support community grants, scholarships and the Foundation’s operations, while preserving the capital so it can continue benefiting the community for generations.

The Foundation’s funds are managed by Geelong Community Foundation Limited, the trustee company responsible for overseeing the investment and distribution of funds in line with our charitable purpose.

Together, these funds form a permanent community endowment that ensures the generosity of today’s donors continues supporting our community for many years to come.

Geelong Community Foundation Fund

A Public Ancillary Fund that receives donations from individuals, families and organisations. Income generated from this fund supports the Foundation’s annual community grant programs.

Geelong Community Foundation Open Fund

This fund receives bequests and other gifts, helping grow the Foundation’s permanent endowment.

Geelong Community Foundation Scholarship Fund

A DGR1 Scholarship Fund dedicated to supporting scholarships that help students and young people pursue education and training opportunities.

Our People

The Geelong Community Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who bring a wide range of skills, experience and knowledge of our region.

Our board members share a common belief in the importance of community-led philanthropy and the role it can play in strengthening the places where we live and work.

They are supported by a small team who work closely with donors, community organisations and partners to grow the Foundation and deliver our grant and scholarship programs.

The Foundation also benefits from the support of professional advisers and organisations who provide services at reduced or pro bono rates, helping maximise the impact of every dollar entrusted to us.