Our Impact
Building a Fairer, Stronger Geelong
The Geelong Community Foundation exists to help create a connected, fair and thriving community.
While our region is widely recognised as a vibrant and growing place to live, pockets of significant disadvantage remain. For many people, challenges such as food insecurity, social isolation, financial stress and barriers to education continue to shape everyday life.
Through the generosity of donors and the work of local organisations, the Geelong Community Foundation invests in programs that respond to these challenges and create opportunities for people across our region.
Each year we support initiatives that:
- provide essential food and emergency relief
- strengthen mental health and social connection
- create pathways to education and employment
- protect our natural environment and promote sustainability
By investing in community-led solutions, we are helping build a region where everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute and thrive.
25 Years of Community Impact
For more than two decades, the Geelong Community Foundation has worked alongside donors, community organisations and local leaders to strengthen our region.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we have distributed more than $16 million in grants and scholarships since 2000, supporting thousands of people across the City of Greater Geelong, the Borough of Queenscliffe, the Surf Coast Shire and the Golden Plains Shire.
Our work continues to grow through a permanent community endowment that ensures today’s generosity will continue supporting the community for generations to come
Our Impact at a Glance
These outcomes are made possible through the generosity of donors who contribute to the Foundation’s permanent community fund, ensuring support for our region continues for generations.
Amount Granted in 2026
Grants Awarded
Education Scholarships
People Supported
2025 – 26
Our last year of impact
Our grantmaking supports organisations working across four key areas that strengthen the wellbeing and resilience of our community.
It’s more than just food and shelter. The Lazarus Centre feels like a community, a place where you can find support, and regain a sense of belonging.
— Client, Lazarus Community Centre
Food & Emergency Support
Helping individuals and families in crisis access essential resources such as food relief, material aid and housing assistance.
12 Grants
Totalling $431,900
67,986
People supported
Key Outcomes:
Funding in this area has helped:
— reduce barriers to accessing food
— reduce financial stress
— increase nutrition and food security
— provide warmth, shelter and hygiene support
— strengthen trust, relationships and social connection
— improve wellbeing and mental clarity
The EdConnect volunteer has extended students writing ability, including spelling and punctuation.
— Teacher, EdConnect
Education & Employment
Opening doors to learning, skill development and employment pathways so people can reach their full potential.
17 Grants & 23 Scholarships
Totalling $444,596
3,236
Individuals supported
Key Outcomes:
Funding in this area has helped:
— reduce financial barriers to education
— improve literacy and numeracy skills
— increase educational attainment
— build leadership and teamwork skills
— increase confidence and self-belief
— improve preparedness for employment
— support professional development for teachers
It has helped me heal, it’s inspired me, and it’s helped me be a better mum.
— Participant,
The Empowerment Challenge
Health, Resilience & Connection
Supporting programs that strengthen mental and physical wellbeing, build resilience and foster meaningful social connections.
34 Grants
Totalling $885,526
9,562
Individuals supported
Key Outcomes:
Funding in this area has helped:
— increase mental health literacy
— encourage help-seeking behaviours
— improve physical and mental wellbeing
— reduce anxiety and stress
— strengthen relationships and social connection
— reduce loneliness
—improve child and family safety
—build stronger community resilience
With the installation of solar, we have been able to reduce our costs and minimise the impact on the environment.
— Samaritan House Geelong
Environment & Sustainability
Supporting initiatives that protect our natural environment and strengthen sustainability across the community sector.
1 Grant
Totalling $40,000
46
Local for-purpose organisations
Key Outcomes:
Funding in this area has helped:
— install 757 kilowatts of renewable energy
— saved $224,000 in annual cost savings utility costs
—reduce organisational carbon footprints
— redirect energy savings into essential community services
Stories of Impact
Behind every grant is a story of change.
Across our region, community organisations are creating opportunities, strengthening connections and supporting people to build better futures.
Cottage by the Sea
Programs at Cottage by the Sea provide life-changing experiences for young people who may not otherwise have access to opportunities for learning, connection and personal growth.
The Empowerment Challenge
The Empowerment Challenge helps younger mums build confidence, strengthen relationships and improve wellbeing through programs that support personal development and community connection.
Geelong Foodshare
Geelong Foodshare is helping ensure people across our community have access to nutritious food while reducing waste and strengthening local food systems.
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Latest Impact Stories
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Alex’s Pathway to Purpose in Agriculture
Alex Barrios, a Year 12 student at Geelong High School, is already sowing the seeds of a purposeful career in agriculture. As the recipient of the Rural Education and Retraining Scholarship, supported by a local…
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On a sunny morning in Geelong, community leaders, partners, and supporters gathered at Cloverdale Community Centre to witness a milestone moment – the launch of Thread Together’s Geelong-based Mobile Wardrobe. As the door of the…