Ballarat Foundation grant recipients revealed

THE Ballarat Foundation has announced the recipients of its Community Impact and Regional Grants.

More than $80,000 of funding was awarded to 15 organisations that have programs relating to the four pillars of mental health, young people, food insecurity and the Wendouree‑Delacombe area.

Organisations that received funding include the Aboriginal Literacy Foundation to provide literacy tutoring for Aboriginal children, the St John of God Foundation for recreational wellbeing activities at Horizon House, and Southern Cross Kids’ Camp for a trauma‑informed camp for at‑risk children.

The Salvation Army recieved funds for the Mums Thrive mental wellbeing and food security program at Parker Place.

“Thanks to the Ballarat Foundation Grant, we’re able to deliver a program to empower women by helping them develop self-care plans and healthy coping skills to navigate change,” Salvation Army team leader children, youth and communities Louise Jeffrey said.

“The program focuses on building practical skills and increasing self-awareness, which leads to improved mental and physical health.

“By fostering emotional regulation and resilience, we’re not only helping the women, but also providing them with the tools to become positive role models for their children. Ultimately, this initiative is about building a stronger sense of community and reducing isolation.”

Ballarat Foundation CEO Andrew Eales said the grants support diverse projects. “The Ballarat Foundation’s annual Community Impact Grant Program is a vital part of our mission to empower and uplift the local community,” he said.

“Each year, we are proud to support grassroots organisations that are driving meaningful, long‑lasting change across our region.

“These grants reflect our deep commitment to equity, inclusion and community‑led solutions, and we are continually inspired by the passion and dedication of those working to build a better future for Ballarat and beyond.”

Other Community Impact Grant recipients included the Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand for thrive wellbeing sessions for Year 5 and 6 students, The Hidden Orchard for its volunteer harvest and food relief equipment, Hand in Hand Ballarat for the expansion of the Open Parachute Program in schools, and the Centre for Multicultural Youth for youth‑led storytelling projects on mental health and identity.

Also successful were the Meredith Community Centre for food relief and Christmas hampers through the Meredith Mart, Ballarat Community Health for its positive wellbeing program addressing gender equality in junior sport, WRISC Family Violence Support for evaluation events capturing child survivor feedback, and Uniting Vic.Tas for its Meals for Change program.

The recipients of the Peter Amor Sports Participation Fund were ReCranked, Y Ballarat Youth for bike recycling and transport access for young people, VRI Delacombe Cricket Club for a junior cricket equipment upgrade and East Point Football Netball Club/Ballarat Bulldogs to provide fee subsidies for players with intellectual disabilities.

The grants are supported by The Courier Charity Fund, Wendouree‑Delacombe Fund, the James Petrie Fund, Adroit Risk & Insurance Fund, Janine Owen Fund, Advanced Cabinetry Fund, Integra Group Fund, Feed Ballarat Fund, Rotary Young Ambition Fund and the Canny Family Fund.