Foundation funds to make an impact

THIS year’s recipients of the Ballarat Foundation’s Community Impact Grants have been announced.

More than $100,000 is being shared between 15 community organisations, non-profits, and projects.

Ballarat Foundation CEO Andrew Eales said the funding is about supporting grassroots groups so they can continue to give back to the region.

“The cost of living crisis and challenging economic environment for governments has put more pressure on the philanthropic sector to support community-improvement projects,” he said.

“These pressures were highlighted by the depth of applications received for this year’s Community Impact Grants program.

“The Ballarat Foundation board reviewed and has supported dozens of Ballarat organisations through this grant program and is pleased to be able to provide funding where it is most needed to ensure all members of our community are well supported.

“The Foundation could not fund these projects without generous donations from the Ballarat community and we extend our thanks to everyone who has given to allow us to support these great causes. Your contributions create real impact.”

Funds from the general Community Impact Grant section went to seven local projects. More than $7800 has been awarded to Hilltop Church’s breakfast club program and nearly $5000 has gone to A Better Life For Foster Kids to deliver emergency foster care.

Other recipients include Food Is Free, Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-Operative, Ballarat Community Health, Southern Cross Kids’ Camps, and the Ballarat Tool Library.

Hand in Hand Ballarat received $15,000 from the James Petrie Fund to deliver their Open Parachute program.

The Wendouree-Delacombe Sub Fund grant was split between Blue Light Victoria, with more than $10,000 for their Blue EDGE program, while Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre were given $3000 for the Growing with the Community initiative.

The Courier Charity Fund awarded $10,000 and $15,000 to Uniting’s BreezeWay Community Meals and Goldfields Education Gold STAR programs respectively.

From the Peter Amor Sports Participation Fund, Ballarat Lawn Tennis Club has received $1200 to deliver tennis to disadvantaged children and $10,000 has been split between Ballarat Futsal Club and the Ballarat Football Umpires Association.

Successful applicants were announced during a presentation at Oscar’s Hotel and Cafe Bar last week.

A further $25,000 is currently available through the Ballarat Foundation’s Ballarat Women’s Fund while $40,000 worth of food and blankets is ready for the Ballarat Winter Appeal.

The 2024 Ballarat Innovation Grant recipient is set to be announced in the coming months.