Geelong organisation joins virtual crowdfunding pitch

GEELONG’S The Power in You Project (PIYP) was one of three organisations picked to virtually pitch for an estimated $60,000 in funding and in-kind support for their social programs to rebuild rural and regional Victorian communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Fundraising Network (TFN) Virtual Live took place yesterday (Wednesday, May 5), hosted by ABC Radio’s Jacinta Parsons.

Representatives of The Power in You Project, Bendigo Foodshare (Bendigo) and Youth Live4Life (Gippsland) showcased how they were working to support their local communities and presented their visions for the
future in the “Dragon’s Den” style live crowdfunding event.

The audience was then invited to pledge their support through the online chatroom.

PIYP is a holistic support service for individuals who have or are at risk of challenges related with substance misuse and mental health.

The program takes the positives from largely negative experiences and uses them to empower participants to take control of their lives and become contributing members of the community.

At yesterday’s event, PIYP pitched for funding for two support workers to be on site at its South Geelong centre on weekends.

TFN Virtual Live was supported by Give 52, Be BlueRock Foundation, and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal.

TFN chief executive officer Julie McDonald said the event was an exciting way to tap into the strong and generous community spirit of regional Victoria while supporting local non-profit capacity building.

“TFN live crowdfunding events are a transformational way to bring a community together to address local needs,” Ms McDonald said.

“We hope that TFN Virtual Live will engage local businesses, governments, individuals and organisations to support local changemakers hoping to make a difference in regional Victoria.

“Our aim is to make philanthropy more accessible to overlooked and underfunded rural and regional communities by bringing communities together to connect with local issues in a direct and memorable way.”

Over the past 12 months, TFN has raised more than $3.6 million for 67 non-profit programs by shifting from its traditional in-person format to online crowdfunding events.