Thousands to benefit from Survive & Thrive grants

The Give Where You Live Foundation has awarded $510,000 in grants to worthy community groups through its 2022 Survive & Thrive Annual Grants Program.

A total of 22 organisations within the G21 region received grants of up to $40,000 to support people experiencing life-inhibiting crisis.

Give Where You Live Foundation CEO Bill Mithen said the grants look at promoting food security and supporting people who are experiencing homelessness.

“We know there are many people in our local community who are experiencing crisis and need support to help meet their basic needs,” he said.

“In total we estimate that these grants will provide support to approximately 45,000 people across the G21 region, and that 120,000 meals will be distributed to people experiencing food insecurity.”

The annual grants also focus on building resilience and community connection as well as prevention and early intervention efforts related to family violence, sexual assault, addiction, mental health, and family breakdown.

Grant recipient Ocean Mind will receive $30,000 to help the Torquay-based charity meet the increased demand for its services and improve access to mental health services.

Ocean Mind programs change the lives of young people by delivering evidence-based therapeutic surfing interventions that build confidence, connection with the community and develop new skills.

The welcome grant will support the delivery of up to 15 six-week programs and weekly surf club sessions for youth in the community.

Almost 100 volunteers from the local community reviewed the grant applications as part of Give Where You Live Foundation’s decision-making process.

“The impact of these grants cannot be understated, and we are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our donors and corporate partners in helping the foundation in our mission of creating a fairer G21 region,” Mr Mithen said.

The 2022 Survive & Thrive Annual Grants recipients include:

3216 Connect – $2,400
Bellarine Living and Learning Centre Inc – $30,000
Drysdale Family Support Inc. – $30,000
Geelong Food Relief Centre – $20,000
Lazarus Community Centre – $5,000
Wesley Church Geelong – $5,000
Feed Me Bellarine – $20,000
Encompass Community Services – $6,000
Samaritan House Geelong – $22,900
Uniting Victoria and Tasmania Ltd – $40,000
Lifeline Geelong & South West Victoria – $30,000
Ocean Mind ltd – $30,000
Diversitat – $40,000
Geelong Arts Centre – $25,400
Hope Bereavement Care – $40,000
OneCare Geelong – $40,000
Somebody’s Daughter Theatre Company – $20,000
Anam Cara House Colac – $23,879.36
Barwon Disability Resource Council – $33,655
Community Veracity – $30,000
Riding for the Disabled-Barwon – $10,000
Solve-TAD Limited – $10,000