Grants to create a fairer Geelong community

THE Give Where You Live Foundation is distributing more than $495,000 in grant funding to 23 local organisations working to create a fairer local community.

The funding will be used to support the delivery of key local priorities including food security, homelessness assistance, inclusive employment and inclusive economy.

Give Where You Live Foundation chief executive officer Zac Lewis said the grants come at a critical time for the community.

“As the cost of living continues to rise, so too does the number of people in our region seeking help,” Mr Lewis said.

“Almost half of the grant applications we received identified the cost of living as the biggest challenge facing their organisation and community.

“Food security remains a major concern, with 80 per cent of funding requests focused on this area, a clear reflection of the growing need in our community.”

Among the grant recipients is Common Ground Project, which will use its $45,000 grant to support its Staying Grounded program.

The social enterprise initiative trains and employs women from refugee and multicultural backgrounds in farming and hospitality.

Common Ground chief executive Imogen Thomas said the latest grant funding will enable the program to continue building on the confidence of the women in the program.

“Receiving the Give Where You Live grant is a game-changer for Common Ground Project,” she said. “It means we can continue delivering the Staying Grounded program with the consistency and care our participants deserve.

“For our participants – many of whom are facing complex barriers – it means access to a safe, nurturing space where they can build skills, and find a sense of purpose and belonging. This funding helps us keep that door open.”

Other top grant recipients included Neighbourhood Economics ($100,000), The Good Neighbourhood Project ($75,000), Cultura ($45,000) and Geelong Foodshare ($20,000).

For the full list of recipients, head to givewhereyoulive.com.au .