The Geelong Community Foundation is a local, place-based foundation that aims to foster a strong, healthy and inclusive greater Geelong region.
We do this through the provision of grants, scholarships and school voucher program.
Since our inception in 2000, we have been strengthening our community by funding initiatives that create lasting change across four key areas:
- Food & Emergency Support – Providing essential relief, meals, and crisis support to those in urgent need.
- Health, Resilience & Connection – Enhancing mental and physical wellbeing while fostering social inclusion and community strength.
- Education & Employment – Breaking down barriers to learning and job opportunities, empowering people to build brighter futures.
- Environmental Sustainability – Protecting and restoring our local environment for a healthier, more sustainable Geelong.
We are strongly connected to the greater Geelong community, working across the local government areas of City of Greater Geelong, Golden Plains Shire, Surf Coast Shire and the Borough of Queenscliffe. We work closely with our grant partners to understand the needs in the community and to fund responsive programs and projects.
The Foundation has a permanent endowment model, that is building an enduring resource for our community. When individuals or businesses donate to the Foundation, their contributions are pooled into our growing corpus, which is strategically invested to ensure long-term impact. Each year, we distribute 4% of our corpus—currently valued at $45 million—in grants to support critical community needs.
Geelong Community Foundation donor and member of the Geelong Manufacturing Council Rob Backwell, said that his company Backwell IXL has been contributing to the Foundation for about 15 years.
“We like the fact that the capital we donate is permanent, as only the income from that capital is used to support programs in the community,” he said.
“Geelong has been very good to our family and business for over 165 years and we think the Foundation aligns well with our values. It is a great way for us to make another lasting contribution to our community.”
Peter Temple, Corporate Services Manager at GMC member, Geelong Galvanizing, who is also a donor of the Geelong Community Foundation, said that he is honoured to endorse the exceptional work of the Foundation.
“We have witnessed firsthand how this vital organisation transforms lives across our community.
The Geelong Community Foundation has a deep understanding of our region’s unique challenges and their commitment to addressing local needs through targeted grants and initiatives aligns perfectly with our company values and allows us to take part in making our community a better place to live.”
“Geelong Galvanizing encourages other local businesses to join us in supporting this outstanding organization. By partnering with the Geelong Community Fund, we collectively strengthen our community’s future and create lasting positive change.”
This year the Geelong Community Foundation celebrates 25 years of impact.
Geelong Community Foundation CEO Amy Waters said that, thanks to the generosity of our community, we’ve invested more than $15.1 million into local initiatives, creating lasting, positive impact.
“As we reflect on how far we’ve come, we’re also planning strategically for the future, ensuring that the Foundation continues to be a strong and enduring resource for the community.”
To learn more about the Geelong Community Foundation please visit our website at geelongfoundation.org or get in touch with CEO Amy Waters at [email protected].
