Foundation calls for help. Just a few thousand needed.

Article by Marcus Power

A Ballarat Charity has launched an appeal for last-minute donations to help it reach an important fundraising milestone.

A year ago this week, the state government donated $100,000 to The Ballarat Foundation’s Wendouree Delacombe Sub-fund.

The foundation has had 12 months to raise another $100,000.

And if it reaches that goal by this Wednesday, the government will pitch in another $200,000 for community projects in the two Ballarat suburbs.

As of last week, the fund total sat at $186,152.55.

Ballarat Foundation chief executive officer Noel Trengove said the foundation had a few pledges of an unknown amount which it was yet to receive.

“So potentially we are only a few thousand dollars off our target.” Mr Trengove said.

But extra donations are still needed to make sure the fund reaches its target.

“This fund would then have a minimum of $400,000 sitting in nit. It will be quite a significant amount that can go back into the communities,” he said.

Like the Foundation’s other charitable funds, the money would be invested and the fund’s annual income would be directed to local projects.

“It’s basically asking people to give once and then the fund will operate in its own right forever and a day.”

Community representatives from groups such as Delacombe Neighbourhood renewal, local schools and individual residents have been appointed to an advisory committee.

The committee will assess the merits of projects that apply for backing from the fund.

“As projects change or needs change in those communities over the years, the projects will match themselves to the needs.”