BALLARAT WOMEN’S FUND 2025
Join us to create a Ballarat where women feel safe, equal and respected.
Become a Member/Renew Membership
What is the Ballarat Women's Fund?
This fund has been created as a direct response to ongoing, and growing, issues of gendered violence in Ballarat.
In 2024, family violence in Ballarat is 51% higher than the Victorian rate. (Victorian Crime Statistics Agency)
The Ballarat Women’s Fund is a giving circle membership model where each member can vote on how the funds raised are used to address the significant issues women face in Ballarat resulting from gendered violence, domestic or family violence, access to safe and affordable housing, or equal opportunities in the workforce.
This year, we have increased the funds awarded to $35,000 to achieve the strongest impact.
How does it work?
- You become a member by giving $500 a year or $42 per month.
- Donations are pooled: 50% distributed to a project in 2025, and 50% invested to support projects in perpetuity.
- Project applications are received and shortlisted by Ballarat Foundation to be showcased at the Pick Our Project event in March 2025.
In 2025 the Ballarat Women’s Fund will be even bigger and better!
This year, we have increased the funds awarded from $25,000 to $35,000 to achieve the strongest impact.
The format has also been updated to give members an even bigger voice:
- Two members will join the Allocations Committee to determine the shortlist of projects
- Information about the projects will be released in advance for members to make informed decisions
- The event format has been updated to offer more time to talk to project owners, network and discuss issues.
Save the date – Pick Our Project event will be held Thursday 6th March
To read about the three shortlisted programs who will be presenting on the night, click here.
International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8th March so this event is the perfect opportunity to come together to recognise the progress made as well as contribute to the future of women in Ballarat.
Become a Member/Renew Membership
Find out about the 2024 Pick Our Project event here.
Questions? Contact us for more information:
Lucy Ibrahim, Donor Engagement and Development Lead
lucy.ibrahim@ballaratfoundation.org.au
Further Information
Unfortunately, in Ballarat, family violence rates are higher than state and national averages. Women also suffered more drastically during the Covid-19 Pandemic, with more women losing their job than men.
Individuals will be given the opportunity to become members of the Fund by giving $500 and a $30 administration donation annually to the fund, with the aim of raising $50,000 in the first year. All contributions to the Ballarat Women's Fund are fully tax deductible.
Half of funds raised annually through memberships will be directed into an annual grant distribution. The recipients of the grant will be determined at an event in March each year. Members will hear presentations from three final applicants and vote for their preferred project. The winner will receive $30,000 and the two finalists $2500 each and support with project development within the supporter network.
The remaining 50% of funds will be held in perpetuity and invested in line with existing Ballarat Foundation policy. The capital funds over 10 years will amount to $250,000. From the second year, income from the capital fund will be delivered back into the annual Women’s Fund program, adding value to the immediate response while maintaining fund capital.
Essentially, over time, the grants determined by the supporters of the fund will grow and deliver greater impact and sustainability. The fund will also be open to one-off donations to be split on a 50/50 basis to current year and perpetual uses.
A $30 donation will be applied to members to support Fund administration. It also ensures all reporting and governance required by the Australian Charities and Not For Profit Commission are met by the Ballarat Foundation as administrator of the fund and perpetual funds invested using the expertise of JB Were Philanthropic Services.
For contributions from businesses and major gifts, please contact:
Lucy Ibrahim, Donor Engagement and Development Lead
lucy.ibrahim@ballaratfoundation.org.au