The Ballarat Foundation was proud to announce the Community Impact Grant recipients for 2025, at Oscar’s Hotel this week. The morning tea welcomed 15 organisations delivering programs that respond to four key focus areas - mental health, young people, food insecurity and the Wendouree-Delacombe region.
Ballarat Foundation CEO, Andrew Eales said this year’s recipients demonstrated the incredible breadth of work being done to support local people and build a stronger future.
"The Ballarat Foundation’s annual Community Impact Grant Program is a vital part of our mission to empower and uplift the local community.
“Each year, we are proud to support grassroots organisations that are driving meaningful, long-lasting change across our region.
“These grants reflect our deep commitment to equity, inclusion and community-led solutions, and we are continually inspired by the passion and dedication of those working to build a better future for Ballarat and beyond."
The Ballarat Foundation Community Impact Grant program is not possible without the support of our sub fund donors, including The Courier Charity Fund, Wendouree-Delacombe Fund, the James Petrie Fund, Adroit Risk and Insurance Fund, Janine Owen Fund, Advanced Cabinetry Fund, Integra Group Fund, Feed Ballarat Fund, Young Ambition Fund and the Canny Family Fund.
Below: Representatives from The Salvation Army and Centre for Multicultural Youth, Ballarat Foundation Chairperson, Ellen Jackson and Ballarat Foundation Allocations Committee Chairperson, Jacki Whitwell.
More than $80,000 in funding has been awarded to 15 local organisations:
The Aboriginal Literacy Foundation – Literacy tutoring for Aboriginal children.
St John of God Foundation – Recreational wellbeing activities at Horizon House.
Southern Cross Kids’ Camp – Trauma-informed camp for at-risk children.
Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand – Thrive wellbeing sessions for Year 5 and 6 students.
The Hidden Orchard – Volunteer harvest and food relief equipment.
Hand in Hand Ballarat – Expansion of the Open Parachute mental health program in schools.
Centre for Multicultural Youth – Youth-led storytelling project on mental health and identity.
Meredith Community Centre – Food relief and Christmas hampers through the Meredith Mart.
Ballarat Community Health – Positive Wellbeing program addressing gender equality in junior sport.
WRISC Family Violence Support – Evaluation events capturing child survivor feedback.
The Salvation Army VIC – Mums Thrive mental wellbeing and food security program at Parker Place.
Uniting Vic.Tas – Meals for Change program supporting young people with meals and community connection.
2025 Peter Amor Sports Participation Grant recipients
ReCranked – Y Ballarat Youth – Bike recycling and transport access for young people.
VRI Delacombe Cricket Club – Junior cricket equipment upgrade.
East Point FNC / Ballarat Bulldogs – Fee subsidies for players with intellectual disabilities.
