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FAQ

What is the Geelong Women’s Impact Collective?

The Geelong Women’s Impact Collective is a community of women who come together to direct their philanthropy towards creating and supporting programs and initiatives that improve the lives of women and girls across Greater Geelong.

Funds raised through the Collective are invested in the Geelong Women’s Impact Collective Fund — a permanent endowment within the Geelong Community Foundation — with annual distributions supporting initiatives that advance safety, wellbeing, economic security, and opportunity for women and girls.

Women and girls continue to experience disproportionate barriers in areas such as safety, health outcomes, economic security, and equal access to opportunity.

The Foundation has long supported women-focused initiatives, and this dedicated Collective strengthens that commitment by ensuring sustainable, long-term investment in gender equity for generations to come.

The Geelong Community Foundation is a local philanthropic organisation that helps people and businesses give back to the Geelong region in a meaningful, lasting way.

We do this by:

  • Connecting donors with local causes and community-led solutions

  • Managing charitable funds and bequests so giving can have long-term impact

  • Investing donations responsibly to grow community giving over time

  • Providing grants and funding to registered charities that deliver impactful community initiatives 

  • Bringing people together to collaborate on tackling local challenges

In short: we’re here to grow generosity in our region and turn it into real, practical impact for the Geelong community — now and into the future.

The Women’s Impact Collective is a growing community of donors who give $1,000 or more annually —to address issues affecting women and girls both now and into the future. 

Members of the Collective, contribute to long-term impact and join a network dedicated to supporting women and girls across Greater Geelong.

Collective members:

  • Receive regular updates on funded projects and impact

  • Are invited to events, briefings and connection opportunities

  • Participate in voting on annual grant partners

  • Are recognised as part of a collective movement for women and girls

Founding Members are women who make a contribution of $1,000 or more to the Collecruve before 5pm on 30 April 2026.

Founding Members are permanently recognised as the women whose early commitment and leadership established the Collective. Founding Members will be acknowledged at the launch event and in Foundation communications.

Yes. Donations of any amount are gratefully received and every gift helps shape a stronger future for women and girls.

Please note: only donors who give $1,000 or more will become members of the Collective and will be eligible to vote on which organisation will receive the annual grant. 

Yes. All contributions of $2 or more to the Geelong Community Foundation, including donations to the Women’s Impact Collective, are fully tax-deductible.

Yes. Donations may be made in instalments of $84 per month. The Foundation also welcomes bequests to the Women’s Impact Collective. Please contact us to discuss options.

All contributions are invested in line with the Geelong Community Foundation’s established investment strategy and overseen by the Investment Committee. The Geelong Community Foundation works with Wilson’s Advisory, who manage our investment.

Each year, the Fund (Collective) will distribute:

  • 25% of donations received during the financial year, plus

  • 4% of the Fund (Collective)’s balance as at 30 June

This combined allocation will be used to make a grant in the following financial year, enabling the Collective to direct funding to initiatives supporting women and girls, while continuing to grow the fund over time. 

As this is a new fund, our first official grant is planned for June 2027, and will be made through the 2027 Community Grant Round. 

While the Collective Fund builds toward its first official grant in 2027, the Geelong Community Foundation is committed to advancing gender equality and will award a women and girls initiative grant through the 2026 Community Grant Round on behald of the Geelong Women’s Impact Collective. Members of the Collective will have the opportuniy to vote on which organisation will receive the grant.

All contributions are invested in line with the Geelong Community Foundation’s established investment strategy and overseen by the Investment Committee. The Geelong Community Foundation works with Wilson’s Advisory, who manage our investment.

Each year, the Fund (Collective) will distribute:

  • 25% of donations received during the financial year, plus

  • 4% of the Fund (Collective)’s balance as at 30 June

This combined allocation will be used to make a grant in the following financial year, enabling the Collective to direct funding to initiatives supporting women and girls, while continuing to grow the fund over time. 

As this is a new fund, our first official grant is planned for June 2027, and will be made through the 2027 Community Grant Round. 

While the Collective Fund builds toward its first official grant in 2027, the Geelong Community Foundation is committed to advancing gender equality and will award a women and girls initiative grant through the 2026 Community Grant Round on behald of the Geelong Women’s Impact Collective. Members of the Collective will have the opportuniy to vote on which organisation will receive the grant.

Funding will support local charities working working to improve the lives of women and girls, with priorities including:

  • Family violence prevention and recovery

  • Women’s health and wellbeing

  • Economic participation and pathways to employment

  • Programs supporting girls and young women

Grantmaking will reflect community need, evidence, and the Foundation’s broader strategic priorities.

The Collective will provide grants to registered charities that have DGR1 status (i.e. registered charities eligible to receive tax-deductible donations) and who are delivering initiatives supporting women and girls within the the City of Greater Geelong, Borough of Queenscliffe, Surf Coast Shire and Golden Plains Shire.

For further details or a confidential discussion, please contact:

Amy Waters, CEO, Geelong Community Foundation
0413 868 721
amy@geelongfoundation.org

Sheridan Emond-Salmon, Philanthropy Manager, Geelong Community Foundation
0434 264 102
philanthropy@geelongfoundation.org