(L-R Development Manager Tony McManus, Program & Impact Manager Charlotte Walker, CEO Amy Walker and Administration Assistant Gennette Jewell from the Geelong Community Foundation)
At Davidsons, we’re committed to making a difference to the greater Geelong community through honorary work, participation, partnerships and sponsorships. We value building long-term relationships with local organisations, and one of our long-standing community partners is the Geelong Community Foundation.
As long-time supporters of the Foundation, which celebrates 25 years this year, we recognise its vital work for our region. In this article, we want to spotlight this fantastic organisation and explain what it does, how it does it, and how you can help with a philanthropic gift this tax season.
25 years of community impact
This year, the Geelong Community Foundation celebrates 25 years of community impact.
According to CEO Amy Waters, this 25th anniversary is a significant milestone for the Foundation.
“It’s a celebration of 25 years of meaningful partnership with our donors, grant partners and the wider community,” she said.
“We’re looking forward to reliving our journey, sharing stories, appreciating the hard work of the Foundation and its generous donors, and celebrating all of the incredible initiatives we’ve been able to support in the Geelong region.
“As we reflect on how far we’ve come, we’re also planning strategically for the future, ensuring the Foundation continues to be a strong and enduring resource for our community.”
On May 29, the Foundation announced the outcome of the 2025-26 Main Grant Round, meaning that since its establishment, it has awarded over $1.4 million in new grants, including a $100,000 25-year Celebratory Grant to Thread Together that will permanently bring a mobile wardrobe to Geelong. The Foundation has also distributed more than $16 million in grants to the local community.
“Thanks to the generosity of our community and long-term donors like Davidsons, we can continue to invest in local initiatives, creating lasting positive impact.” Said Amy Waters.
As the Foundation marks its 25th year, there has never been a better time to get involved.
Who is the Geelong Community Foundation?
The Geelong Community Foundation is a non-profit organisation that facilitates philanthropic giving to enhance our local community.
Established in 2000, the Foundation aims to make a positive and lasting difference to the people of the Geelong region. Recognising that the Geelong community has needs that aren’t being met by other funding sources, the Foundation encourages individuals, families, businesses and other organisations to make donations to help meet these needs, now and in the future.
The Foundation operates in four regions:
- the City of Greater Geelong
- Surf Coast Shire
- Borough of Queenscliffe
- Golden Plain Shire.
Grants are awarded to organisations and activities that align with the Foundation’s four grant streams:
- Food and emergency support
- Health, resilience and connection
- Education and employment
- Environment and sustainability.
Simply put, the Foundation makes it easy for individuals, families and businesses to donate funds to benefit the Geelong community. Your donation becomes part of a fund invested to grow over time. The Foundation distributes the earnings to local community organisations (aka grant partners) in areas that truly matter. By pooling donations, the Foundation ensures your money has the greatest possible impact.
Why donate to the Geelong Community Foundation this tax time?
The Geelong Community Foundation provides a simple, effective and rewarding way to give back to your local community while reducing your tax liabilities.
Here are some of the benefits of supporting the Foundation:
- Independent and unbiased giving: The Foundation is independent and offers a fair, cost-effective and flexible way to give.
- Genuine local impact: With deep knowledge of charitable giving and our community’s needs, the Geelong Community Foundation ensures your donations make a real difference.
- Understand your impact: The Foundation keeps donors informed about how their gifts are making an impact, creating a sense of community and shared purpose.
- Quick and easy setup: There’s still time to set up a fund with the Foundation before the end of the financial year. Unlike private ancillary funds (PAFs), there’s no need to establish a new trust or trustee company, so there are no setup costs or complicated procedures.
Your donation isn’t just a transaction – it’s an ongoing opportunity to see real change take place in your community.
How you can support the great work of the Geelong Community Foundation
There are several ways you can assist the Geelong Community Foundation:
1. Create a named sub fund
The Foundation encourages individuals and businesses that want to give back to the community to establish their own named sub fund (minimum of $10,000 over three years) and make a fully tax-deductible donation before June 30.
“We’re aware that Australia is going through an unprecedented transfer of wealth from baby boomers to the next generation. At this time of life, families often reflect on lifetimes of achievement and see if they can include a gift to the community as part of that transition,” shares Chairperson Michael Betts.
“As we continue to build our total funds under management, the Foundation model provides a sustainable answer to philanthropy in the Geelong region.”
2. Join the P500 Program
An alternative to creating a sub fund is to join the P500 program, which harnesses the power of collective giving to fund transformative grants through the combined $500 contributions of individuals, families and businesses.
P500 allows like-minded donors to pool their donations, support their community and experience the grant-making process first-hand.
3. Donate to the Geelong Community Gift Fund
The Foundation invites individuals and businesses to make a tax-deductible donation to the Community Gift Fund. This year, the Fund distributed more than $10,000 in grants, helping to address critical community needs.
Additionally, a tax-deductible gift to the Foundation can be included in different types of sub funds: business, personal, gifts in wills (bequests), and in memoriam.
Interested in learning more about the Geelong Community Foundation?
Donating to the Geelong Community Foundation is a simple yet powerful tax mitigation strategy that also benefits your community. At Davidsons, we believe in the power of giving, and we’re proud to partner with an organisation that makes a meaningful impact in our region.
Get in touch with Development Manager Tony McManus on 0417 334 434 or via email at tony@geelongfoundation.org, or CEO Amy Waters on 0413 868 721 or via email at amy@geelongfoundation.org, to discuss making a tax-deductible donation prior to June 30.
For more information about the Geelong Community Foundation, please head to the Foundation’s website.
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is factual in nature and objectively ascertainable and, therefore, does not constitute financial product advice. Importantly, the factual information that has been supplied does not take into account your personal circumstances, objectives or goals.