Frequently Asked Questions

About the Foundation

  • A Community Foundation is an independent, place-based charity that brings together local giving and invests it for long-term community benefit. We support local not-for-profits and community projects, and we help donors give in a way that is effective, accountable and enduring.

  • No. We will work in collaboration with other local giving organisations and add to pre-existing initiatives. Our community is keen to work together to make our place in the world a model community that cares deeply for its own.

  • We focus on the Yarra Valley community townships and surrounding districts: Healesville, Badger Creek, Toolebewong, Gruyere, Coldstream, Yarra Glen, Steels Creek, Dixons Creek, Tarrawarra, Toolangi and Chum Creek. Our purpose is place-based: we exist to strengthen this region, now and for future generations.

  • We fund initiatives that align with priorities to be identified within our areas of focus – typically they will be projects or programs within the broad areas of Education, Environment, Health, Housing, Social Justice and Culture, which are shaped through local knowledge, community input and evidence about what will make the greatest difference.

  • We listen to and consult with the community, work with local organisations, and use practical local insights alongside data and lived experience. Our aim is to respond to genuine needs and opportunities identified here.

  • Yes. We are non-partisan and locally governed. We work with people of all backgrounds and viewpoints, focusing on community benefit.

  • We are governed by a local skills-based Board and Committees and guided by clear policies, including conflict of interest and grantmaking processes. We will publish information about our activities and outcomes to maintain trust.

Grants and funding

  • Generally, local not-for-profits and community organisations can apply. In some cases, unincorporated groups or individuals may apply. We will explain eligibility in each grant round.

  • Grants can support projects, programs, pilots, equipment, small capital needs, and capacity-building, depending on the grant guidelines. Each round will specify what is in scope. In our early years our grants are likely to be modest.

  • We do not fund requests that are outside our charitable purpose, that duplicate core government responsibilities, or that don’t demonstrate clear community benefit. Applications for grants will be subject to conditions on use.

  • We will run grant rounds and/or targeted opportunities. Our website will list current opportunities and closing dates.

  • Applications are assessed against published criteria. Decisions are guided by due diligence, community benefit, fairness, and—where relevant—local advisory input. Conflicts of interest are managed strictly.

  • We keep reporting proportionate to the size and nature of the grant. We typically ask for a short acquittal outlining outcomes, learnings and how funds were used.

  • We can usually answer questions and clarify guidelines, and in some cases provide a brief pre-application conversation. We aim to be helpful, but fair to all applicants.

Trust, transparency and integrity

  • We report on our grants, finances and outcomes, and we operate under clear governance policies. We want donors and the community to have confidence in how funds are managed and distributed.

  • We have formal conflict of interest policies. Board or advisory members with a conflict will not participate in related discussions or decisions.

  • We take privacy seriously. We collect and store information securely and only use it for the purposes for which it was provided.

  • We track where funds go, what they achieve, and what’s learned. We share outcomes through updates, stories and reporting—while keeping sensitive information confidential where required.

Getting involved

  • You can volunteer, introduce potential donors, share our work, participate in community consultation, or support fundraising activities. Local involvement will strengthen everything our Community Foundation can do.

  • Please contact us to arrange a conversation. We’re happy to discuss giving options, legacy plans, or a local need you care about. Executive.officer@yarravalleyfoundation.org.au

Donating and giving

  • Yes, we expect to have Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) tax status very soon. Donations over $2 will be tax-deductible. Receipts will be issued.

  • You can donate online, by bank transfer, or by other arrangements such as cheque. For larger gifts we can also discuss more tailored options.

  • Yes. Regular giving is one of the best ways to build a steady, reliable source of support for local projects.

  • Yes. You can choose to give anonymously, or you can choose how you would like to be acknowledged. Send an email to eo@hdcf.org.au

  • Yes. Local businesses can donate, sponsor, or partner with us to support community outcomes. We can also discuss workplace giving and matched giving.

  • Yes. You can create a fundraiser for any reason – a birthday, event, school or workplace, and nominate the Yarra Valley Community Foundation (or a specific appeal we may run) as the beneficiary. Contact us to discuss and assist with communications, and portals.

Funds, endowments and long-term giving

  • A Permanent Fund (also known as an endowment fund) is a long-term fund, usually established ‘in perpetuity’ that is invested prudently. Over time, the earnings support community grants and projects while the original capital is protected and grown. This creates a lasting source of local charitable funding

  • It means the fund is designed to keep supporting the community year after year, including for future generations – in perpetuity – forever.

  • A Named Fund is a fund established within the Community Foundation under a name you choose (for example, a family name, business name, or in memory of someone). It allows you to create a lasting legacy and support causes that matter to you, while we manage the administration, compliance, investing and grant processes.

  • Yes, you can start a Gumnut Fund with as little as $2,000. Once the fund has reached $10,000, it will begin distributions.

  • Yes. Families, friendship groups, community groups and local networks often establish a shared fund aligned to common values.

  • We can work with you to understand your areas of interest and your intent. In most cases, donors provide advice and preferences, and the Foundation processes grants in line with those preferences provided they meet the legal requirements that apply to charitable giving.

  • Yes. Many donors refine their focus as community needs evolve, or as their own interests change.

  • Funds are invested prudently, with the aim of balancing growth and stability over the long term. We seek to invest responsibly and ethically.

  • There are costs involved in investing, compliance, audit, grant administration and reporting. We aim to keep fees fair and transparent, and we will explain them clearly before you establish a fund.

Bequests and legacy giving

  • Yes. A bequest can create enduring local benefit and can be directed to an area of need you care about or used to establish a named legacy fund.

  • Yes. Many people choose a percentage of their estate, which can be simpler and can keep pace with changes over time.

  • A legacy gift to Yarra Valley Community Foundation can be designed to keep serving your intent even as community needs and organisations change.

  • Yes, in many cases a family can be invited to provide advice about grants from a named legacy fund, while the Foundation maintains the governance and compliance responsibilities.