Building a permanent fund to support the Yarra Valley community
Donate before June 30
Since launching in April, Yarra Valley Community Foundation has been building momentum — planning, connecting, listening, raising funds and supporting local initiatives through auspice arrangements. There is much more to come, and we’re excited by the support already emerging across the community.
As we reach the final month of the financial year, we’re now ready to receive donations of all sizes. We’re grateful to the first donors who have already given online, as well as those who have committed major gifts before month end.
We’re pleased to share that our founding donor has very generously committed to underwriting the Foundation’s operational costs. This means 100% of donations from other donors will go directly into the Thriving Community Fund, which will provide annual grants to Yarra Valley community groups.
We have also submitted applications to two large philanthropic trusts that invited proposals last month — one for $100,000 and another for $30,000. We’ll share more once we know the outcome.
We’re now inviting local residents to contribute if they can. Even a $10 donation can make a difference when many people give together to help grow the Thriving Community Fund. You can make a tax deductible donation that will support the Yarra Valley community in perpetuity.
If you’d prefer not to use the online portal, we can accept direct deposits. Simply fill out the form here or email us, and we’ll provide our bank details.
Community Consultations
Our Community Foundation is built on one core principle - the community leads the way.
The Foundation aims to build a significant investment fund over the next 5 years which will direct proportions of earnings directly back into the Yarra Valley to support the community.
The goal of the organisation is to create an entity for the community, by the community. We want to understand what regular people who live in the Yarra Valley would like to see in their community; What is already here that needs to be protected? What should we work towards building so that the local people and businesses here can thrive?
We're looking for people from all walks of life to contribute to painting the future of the Yarra Valley community; 9-5 workers, tradies, young parents, older people, single people, recent arrivals to the community.
Latest News
Our story
The Foundation was established in 2025 as a vehicle to strengthen the wellbeing of our local community. Our purpose is simple: to harness local generosity and transform it into longterm, locally governed impact.
We will be guided by the people who live in the place, understand its rhythms and hold its stories. We are not bound by election cycles or external agendas, instead we are accountable only to the community itself.
The Yarra Valley Community Foundation will bring together large and small donations from individuals, businesses, government, philanthropic trusts and partner organisations to create a permanent community fund. Private bequests, or gifts from a will can also be made into the fund. This fund is then carefully managed so it can provide ongoing financial support for local projects and initiatives — not just now, but for generations to come.
Rather than spending all donations at once, the Foundation invests the funds responsibly. The income generated is then distributed as grants to support projects that strengthen our community, year after year.
The Foundation is grounded in the local community. We work closely with advisory groups made up of local people to help identify priorities, emerging needs, and opportunities across the valley.
How It Works
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Grant decisions are informed by community consultation, local advisory groups, and clear assessment criteria. This helps ensure funding goes where it will have the greatest benefit, and that decisions reflect lived experience and local knowledge.
Our aim is to create long-term, positive change across the social, environmental, cultural, and economic wellbeing of the Yarra Valley.
Initially we will be seeking to fully understand charitable needs in the areas of Education, Housing, Environment, Health, Social Justice, and Culture.
We are committed to being open and accountable. Our decisions, finances, and outcomes will be clearly reported so the community can see how funds are used and the difference they are making. We strive for fair and inclusive outcomes, supporting a wide range of community needs — today and into the future.
Why a Permanent Fund Matters
By building a permanent community fund, we are creating a shared resource that will continue to support the Yarra Valley community long after individual projects or funding programs end.
Our Pillars
Community Leadership & Capacity Building
