It’s been a big month at the Foundation. Since the launch, we’ve been connecting with other community foundations, auspicing local not for profit groups, developing our operational systems, and designing our community consultation goals.
Congratulations to Four Pillars for their community-focussed initiative, the “Four Pillars of the Community” grant round.
The program granted 5 x $5,000 grants to local community groups for projects that will benefit the Yarra Valley. The Foundation was pleased to be able to utilise its Tax Deductible Gift Recipient status to enable a number of local organisations to be eligible to apply.
Two projects, the Healesville Traders Association’s ‘Nocturne’ after dark winter event, and the Healesville Living and Learning Centre’s community leadership and pathways to employment project were auspiced by the Foundation.
Assist with the community consultation program - become a facilitator.
As the consultation with the community gets underway, we will need a bit of help to paint an accurate picture of the community’s assets, goals, and matters that need addressing. We want to have as many community conversations as possible, and we’re looking for a group of people who have some time over June and July to assist in facilitating sessions.
The role of the facilitator is to guide a group of community members through a series of questions, prompt the participants to outline their lived experiences of being part of the community, and record responses.
We’re looking for a range of people to assist in a variety of consultation methods. You’ll get to help shape the Foundation’s first consultation process, meet and contribute to a team of passionate local people, and learn a valuable skillset that will be transferable to many different applications.
Welcome, Genevieve Timmons.
We’re excited to announce the appointment of a highly distinguished new board member.
Genevieve is a leading philanthropic executive, strategist and governance expert whose four-decade career has shaped contemporary giving in Australia and New Zealand. She has held major executive roles with the Reichstein Foundation, Portland House Foundation, Naomi Milgrom Foundation and the Paul Ramsay Foundation.
In addition to these long term executive roles, Genevieve has advised more than 70 philanthropic grantmaking organisations across corporate, private, academic, government and community sectors. Her work spans the full arc of contemporary philanthropic giving, including strategic design, governance, policy development, professional training and innovation.
We look forward to introducing Genevieve to the Yarra Valley community!
Consider donating the the Yarra Valley Community Foundation this financial year.
As we approach the end of the financial year, some people may wish to consider making a donation to support the long-term future of the Yarra Valley community. All gifts are tax deductible and will be invested prudently, preserving capital while generating annual income.
Each year, a portion of investment earnings will be distributed to support local initiatives identified through our community-led decision making processes.
There are two options to donate: via our online portal, or if you wish to donate directly into our bank account to assist in minimising fees, please send us an email.