How We HelpCommunity Grants Program
Community projects with an impact
Every year the Sisters of Charity Foundation provides grants of up to $15,000 to incredible community projects and programs that break down social isolation and alleviate the impact of poverty on individuals and families. These grants are aimed at helping groups who already make a huge difference to those in need, so they can have an even bigger impact. These groups might struggle to access funding through other avenues but are meeting very real needs in clever ways.
Our grants have been used to support a wide range of people, including poor and disadvantaged Australians, people living with disabilities, at-risk youth, refugees and asylum seekers, Indigenous Australians, homeless people, elderly people, and those who have been incarcerated or affected by substance abuse.
The Foundation has provided more than $8,800,000 to 900+ projects since 2000.
Here are just some of the community projects the Foundation has supported…
What is a community project?
The Sisters of Charity Foundation recognises a community project as an initiative started to fight poverty, loneliness, suffering and oppression.
These initiatives are usually started by small charities and other organisations with a clever idea that makes a big difference for the socially marginalised and isolated in their community.
What is a community grant?
Our aim is to provide practical and meaningful assistance where it’s most needed.
Twice every year, the Sisters of Charity Foundation awards individual grants of up to $15,000 to innovative community projects that break down social isolation and alleviate the impact of poverty.
What is our Community Grants Program?
The Sisters of Charity Foundation started in 2000 with the Community Grants Program. Since then, we have provided funding to successful grant applicants, whose community projects provide swift, practical and compassionate assistance to anyone who experiences disadvantage or social isolation.
We encourage organisations with such projects to apply for funding from our Community Grants Program, which has supported organisations working to support a wide range of people, including:
- Poor and disadvantaged Australians
- People living with disabilities
- At-risk youth
- Refugees and asylum seekers
- Indigenous Australians
- Homeless people
- Elderly people
- Prison-affected
- Substance abuse-affected
How do I apply for a community grant?
We want to support organisations that have great ideas and creative strategies to drive real change in their communities. It’s not easy to get funding for such projects, which is why we’re here to support the smaller charities and initiatives that have ‘fallen through the cracks’.
Grant applications open twice a year on:
- 1 February (Closes 31 March)
- 1 August (Closes 30 September)
Learn more about applying for a Community Grant from the Sisters of Charity Foundation, or view our application guidelines here.
How can I support the community grants program?
We rely on the generosity of our supporters to fund our Community Grants Program. Donate using the form below and 100% of your contribution will go towards the program of your choice.
Our aim is to provide practical and meaningful assistance where it’s most needed.
Past Community Grants awarded
There are two grant rounds every year. During our latest grant round, September 2020, 24 community projects were selected to receive grants from the Sisters of Charity Foundation. They were made possible by generous donations to the Foundation.
View our 2020 projects here:
View projects from previous years that received a Community Grant:
2019 Projects 2018 Projects 2017 Projects
2016 Projects 2015 Projects 2014 Projects
2013 Projects 2012 Projects 2011 Projects
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