Grants strengthen community wellbeing, education and support for vulnerable Victorians

Freemasons Foundation Victoria (FFV) is proud to announce the latest recipients of the Community Grants program, with $600,000 in funding awarded to 18 Victorian community organisations delivering vital support to people experiencing hardship, isolation and barriers to education. This year’s recipients reflect a clear shift towards practical, community-led initiatives addressing rising social need, particularly in food security, youth engagement and mental wellbeing.

Chairman Garry James said the Foundation was proud to back organisations responding proactively to increasing pressure across local communities.

“We’re proud to support organisations that are strengthening the fabric of their communities during a time of growing need. These grants will help local groups deliver practical, meaningful support where it’s needed most.”

This year’s grant projects reflect a strong emphasis on strengthening community wellbeing, with support directed to organisations addressing food security, social isolation, mental health and educational disadvantage.

Funding is helping grassroots groups such as Alex Makes Meals, Bay Leaf Community Kitchen, St Kilda Mums and Zoe Support Australia to deliver essential services from community kitchens and meal distribution to programs that connect isolated residents and support families in crisis.

Many initiatives also focus on young people, particularly those facing barriers to education.

Programs like The Western Chances Ambassador Program, Southern Cross Kids’ Camp, and the Elevate program from Mornington Peninsula Foundation will provide pathways to rebuild confidence and participation, and gain skills for learning and employment.

Community organisations are under growing pressure to support individuals and families in need across Victoria. In addition to assisting with front line delivery, FFV’s grants are enabling groups to strengthen their capacity through better equipment, upgraded facilities, improved systems and stronger volunteer coordination.

Some of the organisations funded are ones FFV has built lasting relationships with, including Banksia Garden Community Services, who deliver a weekly after-school program for more than 200 children from diverse cultural backgrounds in the Wimmera region; the Early Years Empowerment project bringing early education to children staying at Ronald McDonald House; and the MSO’s Regional Touring program, bringing world-class musicians into local settings across the state.

Collectively, these investments support sustainable and long-term community impact, allowing organisations to reach more people and respond effectively to growing needs.

“We’re proud to support organisations that are strengthening the fabric of their communities during a time of increasing need. These grants will help local groups deliver practical, meaningful support where it’s needed most,” Mr James added.

“Many projects funded this year go beyond immediate assistance —they build lasting capability. From improved infrastructure to better systems and expanded programs, these grants will have enduring impact.”

“Our Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to uplift communities across Victoria. The calibre of this year’s applicants reinforces just how vital this support is. The community organisations we’re supporting serve tirelessly and create real change for real people.”

Organisation	Project name	Grant amount
Aboriginal Literacy Foundation Inc	Literacy Tutoring for Aboriginal students Hamilton, Vic	$10,000
Alex Makes Meals	New van - Alex Makes Meals	$45,000
Banksia Gardens Community Centre	Banksia Gardens After-School Program	$50,000
Bay Leaf Community Kitchen	Food Relief	$13,000
Life Ed Victoria	Closing the Health Gap: Preventative Education for Disadvantaged Victorian Communities	$30,000
Maribyrnong and Moonee Valley Local Learning and Employment Network Inc.	Youth Employment Pathways Program 2.0	$50,000
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra	Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Regional Tour 2026	$30,000
Mornington Peninsula Foundation	Young Elevate	$50,000
Ronald McDonald House Charities Victoria & Tasmania	Learning Program Early Years Empowerment Project: Sustaining Impact Through an Adapted Early Years Framework Curriculum for Seriously Ill Children	$31,595
Shepparton Access	Shepparton Access Inclusive Pathways to Employment	$  50,000
Soldier On	Learning and Development Sessions for Victorian Veterans and Families	$28,848.50
Southern Cross Kids' Camp	Restoring Hope: Trauma-Informed Camps for Vulnerable Children – SCKC Knox	$20,000
St Kilda Mums Inc./Our Village Network Inc	Reach Every Child - Top 4 Priority LGAs	$50,000
The Queen's Fund	Refurbished Laptops for at least 25 Single Women and Their Children in Victoria	$10,000
Western Chances	Western Chances Ambassador Program - Pilot	$50,000
World Wide Fund for Nature Australia	Creating Jobs, Equity & Caring for Country: Building the Indigenous Women Rangers Environmental  Network in Victoria	$33,396
Zoe Support Australia	The Wheels on the Bus Go Round & Round	$50,000
Total		$601,839.50
The Shrine	Shrine Young Ambassadors Program 26/27 - 28/29 (Approved for 3 year extension starting FY26/27)	$49,500