Sixty delighted charity organisations will receive some very welcome financial support following the announcement of the latest grants round by the Canberra Foundations Collaborative.

The Collaborative’s members Hands Across Canberra, The Snow Foundation and the John James Foundation are supporting 63 projects across the organisations with a total of $1.5 million.

The charities support mental health and wellbeing, disadvantage, disability, healthcare, and strengthening engagement and belonging. The 63 successful projects add to the 128 projects funded by the Collaborative in 2022 and 2023.

A happy crowd of representatives from recipient organisations attended the announcement, including Anna and Siobhán from Orange Sky, which provides laundry services to vulnerable members of the Canberra Community. Also in attendance were two clown doctors from the Humour Foundation, which brings creative play and joyful humour to children, carers and staff at the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children.

Representing HOME in Queanbeyan ­– ‘A loving home for people living with mental illness’ – were Anne Pratt and Zoe Ryan, who were thrilled with the difference the grant will make to their clients.   

“With our grant, we are going to install split system air conditioners to replace our old inefficient heating system. The impact hot and cold weather have on people with mental illness is not talked about a lot so this will really help our residents,” says Anne.

In addition to financial support, the Collaborative continues to build a stronger, more interconnected community sector through networking and capacity-building events. These initiatives empower organisations with the tools and resources needed to maximise their impact.

Genevieve Jacobs, CEO of Hands Across Canberra, said it’s about giving where we live and ensuring Canberrans can support their neighbours in need.

“Thanks to generous locals, this year’s grants will support innovative ideas with a significant impact – and by streamlining the grant’s writing process and working together as a collaborative, we’re also reducing the drain on resources so charities can focus on the front line,” says Genevieve.

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