During this time of national and global economic uncertainty, local community connections are vital for the health and wellbeing of Australians. Community Foundations are leading by example, supporting their local residents through projects targeting physical, mental and financial resilience and wellbeing.

Ecstra is empowering 10 Community Foundations with $100,000 each to create and scale initiatives which address issues of financial exclusion and economic equality in their communities. These grants acknowledge Community Foundations’ unique ability to execute whole of community projects and to create long term impact through local projects.

CEO of Ecstra Foundation, Caroline Stewart explains that Community Foundations contribute to the distinct culture of a local community “Local leaders know their communities and are best placed to decide how philanthropic funding can spark positive changes in community financial wellbeing. Our funding is very flexible, and as a result each foundation has determined their own approach to addressing local issues.”

Grassroots programs rely on local collaboration and often produce results that are scalable and replicable, and the lessons learnt can be shared and implemented in other communities. As part of this unique funding round, Australian Community Philanthropy will provide capacity support to the grant recipients in partnership with Ecstra.

One collaborative program that illustrates how new initiatives can make positive impact for generations to come is Give Where You Live and Geelong Community Foundation, who have developed the first place-based Financial Inclusion Action Plan in Australia.

“This grant amplifies the work Give Where You Live Foundation and Geelong Community Foundation are doing to support those experiencing disadvantage in the Geelong region – work that is now more important than ever. In the current context, financial know-how has become an immediate need, and our project will help those who are most at risk in our community,” said Bill Mithen CEO, Give Where You Live Foundation.

“This project is an example of how two organisations can come together around a goal and make a difference in our community. Financial capability has been highlighted by many organisations that we work with as an issue and we look forward to building the collective capacity of our community,” said Gail Rodgers CEO, Geelong Community Foundation.

The ten Community Foundation grant recipients represent diverse geographic and demographic areas, and includes rural and regional communities, First Nation leaders, and young changemakers across Australia. All projects will incorporate evaluation and impact measurement reporting.