The Sisters of Charity Foundation is excited to announce the 16 fantastic community projects to receive funding as part of its July 2021 grant round.

Twice every year the Sisters of Charity Foundation provides grants of up to $15,000 to community projects and programs that break down social isolation and alleviate the impact of poverty on individuals and families. Since the Foundation was launched in 2000 it has given away more than $9.4 million in grant funding to 970+ projects.

The July 2021 grant round was the first time applicant organisations submitted an Expression of Interest prior to filling out a lengthier application form. This change was implemented to save applicants precious time, so these not-for-profits could focus on their vital work.

111 Expressions of Interest were submitted in total. Of these, 24 organisations progressed to stage 2 and were invited to submit a full application. In the end, 16 organisations were selected to receive grant funding.

A snapshot of the projects

The mood is definitely upbeat as aged-care residents on the Sunshine Coast line up to await their volunteer-powered trishaw rides near surrounding beaches and parks. They gleefully wave each other off and give the ‘royal wave’ as each ride departs. Residents are full of joy to be outside enjoying the fresh air, the beauty of nature, and the opportunity to connect with others. The Foundation’s grant will allow Cycling Without Age Australia Inc to include wheelchair users on future rides.

“Legal cases that would challenge most ordinary people are simply beyond the capacity of our clients,” says Jennifer from St John’s Community Services Ltd. “Dealing with family law, being sued, evicted from housing, receiving a hefty fine can derail an already tough life. This is especially so if a person is impoverished and dealing with relationship breakdown, mental illness, poor health and housing challenges.” The Community Grant will help vulnerable people – including women impacted by domestic violence and those experiencing homelessness – access free legal services.

As demonstrated by its Tertiary Scholarship Program, the welfare of children in out-of-home care is of utmost importance to the Foundation. These children often have increased mental health issues due to neglect, trauma, attachment difficulties and exposure to in vitro drug use. A Better Life for Foster Kids Inc received a grant to help 10 children access mental health treatment when they need it.

Many children who can’t live safely in the parental home live with their grandparents. “Returning to the role of parent once more requires adjustment and support,” explains Colleen from Grandparents for Grandchildren SA Inc. “While they want to provide the best possible care for their grandchildren, their own health and wellbeing must be preserved to enable this to happen.” The Foundation’s grant will help these grandparents with the costs of education, arts and sports activities for the children in their care. Thanks to the financial support provided, grandparents will be able to buy their grandchildren items like laptops for schoolwork, swimming lessons, and excursion fees, allowing each child to fully participate in school activities and increase their confidence and wellbeing.

The Hayden’s Helping Hands food pantry has been helping feed vulnerable families and people experiencing homelessness in Melbourne ‘on the smell of an oily rag’. A Community Grant will help move the operation from a storage cage and garage to a warehouse, allowing the NFP to grow its volunteer force and provide 4 to 5 times more relief in the form of food parcels.

List of successful Community Grant recipients:

• A Better Life for Foster Kids Inc – ‘Mental health support for kids in out-of-home care’
• Cana Communities Inc – ‘Calder Road: A daytime refuge for transgender people’
• Cycling Without Age Australia Inc – ‘Including wheelchair users on bike rides’
• Emmanuel City Mission Ltd – ‘Harvest Kitchen’
• Grandparents for Grandchildren SA Inc – ‘Grandcarers’ Education, Arts and Sports Fund Program’
• Griffith Meals on Wheels Inc – ‘Hampers of Hope’
• Hayden’s Helping Hands – ‘Food Pantry’
• Hearts of Purple Ltd – ‘Operation Family Protect’
• Iris Foundation Australia Ltd – ‘Connections 2×2 Workshops’
• Maronites on Mission Australia Ltd – ‘Home Visits Program’
• Mums 4 Refugees NSW Inc – ‘Asylum Seeker Mobile Food Pantry Emergency Relief Program’
• Northern Community CareWorks Ltd – ‘Community meals’
• Open Haven – ‘Rise and Shine Logan’
• Open Table – ‘Open Table Community Pantry’
• RuffTRACK Ltd – ‘Round Yard: Keep Kids Alive’
• St John’s Community Services Ltd – ‘St John’s Legal Service’

How to apply for a Sisters of Charity Foundation Community Grant in the February 2022 round:

• Make sure you are eligible to apply for a grant. Read the Eligibility Checklist.
• Submit your EOI (Expression of Interest) by 11.59pm AEDT 5 February 2022. Access the EOI form here.

If you are unsure about whether your program meets the criteria, or if you are having problems completing the online EOI form, please contact the Foundation by email at foundationadmin@rscoffice.com or phone 02 9367 1211.

All information provided will be treated as confidential.

Photo credit: Cycling Without Age Australia Inc