Make a Difference
Grant funding
Community Grants Program
Every year the Foundation provides individual grants to a range of innovative community projects that break down social isolation and alleviate the impact of poverty on individuals and families. During the 2023/24 financial year we:
- Gave $482,018 to projects that help people affected by the coast-of-living crisis.
- Awarded $599,980 in grant funding to 49 organisations across Australia. The Foundation has now distributed more than $11,089,980 to 1,094+ community projects since 2000.
Support for care leavers
Tertiary Scholarship Program
In 2012 the Foundation launched a Tertiary Scholarship Program to empower dedicated students from out-of-home care backgrounds to transform their lives through education. During the 2023/24 financial year we:
- Awarded 14 new scholarships.
- Had a total of 30 scholarship students enrolled in university or TAFE courses.
- Saw 5 students graduate (Cert III Information, Digital Media and Technology from TAFE Qld; Doctor of Medicine from Western Sydney University; Bachelor of Nursing from the University of South Australia; Bachelor of Laws from Deakin University; and a Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services from the Academy of Film, Theatre and Television, Ultimo). A total of 27 students have now graduated with a university degree or TAFE diploma since 2012.
Refugees and asylum seekers
Asylum Seekers Support Program
Our partnership with the Asylum Seekers Centre provided safe accommodation and welfare services to dozens of displaced people every year. In 2014 the Foundation invested close to $3 million in the purchase and renovation of a residential building, Providence House, and was responsible for its ongoing maintenance until the property closed in March 2024.
During the 2023/24 financial year:
- 19 individuals (including 10 children) from Malaysia, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka were accommodated. A total of 177 people seeking asylum have found safe and stable accommodation through the Asylum Seekers Support Program since 2014.
Modern slavery
Modern Slavery Transitional Housing Program
In February 2020 we partnered with The Salvation Army to provide transitional housing assistance to survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking in Australia. During the 2023/24 financial year:
- 9 survivors were assisted with 1,094 hours of casework support.
- 15 survivors have been assisted, and 5 survivors have successfully completed the program to achieve independence since its launch.
Community Care
Remote and Rural
The Remote and Rural ministry is led by Sister Anne Mayberry rsc, and provides support to families and schools in remote, rural and regional New South Wales who have been badly affected by droughts, bushfires, floods and general economic downturn. During the 2023/24 financial year:
- Sister Anne travelled 7,522 kilometres through country NSW to assist 15 schools, charities and community groups.
- $21,600 was provided in cheques, groceries, school supplies and other essentials to families experiencing disadvantage
Community Care
Downs & West Community Support
Downs & West Community Support is led by Sister Christine Henry rsc and offers encouragement, discreet and personalised assistance to farming families and their communities in rural southern Queensland who are severely affected by climatic conditions or family matters beyond their control. During the 2023/24 financial year:
- $132,176 was provided in community support payments.
- Volunteers provided 2,340 hours of work.
- 21 events were held: 13 Wellness through Learning and Creativity Days were hosted for 313 women, 5 Mental Health Days were cohosted for 265 men, 2 Family Bush Christmas Days were attended by 335 adults and children, and 1 Dragonfly Health and Wellness Retreat was held for 30 country women.
Change a Life Today - Donate Online
Donate now
