South Tweed New Soup Kitchen: strengthening stability and social inclusion        

Agape will establish and operate a soup kitchen within a new shelter, providing nutritious meals for residents as well as members of the wider community experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. The soup kitchen will be run by a Coordinator/Chef, supported by a roster of volunteers responsible for the fit-out, meal preparation, food safety, and the delivery of wholesome meals.

Agape will also create employment and training pathways through developing cooking, barista, and hospitality skills.

This project delivers a holistic and sustainable response to homelessness in the Tweed region by integrating housing, nutrition, safety, and community connection.

Love Impels Us

Sr Margaret Valentine rsc serves as the Family Liaison Officer for the K–6 Campus at All Saints Catholic College, Liverpool. In this role, she supports the Principal by visiting families and assessing their needs within the school community.

Funding supports her outreach to families experiencing financial hardship – whether at home or in covering the costs of school-related items and activities.

Supporting young people to reach their full potential

Altitude works in partnership with school principals across Australia to identify students who demonstrate strong academic potential and personal motivation but face financial disadvantage. In collaboration with each school principal, Altitude supports selected students throughout their remaining years of high school and into university or college by providing $1,500 per year to help cover essential educational expenses such as laptops and textbooks.

Altitude currently supports more than 70 students nationwide.

Employment Pathways for Refugees        

Amani Community Centre supports recently arrived refugees to build skills by providing training, traineeships, and pathways to employment and financial independence. Amani also plays a key coordinating role for refugee support services in the Logan area. This grant funding will employ someone to provide bilingual support, translation services and transport assistance, helping participants overcome language barriers and geographic isolation.

Safe Homes for Renters – Free Legal Help for People in Crisis             

This grant will help fund a community lawyer to provide free legal help to renters facing eviction, unsafe housing, or housing-related financial crisis.

‍The lawyer will assist approximately 250 renters over 12 months. Each client will receive tailored, ongoing support to negotiate urgent repairs, challenge retaliatory evictions, or recover unfairly withheld bonds, among other issues. The lawyer will also supervise volunteer law students and pro bono lawyers.

Steering Independence: Driving Program for Migrant Women             

Supports newly arrived and culturally diverse women to obtain their driver’s licence, a critical step toward independence, employment, and social inclusion. The program provides personalised, one-on-one support in Dari and other relevant languages to pass the NSW Learner Licence test. After gaining their licence, 40 women will be offered free driving lessons with qualified instructors to build confidence and practical skills on NSW roads. Additional support will assist with test bookings and procedural requirements.

Employability and Social Basecamp        

Supports autistic young adults transitioning from school to meaningful employment. It aims to build participants’ practical skills, confidence, independence and community connection through tailored training and mentoring.

‍Autistic individuals face major barriers to employment, with only 38% in the workforce compared to 80% of the general population. Many experience isolation, limited post-school options, and a lack of inclusive support. The Basecamp directly addresses this by providing a dedicated Hub where participants can develop employability and social skills in a safe, welcoming environment.

‍Activities include workshops on communication, teamwork, and workplace readiness; mentoring from neurodiverse and industry professionals; creative projects that showcase individual strengths; and partnerships with inclusive employers for work experience.

Women Focus Group           

A peer-led, culturally attuned initiative aimed at empowering Afghan and CALD women in South-East Melbourne by tackling linguistic challenges, social seclusion, restricted access to resources, and unemployment.

‍Participants acquire essential expertise in English literacy, computer proficiency, financial management, and employment preparedness, including resume composition and interview techniques, through weekly peer-led seminars, mental health courses, and community involvement activities. Women are linked to essential services such as Centrelink, legal aid, and housing assistance, while guest speakers will educate participants on subjects such as domestic violence and labour rights.

‍Women will also be connected with mentors, professional networks, and regional training organisations to enhance their educational and employment opportunities.

First Nations Digital Mentorship Program            

Aims to address socioeconomic disparities by connecting Indigenous youth with experienced online mentors. The program also provides skill-building workshops in employment readiness, digital literacy, financial management, and confidence-building. These activities will directly benefit participants by improving employability, boosting confidence, and fostering a sense of empowerment and social inclusion.

Practical and emotional support for male DFV victim-survivors             

Provides consumable resources to males escaping family violence – such as overnight survival packs that contain basic toiletries, grooming and hygiene products; vouchers for food and other daily needs; referrals to paid accommodation for several days; and information packs for additional support.

Healing Circles: Women’s Wisdom, Culture & Wellbeing Program          

A culturally led initiative supporting the healing, empowerment, and wellbeing of Aboriginal women and girls in Mount Isa and surrounding communities.

Many Aboriginal women in the region experience intergenerational trauma, social isolation, family violence, and cultural disconnection, often alongside limited access to culturally safe services in remote areas. The program will provide monthly yarning circles, cultural workshops such as bush medicine, weaving and storytelling, trauma-informed wellbeing sessions led by Elders and Aboriginal health workers, and On-Country healing camps to strengthen connection to land, identity and culture.

The initiative aims to foster resilience, cultural pride, and peer support while creating a safe, community-led space for healing, connection, and long-term wellbeing across generations.

Food security and meal provision program

Provides free meals and social connection to people experiencing food insecurity in Wagga Wagga, including those facing mental health challenges, social isolation, domestic violence, homelessness, and financial hardship. Volunteer teams prepare nutritious meals three days a week in the organisation’s warehouse kitchen, producing more than 600 meals weekly. These are distributed frozen through service providers, with additional fresh meals served to the community at various locations four nights each fortnight.

Food Support Programs      

Provides food hampers to individuals and families experiencing hardship in Sunbury and surrounding areas. The hampers are designed to provide a balanced diet for around four days, include bread and fresh produce, and are available for collection or delivered to housebound clients and those with additional needs. Surplus bread and fresh produce sourced are also shared with a local St Vincent’s community facility, and a school meals program. In addition, a monthly community lunch is now hosted in partnership with Sunbury Neighbourhood House.

This grant helps cover essential operating expenses such as delivery van running costs, rent and utilities, insurance, communications, and software.

Expanding our service to support more people in need            

A new outreach van will visit three central Brisbane locations, distributing healthy breakfasts to young people and adults experiencing mental health challenges, addiction, loneliness, and housing insecurity.

By providing nutritious food and social connection, the initiative will reduce isolation, build trust, and improve wellbeing, while helping individuals access further support services.

Mobile Food Pantry

Helps meet growing demand for accessible, dignified food relief across southeast Melbourne. While traditional services often require travel or registration, creating barriers for those already under strain, this service removes obstacles by taking pantry staples, fresh produce, and household essentials directly into the communities where they are most needed.

Walking With Her: Supporting Strong Beginnings for Aboriginal Mothers and Babies

This grant will deliver 65 baby care bundles to mothers in remote and regional communities. Each Coolamon bundle includes an ACCC-compliant safe sleep space, wraps, nappies, clothing and breastfeeding support items, and will be gifted to new and expecting mothers by trusted Aboriginal midwives.

With One Voice Social Inclusion Choirs 

A national movement of inclusive choirs that bring people together to experience joy, connection, and community through singing. With 25 choirs and more than 1,000 members across Australia, the program welcomes people from all walks of life and abilities – participants don’t have to audition to join.

Weekly rehearsals feature an hour of facilitated singing led by professional community music leaders, followed by opportunities for social connection through shared supper and the Wish List reciprocal giving program. These gatherings foster friendship, belonging, and supportive, connected communities.

Bridging the Gap: Reignite Literacy & MathLearn           

Aims to reduce the high risk of educational disengagement among culturally and linguistically diverse young people, particularly those from refugee and low-income migrant families in Ipswich, Logan, and surrounding areas. Many of these students are from African, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian backgrounds, and face disrupted schooling, limited English proficiency, trauma, and a lack of culturally appropriate academic support.

‍The Reignite Literacy & MathLearn program will support around 40 students aged 12–17 through a 32-week after-school intervention. Participants will receive small-group tutoring in foundational literacy and mathematics, culturally responsive mentoring, and access to digital learning tools. Social-emotional learning and confidence-building activities will also reconnect students with learning.

Cuisine for Carers   

This project will benefit foster/kinship/informal carers and the children and young people in their homes. Practical and pastoral support can make a huge positive difference, while engaging community members around carer families also increases awareness, understanding, and compassion.

‍This grant will fund the purchase of food supplies so church groups can make meals and baked goods for carer families.

New dishwasher and dishwashing area 

Volunteers turn food donations into healthy meals for people in need in Warragul. This grant will help purchase a commercial dishwasher, allowing volunteers to spend more time preparing meals, and ensuring clean cooking equipment is readily available when needed.

Ongoing parenting program for families affected by domestic violence         

A targeted, trauma-informed parenting program for mothers and children affected by domestic and family violence.

In Newcastle, domestic violence rates exceed the NSW average. Eighty per cent of Got Your Back Sista’s clients are single mothers raising children who have witnessed abuse, placing them at higher risk of emotional, behavioural, and intergenerational trauma.

Delivered in two six-week series by trauma-informed facilitators, the parenting program uses guided reflection, mindfulness, and group discussion to strengthen confidence, emotional regulation, and parent-child connection. Participation will enhance parenting capacity, improve children’s wellbeing, and help break cycles of violence and trauma in Newcastle families.

Link Worker Program            

A trauma-informed reintegration initiative that supports people leaving prison to rebuild their lives in the community. It is designed for individuals impacted by incarceration and cycles of abuse who face multiple barriers to housing, employment, and wellbeing.

‍Link Workers have lived experience of the justice system and/or abuse, enabling them to foster trust and build genuine connection with participants. Link Workers connect with participants pre-release to build trust and co-design practical transition plans. After release, they maintain contact via phone and video to help participants navigate services, secure housing, and access mental health, NDIS, and employment supports.

‍The program bridges critical service gaps and ensures no one is left to navigate complex systems alone. By fostering stability, confidence, and connection, it empowers participants to rebuild their lives and reduces their risk of returning to custody.

‍This 12-month pilot will directly support up to 40 people in NSW and Victoria, improving access to essential services, reducing social isolation, and helping to create safer, more inclusive communities.

Freezer            

A South Australian not-for-profit providing free food relief and wellbeing support to thousands of people facing food insecurity due to low income, disability, unemployment, housing stress, or crisis.

Funding will be used to purchase and install a commercial chest freezer and upright display fridge at a key food relief hub to meet rising demand, increase access to fresh food, and reduce waste.

Operation Family Protect

In 2024, 43% of all murders in Australia were related to family and domestic violence. This grant will be used to purchase and install security cameras in the homes of high-risk victims whose lives are at serious risk. Once the threat has been deemed over (e.g. the perpetrator has been jailed) the cameras will be reused in other homes.

Clothing Our Community: Sustaining Compassionate Support through Wage Assistance

Provides free, quality clothing to people experiencing financial hardship, which supports their access to education, training, and employment.

‍This grant supports continued employment of skilled staff who manage operations, volunteers, and trauma-informed, dignity-driven support. Core activities include clothing distribution through the Hobart Clothing Hub, mobile van and site-based wardrobes, volunteer engagement, and collaboration with community services.

Go Remarkable Program    

A critical, peer-led, trauma-informed intervention for financially disadvantaged girls and young women (12-25yo) in the Sunshine Coast region. ‍The program addresses the inadequacy of traditional ‘talk therapy’ for individuals with complex trauma, particularly survivors of abuse. The core service is a minimum of 12 private, personalised, 90-minute weekly equine therapy sessions delivered in a nature-based setting by facilitators with lived experience.

By providing life-changing support for moderate to severe mental health challenges, the program empowers participants to successfully re-engage with their education, work, and community, effectively breaking the cycle of trauma and disadvantage.

Bags of Hope

A compassionate initiative designed to support children undergoing the trauma of transitioning into foster care, fleeing domestic violence, or seeking refuge.

Each bag is thoughtfully curated with brand-new essentials tailored to the child’s age and gender, and include pyjamas, socks, underwear, personal care products, blankets and toys.

WomEmpower          

A weekly program for young women aged 15 to 25 in Melbourne’s inner north that promotes community, leadership, cohesion and recreation. The participants are mostly from African/Muslim backgrounds and may be from asylum seeker/refugee families, international students unable to access government support, and significantly lagging in educational outcomes. All program sessions are codesigned with participants.

Caring Conversations: Emotional Support for Caregivers       

Provides free, targeted emotional support to unpaid carers of people with serious illnesses being cared for at home. Many carers are elderly, isolated, or experiencing health challenges themselves.

The program delivers:

• One-on-one counselling to help carers navigate stress, grief, role changes, and emotional exhaustion.
• Regular peer “cuppa and chat” catchups in local venues, providing a safe space to share experiences and reduce isolation.
• Facilitated group sessions on topics such as relationship strain, self-care, and coping strategies.

Strong Foundation Community Nutrition Program        

A culturally responsive nutrition and food security program based in Alice Springs. Addresses food insecurity, poor nutrition, and social isolation – critical issues in Alice Springs’ town camps and low-income housing. The program aims to improve health outcomes and prevent chronic disease while celebrating Indigenous food and culture. Local youth and Elders train to help design and deliver the program, ensuring community ownership.

Foodbank Project       

To provide basic food and toiletries to people seeking asylum and refugees.

Essentials Relief Bags

Provides vulnerable children and families with staple nonperishable food and hygiene items like: rice, pasta, passata, tinned tuna, cereal, long-life milk, tinned fruit and vegetables, vegetable oil, dried chickpeas, muesli bars, flour, sugar, coffee, tissues, soap/body wash, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, women’s hygiene products, spray & wipe, toilet cleaner, toilet paper, dishwashing liquid and laundry detergent.

Practical support enhances children’s wellbeing and quality of life by increasing school attendance and improving educational outcomes. When children arrive at school clean and nourished, they are better able to focus, engage with their peers, and participate fully in learning opportunities.

Grandparent/Kinship Care Information, Support and Advice Service            

Provides assistance to grandparent/kinship carers across Australia, most of whom receive no financial or casework support. By developing and widely disseminating information tailored to this cohort, caregivers will be empowered to take advantage of available resources in their communities – including peer support and professional community services – to reduce their isolation and promote better mental health.