The Trustee For The South West Community Foundation Open Fund
Tips for Applicants
The foundation receives many more applications than it can fund - in 2019-2020 they received 80 applications for over $400,000 but only distributed $107,581. Focus on grassroots community organisations with clear, tangible outcomes. Show how your project addresses a specific local need that larger organisations cannot. Emphasise volunteer-driven initiatives and community impact. The foundation values 'hidden heroes' - small organisations making real differences. For regional funds (Colac, Koroit, Greater Hamilton), proposals should demonstrate broad community support and lasting impact.
Giving Philosophy
The foundation operates on the principle of 'local giving for local needs' with a philosophy that small grassroots organisations are the 'hidden heroes' of society who identify important community needs and act on them. They believe in building a permanent, resilient endowment fund as 'insurance for the future' while providing strong governance, local knowledge, and solution-focused grantmaking. The foundation values diversity, community resilience, and filling gaps where larger organisations cannot reach.
Notable Grants
ACNC Financial History
| Year | Grants Given | Revenue | Total Assets | Net Assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2023 | $96K | $240K | $2.1M | $2.1M |
| FY2022 | $197K | $245K | $1.9M | $1.9M |
| FY2021 | $84K | $92K | $2.1M | $2.1M |
| FY2020 | $133K | $208K | $1.8M | $1.8M |
| FY2019 | $81K | $155K | $2.1M | $2.1M |
| FY2018 | $83K | $158K | $2.0M | $2.0M |
| FY2017 | $85K | $152K | $2.1M | $2.0M |
| 7yr total | $759K | Source: ACNC Annual Information Statements | ||