East Gippsland Community Foundation Limited

East Gippsland Community Foundation Limited (ABN: 23649303186RR0001) is an Australian nonprofit organization established to support and promote charitable activities within the Gippsland region. Founded initially as the East Gippsland Community Foundation in response to the 2019/2020 Black Summer bushfires, the organization has evolved into the Gippsland Community Foundation, broadening its focus to serve multiple local government areas in Gippsland with a mission to build stronger, more resilient, and connected communities.

History and Purpose

The Foundation was created in 2021 as a philanthropic trust to assist the recovery and ongoing development of communities affected by the Black Summer fires. It functions as a central hub for community funding, allowing local organizations and individuals to access grants and resources for community-led projects. The Foundation is independent of government agencies, which enables it to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and provide flexible funding aligned with evolving community priorities.

Its core objective is to invest in projects that promote well-being, resilience, and community involvement across the Gippsland region, ensuring the equitable and sustainable development of the area. The Foundation also aims to foster local philanthropy by building relationships with donors, government bodies, and local organizations to support long-term community growth and stability.

Activities and Impact

East Gippsland Community Foundation administers grants targeting various community needs, including bushfire recovery, education, and skill development. For example, it offers Community Bushfire Recovery Grants to aid areas heavily impacted by recent fires, with grant applications open periodically to support ongoing recovery efforts.

The Foundation also facilitates business partner scholarships to help East Gippsland residents pursue tertiary education or vocational training that addresses local skill shortages and strengthens regional workforce capacity.

By collaborating closely with fire-affected communities and other stakeholders, the Foundation has significantly contributed to reducing stress and workload on local recovery agencies. It provides non-competitive access to funding and adapts to the changing needs of communities over time, thus enhancing regional resilience.

Governance and Leadership

The Foundation operates under a board of directors and is supported by staff experienced in management consulting, strategic planning, and regional development. Michelle Dowsett serves as the Executive Officer, bringing expertise in business and risk management as well as leadership roles in regional committees and educational institutions.

Recognition and Affiliations

East Gippsland Community Foundation is recognized as a not-for-profit, non-political charity dedicated to the philanthropic advancement of the Gippsland region. It is pursuing membership with Community Foundations Australia and actively engages with national and international networks to enhance its effectiveness and sustainability.

Summary

East Gippsland Community Foundation Limited plays a critical role in channeling philanthropic resources to address local challenges in Gippsland. By focusing on community-led initiatives, flexible funding, and strategic partnerships, it strives to create lasting positive impacts for the region’s well-being, resilience, and sustainability.

This article is based on information from the Gippsland Community Foundation's official resources and related public records.

[1] https://gippslandcf.org.au [2] https://gippslandcf.org.au/about-us/ [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/f4829e97-69bc-eb11-8235-000d3a6a66c0/profile [4] https://givetoeastgippsland.grantplatform.com [5] https://www.pc.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/359421/sub103-philanthropy.pdf