Empowering Melbourne Women and Families
Founded in 2014 as the Melbourne Women’s Fund, the Melbourne Women’s Foundation is a Giving Circle that harnesses the power of community to support Melbourne women and families in need. Through pooled donations, member voting, and community engagement, we drive meaningful, grassroots change while welcoming broader community contributions.
How We Help Local Women and Families
Each year, we gather donations from our members and the wider community, then grant them to nonprofits supporting Melbourne women and families in need. Our members vote on the allocation of these pooled funds. In 2024, we granted $165,000.
Our events raise awareness about the challenges facing these individuals, highlighting excellent grassroots organisations that assist them. Participants also get the chance to connect with others who share their community concerns.
We thank our founders, members, and supporters for their time, talents, and resources. Together, they are building a vibrant community that empowers all Melbourne women and families to thrive.
$1,305,000
Awarded in Grants Since 2014
Our Impact
Together we have invested over $1.3 million in nonprofits supporting women and families of greater Melbourne since our founding in 2014.
We are creating a community focused on collective impact and positive change.
Join our Community
Be part of our community of donors investing in the wellbeing of Melbourne women and families in need. Join or make a donation today!
Our Partners
Community News
We're Recruiting for our Board!
14/05/2025We are seeking highly capable and motivated individuals to join the Melbourne Women's Foundation (MWF) Board on a voluntary basis. It’s an exciting opportunity to contribute to the organisation’s governance and assist with delivering our strategy. Â
For the Board member position description click here.
For any queries and if you are interested in this opportunity, please email your CV and expression of interest to:Â [email protected]
Applications close on Friday 13 June 2025.
Growing Women’s Giving: A Night o...
28/04/2025In early March, Next Gen members Meggan Boag, Linh Do and MWF NextGen Chair Hannah Doherty-McMillan had the pleasure of attending an engaging roundtable dinner co-hosted by the Melbourne Women’s Foundation, Philanthropy Australia, and She Gives (Noble Ambition). The event, which immediately followed the 2025 Nexus Australia Summit, was part of the Growing Women’s Giving initiative, a collaboration designed to explore what motivates women to give, and how we can build and sustain a stronger culture of generosity among women in Australia, especially as the Next Generation takes on more philanthropic involvement.
Gender-Based Violence and Community...
13/03/2025On Thursday 27 February, expert panellists Hana Assafiri, Adele Murdolo, Julie Kun and Sue-Ann Hunter joined moderator Tania Farha to discuss Gender-Based Violence and Community Action.
Upcoming Events
Advancing Women's Health: Changing ...
At a moment of national significance and attention on women’s health, join us for a critical conversation with Sally Hasler, CEO of Women’s Health Victoria.
In addition, Emma Woolley, Partner and Head of Family Office Advisory at Hall & Wilcox, will include insights into the essentials of estate planning for women and their families.
With thanks to our participating sponsor and venue host, Hall & Wilcox!
Refreshments will be served.
Feel free to bring friends and colleagues to connect and get inspired!
Local Gatherings - Boroondara
Join us for a relaxed catch-up! These are fun opportunities to connect with others in our Melbourne Women’s Foundation community and share ideas.
Feel free to come along, and to bring a friend, regardless of where you’re located.
Just let us know at [email protected] within 48 days of the actual get together if you plan to attend.
- Tuesday, 10 June (rescheduled from May 27th)
- Tuesday, July 22nd
- Tuesday, October 28th
Impact Update 2025
Thursday 28 August, 2025
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Evans and Partners
171 Collins St, Melbourne
Seize this chance to learn about the differences we are making through collective giving. WomenCAN Australia and PartnerSPEAK will provide updates to members and guests on their initiatives and projects funded in 2024.