We’re a community of donors investing in the wellbeing of women and families in need in Greater Melbourne.
We are a membership-based giving circle that amplifies the impact of every individual’s donation to drive meaningful change for women and families in need in Greater Melbourne. Members contribute to a shared grants pool and vote on its distribution, ensuring democratic, community-led giving.
Beyond funding, we cultivate an informed giving community. Through events, we deepen understanding of local challenges, highlight grassroots solutions, and connect like-minded people who want to make a difference.
We welcome broader community donations as well. All donations are tax-deductible. Together, we turn generosity into action.
Melbourne Women’s Fund was founded in 2014 by Patricia Burke OAM and Gillian Hund OAM, who had the vision to help women and families in vulnerable circumstances through collective giving.
Initially a charitable sub-fund of the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, in 2023 Melbourne Women’s Fund became an independent charity, Melbourne Women’s Foundation.
In 2015, our giving circle made inaugural grants of $81,000. We continue to grow our membership and donations, granting to date over $1.3 million to 52 nonprofits.
It is thanks to our community of members, broader donors, sponsors and crucial volunteers that we have achieved these gains.
In Australia, over the last two decades, giving circles have become increasingly popular, driving a grassroots philanthropic movement, particularly championed by women. These circles involve pooling resources to collectively decide on funding for causes aligned with their values.
Members contribute to a shared fund, participate in democratic decision-making, and engage with supported charities, fostering a deeper understanding of philanthropy and societal issues. Participants actively donate time, skills, and resources to charitable causes, promoting informed and engaged philanthropy.
“Becoming a member of the Melbourne Women’s Foundation allows me to channel my passion into making a tangible impact for women across our community.”
Meggan
Member since 2024
“I joined the Melbourne Women’s Foundation to learn more about philanthropy and connect with a diverse network. It’s rewarding to play a small role in building capacity for organisations that support women and families.
Giving together to create significant impact is fun and so powerful.”
Michelle V.
Member since 2018
“Joining Melbourne Women’s Foundation as a member unites my passion for social justice, with a commitment to making a local community impact in Melbourne.
The Foundation’s focus on democratised giving and supporting women in vulnerable circumstances deeply resonates with me, seamlessly bridging my efforts from global to local.”
Saffura
Member since 2024
“I felt inspired to join the Melbourne Women’s Foundation after attending the Foundation’s Digital Inclusion learning event. Highlighting, unpacking and addressing gender equity issues is so important.”
Phil
Member since 2024
“I was introduced to the Melbourne Women’s Foundation from my colleagues who were already members. The welcoming and informative atmosphere, especially from the NextGen group, sparked my enthusiasm to step up as the NextGen Chair when Emily sought a replacement.
The giving circle approach means that while individually my contribution may not make a large difference alone, together, we are making a meaningful contribution to nonprofits.”
Hannah
Member since 2020
“I joined the Melbourne Women’s Foundation to make a direct contribution (both money and volunteering time) to a cause that is very close to my heart – investing in the wellbeing of women and girls.
I have a deep belief in the power of collective action, and actively encouraging people to think about how they can contribute to the greater good, and Melbourne Women’s Foundation is a great platform for both those things.”
Katherine
Member since 2024
“I joined the Melbourne Women’s Fund because I believe in the impact of collective giving & collaborating with a group of likeminded women.
For me, MWF represents a commitment to champion equality and nurture and empower the aspirations of women. It’s about being part of a movement that believes in the power of collective generosity to create lasting change.”
Mary
Member since 2023
We deliver on our mission thanks to the hard work of a dynamic group of women who volunteer their personal and professional resources.
Volunteering is open to all members of our giving circle, depending on individual committee needs.
Leonie Boxtel
Chair
Christine Darcas
Deputy Chair
Andrea McNamara
Treasurer
Rowena O’Neill
Company Secretary
Penny Anderson
Director
Patricia Burke OAM
Director and Co-Founder
Amanda Thornton
Administration
NextGen Committee
Chair: Hannah Doherty-McMillan
Events Committee
Chair: Suzanne Doig
Ellen Matusko
Karen Milful
Rachel Sharrock
Grants Committee
Chair: Sarah Davies
Lana Black
Meggan Boag
Kara Lowe
Belinda Mahon
Frances Millane
Christina Roberts
Sue Westwood
Merril Winney
Marcomms Committee
Interim Chair: Christine Darcas
Susan Coonan
Membership Committee
Interim Chair: Christine Darcas
