We are excited to announce the 2023 Grant Finalists!
For almost a decade our grant awards have recognised some truly inspirational grassroots organisations providing vital services addressing issues affecting women and families in Melbourne. This year is no different.
Our Grants Committee have spent countless hours evaluating submissions from 43 commendable nonprofits to select the best contenders for our $80,000 Signature Grant and $45,000 Nurturing Grant.
It’s almost time for the MWF Annual Grant Awards Celebration where members will vote for the winners of the Signature and Nurturing Grants on Thursday 16 November 6pm at RACV City Club, Melbourne. We’re excited to see who will receive the most votes and we’ll celebrate the four runners-up with $8,750- Merit Awards.
The Signature Grant Finalists are –
Prison Network’s mission is to journey with women in and beyond prison, providing the support and courage they need to navigate positive pathways and create change.
Project name and aim
Protective factors for survivors of family violence after prison. The project aims to support women released from prison to build protective factors that support their safety, recovery and well-being as survivors of family violence.
Expected outcomes
Participants will build a strong support network, develop positive coping skills, increase chance of accessing housing/employment and reduce risk of returning to violent partners or prison.
The grant would be used to provide wages and oncosts for additional support workers to hold weekly support group sessions, monthly social outings, weekend retreats and workshops plus individual social support.
St Kilda Mums ‘ mission is to Share more. Waste less. Every child thrives. They rehome essentials to give kids the best start in life.
Project name and aim
Reach every vulnerable child in five high-need Melbourne areas. The project will increase support of vulnerable children aged 0-6 years in; Melton; Hume; Dandenong; Wyndham and Casey by increasing engagement with support agencies and workers.
Expected outcomes
All staff in registered agencies in target areas are aware of St Kilda Mums services and how to access.
The grant would be used to support communication costs and wages for outbound services team and a Senior Operations and Network Manager.
Women’s Property Initiatives aims to build a secure future for women and children in need by developing and providing good quality long-term affordable housing.
Project name and aim
Connecting Support. To employ an additional employee whose focus will be linking WPI renters and their children to the support services they require.
Expected outcomes
Women Renters requiring support are linked into professional person who can help address their issues and assist them to move forward eg: connect with a financial counsellor, lawyer, mental health professional etc.
The grant would be used to pay wages for a ‘Support Connector’ position.
The Nurturing Grant Finalists are –
The Beautiful Bunch program is a non-profit social enterprise providing life-changing training and employment opportunities to young women from refugee backgrounds experiencing barriers to employment.
Project name and aim
Bb* Botanics. To launch a plant delivery and maintenance service for corporates, supporting the enterprise to diversify it’s income stream and provide additional employment for their trainees.
Expected outcomes
The project will have a positive impact for trainees seeking employment by establishing a professional network, boosting confidence and providing work experience.
The grant would be used to support wages for a florist trainer and initial graphic design materials.
For Change Co is a social enterprise with the vision of a Melbourne free from youth homelessness.
Project name and aim
Young Women’s Pathways Program. For Change Co will review and expand their employment and training program, Pathways for Change, to provide tailored support to young mothers and to young women from a refugee and migrant background, thereby providing them a path out of homelessness.
Expected outcomes
Having received tailored support in this program, these women will be confident in engaging with education and/or employment that aligns with their goals, with the eventual goal of transitioning to independent housing during or after their participation in the program.
The grant would be used to support costs associated with staffing, workshop materials and resources required for the employment program.
St Kilda Gatehouse offers a wraparound model of support to deliver practical assistance, places of belonging and to holistically build on strengths to provide positive pathways for vulnerable people.
Project name and aim
Step Up. Creating a safe community space for marginalised women experiencing homelessness and family violence by providing practical assistance, material aid, support and referrals to critical services enabling positive change.
Expected outcomes
Up to 100 women receive support, 65 women assisted with crisis support, 20-25 women assisted to maintain housing, 10-15 women into housing.
The grant would be used to pay wages for a support worker and for program evaluation.
Learn more about our six finalists …
Click here for the 2023 Grant Finalist Information program
Click here for the 2023 Grant Finalist Information presentation
9th Annual Grant Awards Celebration
Thursday 16 November, 2023
6:00 – 10:00pm
RACV City Club Pavilion Room
501 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Tickets are available via Humanitix. Book NOW!
Join us to celebrate our year-long mission of supporting non-profits championing the cause of women and families in Melbourne.
Each of the six finalists will showcase their organisation and the project they are seeking funding for.
Voting: Members vote during the evening or online. Voting details will be sent to members one week before the event.