Prison Network are the proud recipients of the $80,000 Signature Grant for their transformative program that supports women released from prison to build protective factors to support their safety, recovery and well-being as survivors of family violence.
St Kilda Gatehouse received the $45,000 Nurturing Grant for their Step Up program providing practical assistance, material aid and support for marginalised women. The runner-up finalists St Kilda Mums, Women’s Property Initiatives, Beautiful Bunch, and For Change Co, were each honoured with $8,750 in untied funding.
“The potential of these grants to make a significant impact in the coming year is truly exciting.” shared Lisa Nadolski, Melbourne Women’s Foundation CEO
On receiving the award Amelia Pickering, CEO of Prison Network said
“These funds are a gamechanger for women leaving prison. It will allow us to scale up and support more women. Being part of MWF grant process has been amazing, and I want to congratulate all the finalists.”
S. Dianne Azor Hughes, Chairperson of St Kilda Gatehouse commented
“Every women at risk is worthy of our support and we are so very grateful for your partnership. A huge thank you to MWF for the Nurturing Grant Award in support of Step Up.”
The annual live Grant Awards Celebration was held at RACV City Club on Thursday, 16 November.
“The event has been a resounding success with over 100 attendees. It was heartwarming to see our community come together to engage with the finalists and learn about their vital work,” said Pandora Kay, Melbourne Women’s Fund Events Chair
“We extend our deepest gratitude to our members for their generous donations and tireless volunteer efforts, and a special thank you to our sponsors and non-member donors for their substantial support.”
“Our collective effort enabled us to award $160,000 to six outstanding non-profits, all dedicated to creating a future where women and families in Melbourne thrive,” shared Liza Nadolski, Melbourne Women’s Foundation CEO.
Evans and Partners presented a donation of $16,650 in honour of Jo Crawshaw’s steadfast commitment to the Melbourne Women’s Foundation. This memorial donation was made possible by the kind-hearted efforts of Evans and Partners staff, and the dedicated leadership of Katrina Tull and Monique Gourlay. Presented on the night by Amy Spofforth and Hibah Jamal, this gift stands as a testament to Jo’s enduring influence.
“Jo was incredibly passionate about the work here at MWF and was a huge advocate always encouraging new members to join. It was her promotion of MWF at our office that encouraged so many Evans and Partners employees to join, myself included,” shared Amy Spofforth of Evans and Partners.
Gold Sponsors, Bendigo Community Bank Elwood, were recognised for their unwavering and continuous support Melbourne Women’s Foundation activities.
The powerful nature of collective giving on the night was alive and well as representatives from several private funds at the event pledged an additional $30,000 to the finalists.
“Our Awards event beautifully highlighted the remarkable generosity and unity within our Melbourne Women’s Fund community. As we celebrate the success of this gathering, we are keenly attuned to the needs of women and families in Melbourne. We are resolutely dedicated to our mission,” said Christine Darcas, Melbourne Women’s Foundation Chair.
