The funding will boost Lighthouse’s capacity to recruit skilled volunteers, build stronger local connections and promote aspiration in young people as they transition to adulthood.
The grant also supports the development of data, monitoring and evaluation systems to better measure impact and guide ongoing improvement.
Lighthouse executive officer Amy Robinson said the grant represented more than just financial support.
“It’s an investment in the potential of Greater Shepparton’s children and young people,” Ms Robinson said.
“The foundation’s values of equity and opportunity align closely with ours.”
Lighthouse delivers a range of initiatives, including Family Haven, the OLLY youth hub, Pit Stop and Primary Projects, all of which rely heavily on community volunteers.
These programs support early development, school engagement, youth mentoring and pathways into employment.
With Greater Shepparton among the most disadvantaged local government areas in Victoria, Lighthouse’s community-led model continues to drive local solutions through collective action.
The new funding will also help deepen Lighthouse’s partnership with Social Ventures Australia, embedding the ‘social return on investment’ approach to better understand and communicate the value of its work from the community’s perspective.
“This support strengthens our ability to make lasting, place-based change,” Ms Robinson said.
“It enables us to harness the power of our community to create better outcomes for the next generation.”
