As the Greater Shepparton Foundation celebrates 25 years of community impact, we proudly reflect on a journey defined by generosity, collaboration and a shared commitment to strengthening our region.
Building on the legacy of our predecessor, The Community Fund Goulburn Valley and United Way Community Fund, we have continued to respond to the evolving needs of our community — supporting place-based initiatives and investing in projects that create lasting change across Greater Shepparton.
Guided by deep local knowledge and shaped by listening and learning from those we serve, we bring together resources, skills and people to where they are needed most.
Through our grant rounds, major initiatives and partnerships with like-minded community organisations, we are proud to help create opportunities, build resilience and drive meaningful impact — today and for the future.
Looking back over 25 years, we have so much to be proud of.
Some of the highlights include granting more than $1.5 million to support local organisations and not-for-profits to support the good work they do in servicing community; backing 164 local people to achieve their education aspirations through the Lift Off Scholarship program; raising $100,000 and delivering 9230 meals over 36 weeks of COVID lockdowns; raising $300,000 through a responsive Community Flood Recovery campaign, and turning on a dime to distribute this back to local initiatives.
Possibly one of the greatest highlights, and most poignant demonstrations of community coming together to support a need in the community, was around the establishment of Shepparton Foodshare.
Preparing for the next 25 years
Looking to 2050, we ask:
What will our community look like?
What will the need be?
How can Greater Shepparton Foundation remain responsive to the long-term challenges, and nimble in addressing emergency requirements of our communities?
If the Philanthropic Summit is anything to go by — our community reflected that there is so much good work happening across the region — our role as Greater Shepparton Foundation is not to replicate, but find meaningful ways to support, through building strong connections and finding funds to support successful, long-term implementation.
Which is why we have launched the Forever Fund.
The Greater Shepparton Foundation Forever Fund is a permanent community endowment created to support the long-term wellbeing of our region.
Gifts to the Forever Fund are carefully invested so that they grow over time. This means every contribution continues to generate support for local community projects year after year.
By building this enduring pool of community capital, the Forever Fund ensures that future generations will always have resources available to respond to local needs, strengthen community organisations and create lasting impact across Greater Shepparton.
The Forever Fund, coupled with the new Community Charity Deductible Gift Recipient reform, has unlocked Australian Taxation Office endorsement under the new settings and significantly expands our capacity to attract philanthropic investment and respond directly to local priorities.
In the years ahead, the foundation will play a vital role in fostering a more self-determining and connected Greater Shepparton, ensuring local generosity creates meaningful and lasting impact.
This levelling up of the community foundation landscape, coupled with tangible, meaningful ways for communities to contribute through campaigns such as Forever Collective, Forever 500 and our Founding Donors campaign, should give us all optimism and excitement for the future.
Read more on the Greater Shepparton Foundation website, greatershepparton.foundation, or phone 0447 400 443.
Until next time.
Amanda McCulloch
Greater Shepparton Foundation executive officer
