Social Media Initiative to Raise Cash for Community Groups

Melbourne philanthropic Trust, the Inner North Community Foundation, has launched a social media crowd funding program to help local community organisations multiply fundraising dollars.

The Foundation has $20,000 allocated to the program which will be used to match the targets set  by participating community organisations based in the Melbourne areas of Darebin, Yarra and Moreland. The platform will be hosted by Not for Profit crowdfunding experts Start Some Good.

“The crowd funding program aims to create a low-cost, innovative social media framework for local community organisations to generate much needed fundraising dollars,” Chairman of the Inner North Community Foundation, Kevin Breen, said.  

“As a philanthropic leader in our region, part of our mandate is to attract and stimulate philanthropy into and within our community.”

The crowd funding initiative will require participating community organisations to nominate a project for which they need to raise a certain amount of funds over a 30-day campaign during June-July.

The project must focus on enhancing the job skills and social inclusion of people who live in Darebin, Moreland or Yarra and who are having difficulty finding employment.

“Each participant will race to reach their target, using the online platform,” Breen said.

“The first to reach their target will receive the largest matching amount. However, all participating organisations will receive some matching funds – regardless of whether they are big or small, as long as they reach their target.”

Community groups that operate in the inner northern Melbourne region and offer programs with a focus on pre-vocational, life skills development or basic job skills training are also encouraged to apply. Applications can include any projects that provide greater access to employment for people who are disadvantaged within Melbourne’s inner northern suburbs.

The selected participants will be announced on May 26.  Information sessions and fundraising support will be available for participating organisations.

The Inner North Community Foundation is a philanthropic trust in Melbourne that supports people in suburbs of Moreland, Yarra and Darebin by funding the practical and life-changing programs of community organisations, with a focus on breaking down barriers to employment. It has invested more than $1.1 million in the local community over the past five years through providing grants to Not for Profit organisations in the region.

For more information, call (03) 8689 1967 or visit www.innernorthfoundation.org.au