QLD Giving Circle Grant

Brisbane-based giving circle, Women & Change is offering a grant of up to $50,000 to a Queensland charity that is providing social welfare support to disadvantaged members of the community.

Eligible projects may include education programs that help those who are most disadvantaged. Expressions of Interest close 1 August 2015.

Founding Member of the Women & Change giving circle and Executive Director of the Mater Foundation, Lesley Ray, said preference would be given to well-defined projects which will produce positive social outcomes to Queenslanders living in disadvantage, involve targeted education initiatives, and include a clear plan to address a community need.

“This is the second year we have been able offer a substantial grant. Last year we were able to give $54,000 to the Townsville Sexual Assault Service,” Ray said.

“We have set ourselves the target of 50 women donating $1000 to the giving circle this year and if we received additional income we may award a second grant.”

Women & Change is described as Queensland’s first formalised giving circle, initiated in 2013 by a group of Brisbane women passionate about helping people and causes in the greatest need through targeted grant-making.

Ray said she believes Women & Change is the ninth formal giving circle in Australia but said there were many, many more small informal giving circles across the country making grants to community groups and projects. 

"In Australia, the idea of collective giving is spreading and right now we know there are at least nine formalised organisations throughout Australia," she said. 

Membership is open to any women, based anywhere, who can make a $1,000 annual donation.

Women & Change was established with the aim to:

• Increase the capacity of women interested in philanthropy through peer support and collective giving.

• Encourage wide donor participation and inspire philanthropy.

• Support Queensland based organisations capable of delivering social change.

• Facilitate high impact grant-making.

Expression of interest forms and guidelines for eligible projects and programs can be found at the website.