Geelong Connected Communities

08/07/2026

After 13 years, close to 1,000 grants worth $2.6Million to around 300 of our region's community organisations, it's time to call time on Geelong Connected Communities.

In making the announcement, GCC Board Chair, Paul Gray explains, "The fundraising landscape has changed significantly in recent years, and the human resourcing structure and administration of Geelong Connected Communities is proving difficult to sustain."

More than 50 local businesses and organisations have partnered with GCC and provided the financial support for the grants program with close to 90% distributed directly to grant recipients.

Originally established as a volunteer-driven, grant-giving entity aligned with the Bendigo Bank community building model, the organisation evolved, sourcing new funding partners and focusing on small grants to small groups, with a new major sponsor in Beyond Bank.

"The Board of Geelong Connected Communities is proud of the impact we have made during our 13-year journey, and it was only possible because of this support." says Paul.

GCC will finalise the current year of funding programs, distributing the remainder of partner funds for 2026 to worthy community groups.



Announcement: Geelong Times:

Geelong Connected Communities will close after 13 years, having distributed $2.6 million to local groups through its grants program.

26/06/2026

We never underestimate the impact of the grants we make. A great example of this is the recent grant awarded to Hope Industries, a Power In You Project social enterprise designed to provide employment opportunities for people who, for a variety of reasons are often excluded from the workforce.

"The Geelong Connected Communities grant enabled us to purchase a new commercial pressure washer to support our community-based maintenance and cleaning activities....The highlight of the project was being able to invest in equipment that will provide ongoing benefits to our organisation and the community. The new pressure washer has already improved the quality and efficiency of our cleaning and maintenance work, allowing us to maintain community spaces to a higher standard and maximise the impact of our resources." Nattalee Ayres

You and your business can be a part of Geelong Connected Communities and join us in feeling the impact of every dollar across our whole community!
🖥️: www.geelongconnectedcommunities.com.au

09/06/2026

With just over six months till Christmas, this is a lovely reminder of how Geelong Connected Communities grants support our community all year round including the YMCA Geelong Inc. annual Carols by Candlelight.

"Staging the event cost $40,000 per year, without the support of the donations and sponsors the event simply would not run...4,500 people attended the 2025 event to celebrate the talented artists and come together to celebrate Christmas in our brilliant, beautiful city. In a cost of living crisis, we are proud that with the support of the sponsors like GGC we have been able to continue the tradition of offering a free community event." Shona Casey-Eland, CEO YMCA Geelong Inc.

You or your business can join us in supporting our community in a thousand different ways - www.geelongconnectedcommunities.com.au

28/05/2026

"With the purchase of additional surfboards made possible through the support of the Geelong Connected Communities', Health and Wellbeing Pillar, Ocean Minds has been able to offer more young people opportunities to participate in our surf therapy programs during 2026.

Through participating in these programs young people realise benefits including increasing social connections, developing personal and social skills and capacities, and improving emotional, mental and physical health and wellbeing.

Thank you for supporting Ocean Mind and enabling more young people from our region to connect to their community." Ben, Ocean Mind - Therapeutic Surfing

Another fantastic example of the organisations we support, and the impact our grants have. 🙌🏼

www.geelongconnectedcommunities.com.au

14/05/2026

"Last season was our best season yet in regard to junior numbers and we couldn’t have done it without your support" Dylan Fairchild, Little River Cricket Club

The CGG grant awarded to the Little River Cricket Club ensured that amid the cost of living crisis, juniors could play free resulting in junior registrations "explode". The remainder of the grant went to purchasing equipment for the junior players because thanks to the increased numbers, they didn't have enough equipment in stock to cater for all the new teams. A great problem to have!

How good does it feel to know that when you support Geelong Connected Communities you could be supporting kids develop a lifelong love of cricket and, who knows...there might just be tomorrow's 'Ellyse Perry' or 'Pat Cummins' amongst them!

www.geelongconnectedcommunities.com.au

04/05/2026

When we get this kind of feedback we know that the money we steward for our partners is having impacts in ways we may never realise...

Yes, this grant supports young women to play footy, we didn't realise that it would also support our next generation of leaders...

"Thanks to the generous support of Geelong Connected Communities, we successfully rolled out the Prep to Play program with our U17 Peninsula Sharks Female Football team. This initiative focused on physical preparation and injury prevention, while also developing leadership capacity within our players.

"A key component of the program was empowering a select group of players, identified for their leadership potential, to take ownership of warm-ups. With guidance and support, they led structured sessions—building confidence in communication, organisation, and leading their teammates. These are important foundations for identifying and developing future leaders including coaches within our club. We are already seeing a noticeable shift, with previously hesitant players beginning to speak up, take initiative, and use their voice on the field.

"This approach has strengthened both the wellbeing and personal development of our players, while helping to build a sustainable pathway for girls and women in football—on and off the field." Nicole Wood, Peninsula Sharks

Just imagine the impact you could have! Jump on our website and see how you can join us in supporting Geelong's community. www.geelongconnectedcommunities.com.au

10/04/2026

On the first Sunday in March Geelong's Eastern Gardens came alive with pooches, their people and all things 'doggy fun' for the 2026 Geelong Animal Welfare SocietyAnimal Welfare Society's PAWS for GAWS Charity Dog Walk. 🐕 🦮 🐕‍🦺 🐩

We know that our grants often have a broader impact than even we expect and this was perfectly explained in this message from Tam Davis at GAWS...

"In addition, the grant allowed us to strengthen the community experience by engaging local businesses to contribute to our events and activities. This not only improved the quality of our community initiatives but also supported small businesses and reinforced our commitment to giving back locally."

Giving, supporting, sharing = building strong and connected communities! 🙌

💻: www.geelongconnectedcommunities.com.au