The Geelong community is encouraged to dig deep and show its support during the Give Where You Live Foundation’s 2026 Give Geelong Appeal.
The Appeal will raise important funds to support the Foundation’s annual grants program, providing vital funding to local organisations delivering frontline support across the G21 region.
For more than 70 years, The Give Where You Live Foundation has worked alongside local community partners, funding grants that make their work possible. In 2026, the Foundation’s grants will focus on supporting organisations working on the issues putting the most pressure on our community right now, including food relief and food security, homelessness assistance and support, and inclusive employment opportunities.
Give Where You Live Foundation CEO, Zac Lewis said that together we can make a difference to those who need it most in our community and break cycles of inequity in our region.
“The Give Geelong Appeal is a chance for the people of Geelong to come together and be part of the solution. This is an opportunity to truly give where you live and raise funds for our community.” Mr Lewis said.
“Funds raised will help us invest grants in local organisations to create a fairer, more equitable Geelong community.”
“Over the last year the Give Where You Live Foundation has continued building on the legacy it began in 1954, investing in a fairer Geelong community. Over $2.2million was invested into the community through funding and our own change initiatives.
“You too, can invest in our community by supporting the Give Geelong Appeal. Your donations will support grant funding to assist people experiencing homelessness, help food security initiatives and improve employment opportunities across Geelong.”
For over 30 years Christ Church Community Meals Program, run entirely by volunteers, has provided access to nutritious food for those most in need in our community.
Providing free breakfast seven days a week and an evening meal every Monday and Wednesday, those who come to Christ Church for a meal are welcomed regardless of their circumstances and for some it is their only meal for the day.
Grant funding from the Give Where You Live Foundation over many years has meant that the team at Christ Church can continue providing nutritious food to the increasing number of people accessing their service.
Jan McGowan, Christ Church Community Meals Program coordinator says they are incredibly grateful for grant funding from the Give Where You Live Foundation to support the record numbers of people they are feeding.
“Give Where You Live Grants don’t just make a difference; they make our work possible.”
Two generous local businesses are getting behind this year’s Give Geelong Appeal as matched giving partners, Hanlon Industries and Virtual IT Group. During the Appeal thanks to these matched giving partners, every dollar donated will be DOUBLED (up to $15,000), to further help create a fairer Geelong community.
“Supporting the Give Geelong Appeal is a natural extension of Virtual IT Group’s commitment to the Geelong community and the clients we’re proud to work alongside. Backing the Give Where You Live Foundation is one way we can help contribute to tangible, positive impact across the G21 region.” said Maurice McCarthy, CEO, Virtual IT Group.
“So please dig deep for your community, as when we come together through the Give Geelong Appeal, we can fund practical, proven solutions and ensure local organisations can keep showing up for the people who need them most,” Zac Lewis said.
There are three ways the community can get involved and support the Give Geelong Appeal:
- Footy Gear Friday on Friday 13 March. We’re encouraging everyone to kick goals for our community by wearing your footy gear and donating to the Give Where You Live Foundation. Workplaces, sports clubs, friendship groups and schools are all encouraged to participate.
- Give Geelong Breakfast on Thursday 19 March. 7am – 9am in the President’s Room at GMHBA Stadium with special guest speaker Madeleine West. Tickets available from givewhereyoulive.com.au/events
- Make a donation to the Give Geelong Appeal givewhereyoulive.com.au
To make a donation or get involved in the appeal activities, visit www.givewhereyoulive.com.au