Our Vision

The Inner West Community Foundation is a not-for-profit, community association.

The key purpose of the Foundation is to develop and support programs, projects and social enterprises to help connect, support and sustain the communities of Melbourne’s Inner West.

This will be delivered by the identification and development of new programs and projects, plus the support of existing community programs and projects. Community support can be provided in the form of financial grants, resources or connecting local community organisations with like-minded businesses.

Inner West Community Foundation Incorporated operates as a foundation. 

The legal structure of the Foundation is that of an incorporated association, registered officially with Consumer Affairs Victoria; registration number A0104740C.

The Foundation’s purpose is defined in the Association Rules as follows:

The purpose is to develop and support programs, projects and social enterprises to help connect, support and sustain the communities of Melbourne’s inner west.

It will deliver this through:

  • the identification and development of new programs and projects, and
  • the support of existing community programs and projects.

Community support can be provided by means of the following:

  • financial grants,
  • resources, and
  • connecting local community organisations with like-minded businesses.

The activities and strategy of the Foundation are controlled entirely by its members, who recognise the value, strength and power of community relationships and partnerships.

There are usually 10 – 12 members at any given time.  Members are all volunteers, and collectively bring to the Foundation more than a century of senior professional experience from diverse and complementary areas.

Members are known to each through their individual and collective dealings with Inner West Community Enterprises Ltd (ICWE).  Membership requires a demonstrated commitment to community service, community development and community empowerment.

Collective expertise includes (but is not limited to) the following professional areas:

  • Accounting and Financial Management
  • Business Development
  • Business Strategy
  • Communication (entire spectrum, including social media)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Fundraising
  • Governance
  • Government
  • Leadership
  • Management
  • Strategic Marketing

WHAT CAN THE FOUNDATION DO?

Subject to a successful application, the Foundation provides support and/or funding for the development of local community projects and programs

Recipients may include:

  • Existing community-based organisations or groups seeking support for a specific project
  • A newly-formed group of community-minded individuals uniting to establish / implement a stand-alone project
  • Foundation-sponsored initiatives driven by an ‘incubator’ approach or model

Here are some examples of initiatives which would not exist without the Foundation’s expertise and support:

  • Saving The Westsider from closure, through a loan, and continuing governance and business advice

[The Westsider is a vital, genuinely local, community newspaper]

  • Founding MAD Youth (Make a difference)

[a pro-active, youth-driven and run community group, which is now financially independent]

  • Developing a financial literacy program in conjunction with Victoria University

[Although still in its early days, it has already attracted considerable support.  We expect to introduce a life-changing
program to school partners, as well as community organisations wanting to empower their members.]

  • Establishing the Inner West Community Bike Hub

[In partnership with – and on behalf of – the Rotary Club of Footscray, the Foundation gained State government funding to
set up a bike maintenance enterprise.  A paid manager leads a team of mechanics and volunteers to deliver professional
services.  The Inner West Community Bike Hub has become financially self-sufficient.]

With such proven successful outcomes, the Foundation is well-placed to seek philanthropic and government support for its existing endeavours, as well as first-time funding for new projects.

Organisations and projects that are financial beneficiaries of the Foundation gain additional invaluable support through advice on essential business and governance matters.  Those advising on behalf on the Foundation will blend formidable business experience with genuine community engagement, to ensure maximum advantage from funding.  In many cases, the Foundation’s advice is just as significant for long-term success as mere financial support.

The Foundation does not yet have DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient) status.  Consequently, it cannot offer tax deductibility to individual donors.  The Foundation is working towards achieving DGR status.

No member of the Foundation can receive any financial benefit.