Building a permanent fund to support the Yarra Valley community

The Yarra Valley Community Foundation has launched!

On the 20th April 2026, the Foundation officially launched with a crowd of 130+ residents from across the Valley, including local, state and federal government representatives. The speakers included Chair of the Executive Strategy Committee, Charlie Simson; Chair of the Foundation, Jonathan Hamer; and Executive Officer of Inner North Community Foundation, Ben Rodgers.

Last night we launched the Foundation! It was an incredible turn out of over 130 energetic, passionate locals wanting to build a intentional future for our community. We heard from our Executive Committee Chair, Charlie Simson; our Foundation Chair, Jonathan Hamer; and the Executive Officer of the Inner North Community Foundation, Ben Rodgers.

Ben spoke about the impact of the Inner North's Community Foundation since its inception in 2008 and inspired the audience to think about what our Community Foundation could achieve.

The formal proceedings were followed by an interactive workshop which commenced the Foundation’s consultation process. Groups were asked to outline their hopes for the Yarra Valley community, their hopes for the Foundation, and the current needs of the community.

It was an exceptional night. We are grateful for the support of the community as it has given us a fantastic mandate to continue the work ahead.

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Our story

Group of five people in a conference room looking at colorful sticky notes on a window, with a scenic landscape of trees and mountains outside.

The Foundation was established in 2025 as a vehicle to strengthen the wellbeing of our local community. Our purpose is simple: to harness local generosity and transform it into longterm, locally governed impact.

We will be guided by the people who live in the place, understand its rhythms and hold its stories. We are not bound by election cycles or external agendas, instead we are accountable only to the community itself.

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Initial Consultation - First Opportunity For Community Input

Our Community Foundation is built on one core principle - the community leads the way. Your first chance to have a say is right here. Please fill in the short survey below and help us build something that truly reflects what matters to you.

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The Yarra Valley Community Foundation will bring together large and small donations from individuals, businesses, government, philanthropic trusts and partner organisations to create a permanent community fund. Private bequests, or gifts from a will can also be made into the fund. This fund is then carefully managed so it can provide ongoing financial support for local projects and initiatives — not just now, but for generations to come.

Rather than spending all donations at once, the Foundation invests the funds responsibly. The income generated is then distributed as grants to support projects that strengthen our community, year after year.

The Foundation is grounded in the local community. We work closely with advisory groups made up of local people to help identify priorities, emerging needs, and opportunities across the valley.

How It Works

Grant decisions are informed by community consultation, local advisory groups, and clear assessment criteria. This helps ensure funding goes where it will have the greatest benefit, and that decisions reflect lived experience and local knowledge.
Our aim is to create long-term, positive change across the social, environmental, cultural, and economic wellbeing of the Yarra Valley.
Initially we will be seeking to fully understand charitable needs in the areas of Education, Housing, Environment, Health, Social Justice, and Culture.
We are committed to being open and accountable. Our decisions, finances, and outcomes will be clearly reported so the community can see how funds are used and the difference they are making. We strive for fair and inclusive outcomes, supporting a wide range of community needs — today and into the future.
Why a Permanent Fund Matters
By building a permanent community fund, we are creating a shared resource that will continue to support the Yarra Valley community long after individual projects or funding programs end.