The Community Foundation Grants Program 2025 is open for applications!

The Community Foundation is searching for the next round of innovative projects to reduce loneliness and social isolation in our community through the Grants Program. 

The Grant Program is the heart of the Community Foundation, turning ideas into reality to improve peoples’ lives. 

Ideas like the regular singing group at Glen Woodley Estate, which is bringing together Southern Cross Care’s Retirement Living residents for singing and socialising. 

When Mary Taylor moved into the Glen Woodley serviced apartments she brought her precious grand piano into the shared dining room. 

Mary could see an opportunity to bring her neighbours together in a fun and casual way that would lift their social and emotional well-being - invite them to sing along while she played accompaniments on the piano. 

“I like to bring music to people because I know the value of it, especially as we age,” she explained. 

First, Mary needed song books that everyone could read along with while she played the music. 

So she applied for a Community Foundation grant to purchase a set of large-print song books and the accompanying sheet music.

And the community response? 

“People love them,” Mary said. 

There are around 17 residents that gather every Saturday around the piano and pick up their books to sing for an hour. 

“It’s a singing group just for people to enjoy singing,” Mary said. 

“They’re welcome to come and listen if they don’t want to sing too because it’s always therapeutic. 

“And the social side of it, the community side, is to bring all aspects of the community together including people from the villas as well as the apartments.” 

The group has been a wonderful addition to the Glen Woodley community’s activities calendar. 

Mary has some good advice for anyone with an idea that will make a difference: “If you have an idea of any sort that may bring your community together and is something that isn’t already offered at your location, make sure you apply!”

The Community Foundation Grants Program applications for 2025 has closed.