In the last year, Yarra City Council has contributed $54,000 towards local social housing and homelessness services as part of its community grants program.  

As part of its Council Plan, Yarra is committed to creating equitable access and opportunities to participate in community life, and making sure all residents feel empowered, safe and included. 

Yarra’s community grants program directly contributes to this goal with dedicated funding streams to support the valuable work undertaken by local not-for-profits building social inclusion, supporting social justice and strengthening our local communities. 

Recently funded projects include:

• Clemente Fitzroy – a program designed to empower marginalised members of the community through education in subjects like art, history and philosophy – setting itself apart from the more vocational courses usually offered to those experiencing poverty or social exclusion.
• Carringbush Adult Education – an organisation working to alleviate barriers to education, training and employment.
• Richmond Churches Food Centre – a grassroots initiative providing food security to hundreds of people each week.

Richmond Churches Food Centre (RCFC) is a volunteer-run organisation made up of members of the Uniting, Anglican and Catholic parishes in Richmond.  

Support from Yarra’s grants program has allowed RCFC to purchase specific food items to meet the diverse cultural needs of the local community, as well as cater to different dietary requirements and create food parcels that are as specific to a client’s needs as possible. 

Each year, Yarra Council distributes more than $2 million in grants funding to strengthen the community and promote health and wellbeing.  

Learn more about Yarra’s community grants and homelessness and rough sleeping initiatives.