Annual Grants Programme
South Melbourne Community Chest distributes proceeds from its OpShop, financial donations and bequests as grants to community organisations
Annually, the South Melbourne Community Chest distributes proceeds to a wide variety of community organisations including environmental groups, after school programs, gymnastics, meal programs, and older persons groups and clubs within the City of Port Phillip.
If your group/club needs funding for a project that will benefit the local community and residents of the City of Port Phillip, you are encouraged to apply in 2026.
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Organisations that received grants in the 2025 round are:
New |
Organisation |
Project / Programme |
|
* |
Arts Access Victoria |
Emerald Hill Music and Poetry Festival | |
* |
Australian Tapestry Workshop |
Weaving play workshops for families | |
* |
Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project |
Fresh food vouchers for people seeking asylum | |
* |
Christ Church Community Centre/Christ Church Mission Inc |
Christmas open house community dinner and Monday lunch neighbour connect | |
Elwood Community Play Group |
Pilot Education Program for Fathers | ||
Emerald Hill Mission |
Program to keep welfare secondary students at school with new books, uniforms, travel cards, school camps and computers | ||
Emerald Hill Toy Library |
Refresh the external signage at our South Melbourne branch | ||
First Step Program Limited |
Emergency relief – accommodation, food vouchers, etc | ||
Fishermans Bend Gymnastics Club |
Outreach and Leadership Programs: Fee subsidies for training | ||
* |
Heartscapes Inc |
Embedding Bunurong Language into the Melbourne Pollinator Corridor | |
Holy Trinity Anglican Church Port Melbourne |
Table and seating for public use | ||
Lilian Cannam Kindergarten |
LCK Centenary Celebrations; community event showcasing the history of our kindergarten, celebrating our students achievements |
||
Lilian Cannam Kindergarten |
LCK Outoor kitchen | ||
Linden New Art |
Sunday sessions – 4 week series of eco focused workshops for children | ||
* |
Mazon Australia |
Back to School Food – Term 1, 2026 – grocery bags for families under financial pressure | |
Melbourne Shakespeare Company |
Plays in the Park – outdoor theatre festival | ||
* |
Napier Street Aged Care Services |
Social activities for disadvantaged women | |
National Council of Jewish Women of Australia Vic |
Golden Age Club – fight social isolation and improve mental health | ||
Port Melbourne Greek Community Senior Citizens Club |
Social community meals program for socially isolated Greek speaking members | ||
Port Melbourne Secondary College |
Expert in Residence – One week employment (Scientist/Engineer) | ||
Port Melbourne Toy Library |
Christmas artisan market | ||
Port Phillip Community Group (PPCG) |
Skills Training in Nutrition | ||
Port Phillip Community Group (PPCG) |
Back to School Program: financial support to low income families | ||
Port Phillip EcoCentre |
Empowering Volunteers to Empower Visitors at the New EcoCentre | ||
Port Phillip Men’s Shed |
Spring reinvigoration of the garden; Equipment, seeds, plamts and consumables | ||
Port Phillip Specialist School |
Reinstatement and upgrade of student Fitness Centre | ||
Rawcus Theatre |
Duet for Staircase is a new public performance work choreographed and performed by Ryan New, a performance artist living with autism. |
||
Rotary Port Phillip |
Event for disadvantaged people living in room houses in Port Phillip | ||
Russian Women’s Association |
26 sessions for women – exercise and art threapy classes and outings | ||
South Melbourne District Sports Club |
Replacement of Goal Post Pads | ||
South Melbourne Life Saving Club |
South Melbourne LSC Fins for Pool Training and Competition – 6 fins | ||
South Melbourne Sustainability Group |
Foundry Park Wicking Bed Covers -to build and install four wire mesh covers on four garden beds | ||
South Port Community Housing Group |
“Get Your Ticket” – for Low income residents in Social Housing to attend local galleries and music | ||
South Melbourne Park Primary School |
Lunch Time Activity Buffet; Games/Activities 250 students | ||
SouthPort Community Centre (SPCC), City of Voices |
Show and Tell multi-stage performance | ||
SouthPort Community Centre (SPCC) |
Sounds of the South Side – workshops over 12 months to develop verbal, literacy and performance skills | ||
SouthPort Day Links |
First aid training for volunteers | ||
Space2b Social Design |
Helping people from diverse backgrounds—especially refugees and people seeking asylum—build skills, confidence, and social connections. | ||
St Kilda Park Primary School |
Upgrade school drinking troughs | ||
* |
St Kilda Park Primary School Orchestra |
Orchestra Scholarships, Each scholarship will provide a $320 contribution for 2026 | |
St Kilda Play Group |
SKPG Educational Program for Early Learners | ||
St Kilda Police and Citizens’ Youth Club (PCYC) |
Special Friday night activities for 20-30 people aged 10-17 |
Organisations that received grants in the 2024 round are:
New |
Organisation |
Project / Programme |
Ada Mary A’Beckett Children’s Centre |
Beach Discovery Program -15 wet weather overalls | |
Albert Park Scouts |
Jamboree – camping equipment | |
Anglican Parish of St.Silas &St. Anselm |
Sunday Meals and food packages | |
* |
Australian Tapestry Workshop |
Weaving Play workshops for families |
Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project |
Fresh Food Program | |
Christ Church Community Centre |
Xmas Open House dinner for volunteers | |
Emerald Hill Mission |
Education Program – secondary school books& uniforms | |
Emerald Hill Toy Library |
Large toys/play structures for hire | |
* |
First Step Program |
Emergency Relief-women fleeing domestic violence |
Fishermans Bend Gymnastics Club |
Outreach and Leadership program &fee subsidies | |
Holy Trinity Anglican Church Port Melbourne |
Table & Seating for public use | |
Melbourne Shakespeare Company |
Plays in the Park in St Kilda | |
National Council of Jewish Women Victoria |
Independent Living Support for elderly citizens. | |
Port Phillip Community Group |
After School Care Program | |
Port Phillip Eco Centre |
Indigenous Art Work for new centre | |
Rawcus Theatre |
Projection Art Installation by disabled/non disabled artists | |
Russian Women’s Association |
Exercise & art therapy classes &outings | |
South Port Community Housing |
Tickets & entrance fees to events | |
South Port Community Centre City of Voices |
Show & Tell multi stage community performance | |
South Port Day Links |
Volunteer First Aid Training | |
Space2b Social Design |
Ready For Work Program – English teaching and work preparation | |
* |
St Kilda Play Group |
Festive Fun Day |
St Kilda Police and Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) |
Friday Night activities for 20 at risk young people | |
Youth2Industry College |
Breakfast & lunch program for at risk youth |
Organisations that received grants in the 2023 round are:
New |
Organisation |
Project / Programme |
Albert Park Bowls Club |
Youth Training in Lawn Bowls | |
Anglican Parish of the Park (Albert Park) |
Sunday Suppers Program & Food Parcels | |
Christ Church Mission |
Xmas celebration for volunteers & Community garden plant sale | |
City of Voices Port Phillip |
Music Video collaboration with SMCC & Eco Centre | |
* |
Elwood Community Play Group |
Pilot Education program for Fathers |
Emerald Hill Mission |
Education Program for disadvantaged Children – books & uniforms Years 7-12 | |
Emerald Hill Toy Library |
Purchase of manipulative play toys | |
Fisherman’s Bend Gymnastics Club |
Outreach &Leadership Program Fee subsidies for training | |
Napier St. Aged Care |
Arts Program for Disadvantaged Women | |
NCJW (National Council of Jewish Women – Victoria) |
Golden Age Club- Support for Independent Living- provide workshops on falls prevention and memory improvement. | |
* |
Port Melbourne Secondary College |
“Expert In Residence” – One Week employment (Scientist/Engineer) |
Port Phillip Community Group |
Back To School Program- financial Support to low income families | |
Port Phillip Community Group |
Skills Training in Nutrition | |
Port Phillip Eco Centre |
“Green Cuisine” – Plant based Friday Lunches | |
Port Phillip Rotary |
Event for disadvantaged people living in Rooming Houses in Port Phillip | |
* |
Rawcus Theatre |
Workshop for Artists with a disability |
* |
South Melb District Sports Club |
Replacement of Goal Post Pads |
* |
South Melbourne Sustainability Group |
Restoration of Foundry Park Development of Community Garden Beds |
* |
South Port Community Housing Group |
“Get Your Ticket” – for low income residents in Social Housing to attend local events, galleries and music |
Space2b |
Training for refugees and isolated immigrants | |
St Kilda PCYC |
School Holiday Program |
Organisations that received grants in the 2022 round are:
The 2022 Community Chest Grants were presented by the City of Port Phillip Mayor, Cr Heather Consulo, on Monday 14 November 2022 at the South Melbourne Community Centre.
Organisation |
Program/Activity in 2022 |
Albert Park Bowls Club |
Part sponsor junior Bowls Program and Emerald Hill Cup |
Albert Park College |
Music Scholarships for 6 disadvantaged students |
Anglican Parish of St. Silas & St Anselm |
Sunday Suppers Welfare Program; Assists 70 people per week |
Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project |
Fresh food vouchers for people seeking asylum |
Christ Church Community Centre |
Christmas celebration for Open House / Facilitation of our Community Garden – 250 + participants |
Emerald Hill Mission |
Assist students to stay in school and lead to trades |
Emerald Hill Toy Library |
Refresh the baby toy and creative play toy categories; 2 libraries |
Fisherman’s Bend Gymnastics Club |
Outreach and Leadership Programs: mentorship to support our older teenage gymnasts |
Lilian Cannam Kindergarten App2 |
LCK Outoor kitchen |
Napier Street Aged Care Services |
Restoration of garden with suitable plantings: 100 + residents |
National Council of Jewish Women of Australia Vic |
Enhance connect, recover physical and mental strength activities |
Port Phillip Community Group (PPCG) |
Family In Focus: 20 parents with the tools and resources for effective parenting |
Port Phillip Community Group (PPCG) |
Back to School Program: 30-50 local students and families |
Port Phillip EcoCentre |
Port Phillip Beachkeepers Project |
Port Phillip Men’s Shed |
Spring reinvigoration of the garden; Equipment, seeds, plamts and consumables |
Port Phillip Specialist School |
Reinstatement and upgrade of student Fitness Centre |
Rotary Port Phillip |
Create backpacks for essential items for children in crisis |
South Melbourne Life Saving Club |
Provision of Youth Surf Rescue Boards |
South Melbourne Park Primary School |
Lunch Time Activity Buffet; Games/Activities 250 students |
SouthPort Community Centre (SPCC), City of Voices |
Design and Accessibility for ‘Harmonia’ performance project |
SouthPort Day Links |
Uniform upgrades |
Space2b Social Design |
Flying High – The Space2b Experience: provide financial assistance to 8 participants |
St Kilda Police and Citizens’ Youth Club (PCYC) |
Summer Holiday Program 10-17 year olds (30-50_ |
Organisations which have received grants in 2021 included:
The 2021 Community Chest Grants were presented by the City of Port Phillip Mayor, Cr Louise Crawford, on Thursday 11 November 2021, at the Mary Keogh Centre, Albert Park.
Organisation |
Program/Activity |
Albert Park College |
Music Scholarships for students in need |
Albert Park Bowls Club |
Young Lawn Bowlers Outreach Program, including The Emerald Hill Cup |
Anglican Parish of St. Silas & St Anselm |
Sunday Suppers, meals for the vulnerable program |
Christ Church Mission |
End-of-year celebration for volunteers; and monthly plant sale project |
Emerald Hill Mission |
Education Program: new books, uniforms and school supplies for year 12 students in need. |
Emerald Hill Toy Library |
Creative Play Toys project |
Fisherman’s Bend Gymnastics Club |
Outreach Program and Coach Education/Leadership Program |
National Council of Jewish Women of Australia (Victoria) |
Social Connection and and Physical Strength Living with COVID program |
Port Phillip Community Group |
Park Towers Digital Connect project |
Port Phillip Community Group |
Back to School Program |
Port Phillip EcoCentre |
Port Phillip Beachkeepers Project |
Port Phillip Men’s Shed |
Metal Workshop Relocation |
Port Phillip Specialist School |
Early Learning Program Playground Space Upgrade |
South Melbourne Life Saving Club |
Enhancement of Youth-specific Training Equipment |
SouthPort Community Centre, Make Your Mark |
Art Connect program |
SouthPort Community Centre, City of Voices |
Common Ground performance project |
Space2b Social Design |
Traine4work program |
St Kilda Police and Citizens’ Youth Club (PCYC) |
Girls Group program |
Vic Association of WW2 Veterans ex Soviet Union |
No one is forgotten – Nothing is forgotten – 2022 project |
Wild At Heart Community Arts |
Recording The Unheard Songs project |
Organisations which have received grants in previous years have included:
Organisation |
Program/Activity |
Anglican Parish of St Silas & St Anselm |
Providing a meal every Sunday evening for locals doing it tough and food parcels every month for those in need. |
Christ Church Mission |
Assist the community centre garden monthly plant sale and end of year celebration for “Open House” participants and Christmas meals for volunteers. |
Emerald Hill Mission |
Educational support for 207 school students for the purchase of books. |
Emerald Hill Toy Library |
Purchase of special gross and fine motor skills toys such as a pikler climbing frame and manipulative toys. |
Fishermans Bend Gymnastics Club |
Establishing a leadership program to support older teenage gymnasts in a structured coaching program leading to a qualification. |
National Council of Jewish Women of Australia Vic |
Provision of emergency support during lock downs with food hampers, fruit baskets, culturally appropriate meals for special celebratory holidays and audio/video discussion to maintain connections. |
Port Phillip Community Group |
A “Back to School Program” assisting low income families with education costs-uniforms, books, computers, excursions and sporting equipment. |
Port Phillip EcoCentre |
Purchase of film and audio equipment to support more professional digital content including remote learning for schools and community members. |
Port Phillip Men’s Shed |
Development of a community garden; providing training courses on picture framing and lead lighting. |
Port Phillip Specialist School |
Assist with purchase of a trailer to transport equipment for sport, recreational programs and camps. Purchase a swimming pool floating floor. |
Russian Women’s Association ‘Ogonyok’ |
Conduct 26 bilingual programs covering art, English language classes and exercise through zoom for isolated Russian women. |
SouthPort Community Centre |
Assistance to deliver arts and product development workshops over 20 weeks for young people impacted by Covid. |
SouthPort Community Centre, City of Voices |
Development and performance of new theatre “Ballads from the Brink”. Personal stories of being “on the brink” using digital forms and workshops with guest artists. |
SouthPort Day Links |
Provide a Covid-safe transport program for people with a disability to enable independent living. Funds for PPE and training for volunteers, masks and additional cleaning of vehicles. |
Space2b Social Design |
Development of an online program for artists, designers and customers to come together to share their art, culture and cuisine from their kitchens. |
St Kilda Police and Citizens’ Youth Club (PCYC) |
Establishing a Girls Group for young women to come together, building self confidence and belonging using a Youth Worker facilitated program of activities and learning opportunities. |
Vic Association of WW2 Veterans ex Soviet Union |
Continuing support production of videos about WW2 veterans stories in particular enhancing their digital content creation and publishing. |