Recent projects funded through the Community Grants Program

The Sisters of Charity Foundation’s Community Grants Program was launched in 2000, and since then has distributed more than $12,273,345+ to 1,177+ charitable organisations across Australia.

Grants have been used to support a wide range of people, including those experiencing poverty and disadvantage, people living with disabilities, at-risk youth, refugees and asylum seekers, First Nations people, those experiencing homelessness or domestic violence, older people, and those who have been incarcerated or affected by substance abuse and their families.

Rise Whichway’s Yarning Circle

Ex-prisoners often face immense stigma, creating severe barriers to employment, housing, and education. Without support, these challenges fuel high recidivism rates.

Rise Whichway received a $9,649 Community Grant to help run its Yarning Circle – a culturally appropriate, safe space where participants can share stories, address personal challenges, and receive peer and community support. Through ongoing engagement, participants build confidence, develop coping strategies, and regain a sense of purpose which is essential for long-term reintegration and safer communities. Client Sam said:

“I have been attending the Women's Yarning Circle and it has been a really positive and healing experience for me. I love coming each week – it's a safe space where I feel supported, respected, and heard.

We've done some amazing activities together like candle making, resin art, and tangling, which help us relax and express ourselves creatively. We also talk about important topics that really matter, such as coercive control and domestic violence, parenting challenges, affirmations, and staying positive.

The Yarning Circle has helped me build confidence and learn new ways to look after my wellbeing. I've made new friends and feel more connected to other women who understand what I'm going through. It's something I really look forward to every week.”

Making music accessible

Morris Children’s Fund works to improve the lives of children with severe and multiple disabilities. Music therapy helps with social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication and self-expression – however, there is no government funding for this program, and the cost of private music therapy is beyond the means of most families.

Three separate grants totally $15,000 helped engage a specialist teacher/professional musician to attend nine schools and two hospital schools in the St George and Sutherland Shire area to deliver weekly music classes to every child.

“Students who were very reserved and reluctant to participate in music are now super enthusiastic and engaged, with a willingness to experiment and discover new instruments and interests,” said a representative from the charity.

For more information go to: https://sistersofcharityfoundation.org.au/