Community Chest
This part of the Impact Fund is for those community needs that require more charitable assistance from the YMCA. For the right opportunities we may be prepared to contribute a combination of funds, space, services and/or other expertise.
Our general preference is to partner with other community groups who are already have the community connections and specialist knowledge. That way, our involvement is more of a boost to good work that’s already being done (rather than starting something from scratch). This tends to be a more effective use of our limited resources.
Those partnering opportunities could be with any number of community organisations ranging from schools and parent groups, to sporting and community clubs, churches or multicultural groups, social service agency, or whatever. Generally, they will be not-for-profit, reputable, and values-aligned with the YMCA.
Your proposal for assistance will address a community need that can only be met through benevolent assistance. That is, it arises from some form of disadvantage, health challenge, disability, financial constraint, crisis or other circumstance that warrants charitable help.
In awarding grants, the Selection Panel will consider factors such as:
- the quality of thought you and your team have put into the proposal
- alignment with the YMCA’s mission, strategy and values
- how well the proposal meets the under-served need of its beneficiaries
- the extent to which our involvement develops the capacity of the recipients, and the sustainability of the solution (i.e. it doesn’t create ongoing dependency).
If you have an opportunity that meets these criteria you might consider forming a team and applying for a small grant from the Community Chest (starting at $2,000). It’s expected that you’ll talk through your idea with your manager first. Thereafter, if you need any further advice, or need help in developing your proposal, please contact Andrew Mundy (Chief Operations Officer) on 0409 724 962 or impact@ymcasa.org.au.