BUSKING my guts for my community

On Saturday 20 March aspiring musicians across Darebin, Moreland and Yarra will do their bit for their community through the BUSKING my guts for my community project. For one morning only, local people will busk at their local shopping strips and all funds raised will go towards getting more community projects funded locally in 2010. Get involved in the project and show your community that you care. Download a rego form here and make sure it gets to us by Friday 26 February.

Publicity/Events Volunteer

If you have skills and experience in organising events and publicity activities and have time to help out in a voluntary capacity, please drop us a line. We've got lots of activities planned for 2010 and need skilled people to help us to make them happen.

Wrap of the Not-for-Profit Sector in 2009

An article, from the Third Sector, giving a snapshot of what 2009 dished up for the not-for-profit sector and highlighting changes that will continue to roll out in the near future. Read the article here.

Time Will Tell: Showcasing Stories of Good Philanthropy

Case studies of 11 projects funded by the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust, Reichstein Foundation, Melbourne Community Foundation, Portland House Foundation and The Myer Foundation between 1983 and 2007. The report showcases examples of what these foundations consider to be good philanthropy. Download 'Time will Tell' here

Maximising Community Outcomes through Design Thinking

A Stanford Social Innovation Review article that challenges community organisations to reflect on the extent to which their work really is people-centred. The article provides examples of initiatives that have been successful because they were designed with communities and offers food for thought for organisations in the community sector. Read the article here

Local Letter Drop

In the first week of December we're doing a letter drop to local houses to spread the word about what's happening locally. Our resources are limited, so if you haven't received a letter but would like one, give us a call on 9481 9130 or send us an email via our "contact us" page.

Melbourne's North - The New Knowledge Economy

A study into the extent to which Melbourne's North is equipped to take advantage of future economic opportunities. The report includes useful information on population growth forecasts and corresponding accommodation and transport needs. It is prepared by the National Institute of Economic and Industry Research.Download the report here

Victoria's Youth Unemployment on the Rise

In just 12 months, unemployment among 15-19 year old Victorians has jumped from 9.8% in 2008 to 13.6% in 2009. Download the 2009 How Young People are Faring Report

Whitelion's work profiled on ABC's Four Corners

Whitelion, one of our current grant recipients, was recently profiled on ABC’s Four Corners as an organisation that is making a significant difference to the lives of young people who have spent time in youth detention or are at risk of being sent to youth detention. Click here to view the episode – the Whitelion segment starts 28mins into the episode.

Buy Fresh, Buy Local

Support your local veggie growers - shop at Sprout Community Market over summer. Sprout is using their grant to provide business skill training to 6 people who are part of Mind Australia's mental health recovery program. Read about their remarkable work as profiled recently in the Leader newspaper.

Community Foundations Challenge Grants Hit the Headlines

The Inner North Community Foundation was recently profiled as one of the four foundations to receive a Victorian Government Challenge Grant. The grant is a big deal that will leave a lasting positive impression on our community. We're steadily making our way to the target thanks to the generosity of local residents and hope that you'll help us along with your donations too. Visit our publications page to read the article.

Your $1 will become $3 towards a new grant-making fund

The Victorian Government has announced a fantastic challenge for our community. If we can raise $100,000 locally by July 2010, they will donate up to $300,000 towards a new grant-making fund. This new fund will support local projects in Darebin, Moreland and Yarra for lifetimes to come, giving local organisations extra funding opportunities in addition to our existing Pathways to Employment fund.

A 3:1 offer is a terrific incentive and one that we're determined to make the most of. So get in touch with your ideas about how we can mobilise the community behind this great opportunity for our community. Give where you live

2009 Grant Recipients announced

In the coming weeks seven projects will take shape across our region giving up to 80 local residents of Brunwsick, Fawkner, Fitzroy, Preston, Reservoir and Richmond, opportunities to gain employment skills and experience in their chosen field of work. This year’s group of seven follow in the footsteps of remarkable success achieved by last year’s grant recipients whose specialist expertise resulted in 41 young people finding jobs. Read about our 2009 funded projects.

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