Pathways to Employment Fund

2022 Grants Celebration at Collingwood Yards, formally announcing a new 30 year partnership

Pathways to Employment – a major annual grant round – is a proud partnership between the Cities of Darebin, Merri-bek and Yarra, the Inner North Community Foundation and IntoWork Australia to address disadvantage through employment opportunities in the inner north of Melbourne.

Having supported the Pathways to Employment grants round since 2007, IntoWork re-affirmed this partnership in 2021 committing to an annual contribution of $223,000 to the Fund and additional funding that contributes to the Foundation’s core operational costs. This further strengthens the existing partnership between the five organisations and recognises the value of the Foundation’s role in funding grants which create opportunities for employment and support people to find work in the inner north.

Each year, the Foundation provides grants of up to $20,000 to around 10 eligible organisations which support vulnerable groups in the inner north community. 

Target audiences for funding

Grants are available to support projects which assist to remove employment barriers for vulnerable people in Darebin, Merri-bek and Yarra City Council areas. Priority will be given to projects which:

  • Demonstrate participation of people facing the most significant barriers to employment
  • Build people’s capabilities and skills
  • Have a strong geographic focus on either or all of Darebin, Merri-bek and Yarra City Councils
  • Leverage partnerships and collaboration
  • Clearly demonstrate impact and links to employment pathways
  • Can leverage other funds and resources where appropriate.

In assessing grant applications, the Foundation considers a range of factors such as how the project will improve people’s ability to connect to employment or education pathways. The Foundation also focuses on whether government funding is already available and whether the organisation applying for the grant is appropriately equipped to deliver the project.

Please contact Bianca Maciel Pizzorno, Grants Manager, on 0478 174 116 or [email protected] if you have any queries.

Previous recipients and project outcomes 

The Foundation is pleased to celebrate the work of local organisations. Please see below documents that outline how value is being created in our local community.