The Give Where You Live Foundation has awarded $510,000 in grants to deserving community groups through its 2022 Survive & Thrive Annual Grants Program.

A total of 22 organizations across the G21 region have received grants of up to $40,000 to support people in life-inhibiting crises.

Give Where You Live Foundation CEO Bill Mithen said the grants are intended to promote food security and support homeless people.

“We know that many people in our local community are going through a crisis and need support to meet their basic needs,” he said.

“In total, we estimate that these grants will support approximately 45,000 people in the G21 region, and 120,000 meals will be distributed to food insecure people.”

Annual grants also focus on building resilience and community connections as well as prevention and early intervention efforts related to domestic violence, sexual assault, substance abuse, mental health, and addiction. family breakdown.

The Ocean Mind grant recipient will receive $30,000 to help the Torquay-based charity meet increased demand for its services and improve access to mental health services.

Ocean Mind programs change the lives of young people by providing evidence-based therapeutic surfing interventions that build confidence, community connection and develop new skills.

The welcome grant will support the delivery of up to 15 six-week programs and weekly surf club sessions for youth in the community.

Nearly 100 local community volunteers reviewed grant applications as part of the Give Where You Live Foundation decision-making process.

“The impact of these grants cannot be underestimated, and we are extremely grateful for the generosity of our donors and corporate partners who help the foundation in its mission to create a fairer G21 region,” said Mithen. .

Recipients of the 2022 Survive & Thrive Annual Grants include:

3216 Connection – $2,400
Bellarine Inc. Life and Learning Center – $30,000
Drysdale Inc. Family Support – $30,000
Geelong Food Relief Center – $20,000
Lazarus Community Center – $5,000
Wesley Geelong Church – $5,000
Feed Me Bellarine – $20,000
Encompassing Community Services – $6,000
Geelong Samaritan House – $22,900
Unite Victoria and Tasmania Ltd – $40,000
Geelong and South West Victoria Lifeline – $30,000
Ocean Mind Ltd. – $30,000
Diversity – $40,000
Geelong Arts Center – $25,400
Hope Bereavement Care – $40,000
OneCare Geelong – $40,000
Someone’s Daughter Theater Company – $20,000
Colac from Anam Cara – $23,879.36
Barwon Disability Resource Council – $33,655
Community Veracity – $30,000
Horseback Riding for the Disabled – Barwon – $10,000
Solve-TAD Limited – $10,000