2025 Changemaker Awards

Two major grant categories + six Finalists + inspired work for Melbourne women and families in need.

This is more an awards night - it's the power of collective giving in action. Don’t miss out on your chance to be part of something truly special.

One $45,000 Enabling Grant to support any mission-supporting funding need.

Finalists

Big Group Hug – delivering tailored Safety and Wellbeing Packs to mothers and children escaping family violence and homelessness. 

Fitzroy Learning Network – creating pathways for newly settled women to build employment experience and micro-businesses in a supportive community. 

National Council of Jewish Women of Australia, Victoria – strengthening and scaling the Caring Mums perinatal mental health support program for culturally diverse women.

One $80,000 Capacity Building Grant to empower a specific program, project or initiative.

Finalists

Centre for Women’s Economic Safety – expanding the Melbourne Money Clinic to support 180 women experiencing economic abuse with financial counselling and capability building. 

DV Safe Phone – providing free repurposed phones and connectivity kits through new family violence agency partnerships and collection points across Melbourne. 

Left Write Hook – growing its peer-led trauma recovery program for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse by embedding clinical expertise and governance for safe, scalable delivery. 

In addition to awarding the two major grants above, the four runner-up Finalists will each receive a Spotlight Award, ensuring all are recognised and supported. 

We look forward to welcoming you!

Creating respectful and inclusive spaces together 

Our events are grounded in our shared values—Collaboration, Integrity, Respect, Transparency, Responsibility, Compassion, and Learning. We welcome you joining us in fostering an inclusive space of openness, kindness, and respect, where meaningful connections can flourish. 

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Photo Permission 

As a public event, your photo may be taken and used for marketing and communications purposes by Melbourne Women's Foundation and event participants and sponsors. If you do not wish to have your photo taken, please mention when collecting your name tag. 

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ABOUT MELBOURNE WOMEN'S FOUNDATION MEMBERSHIP

Being a member is being part of a community of donors. That's the power of your collective impact!

All membership donations paid by 30 June 2025 make up the grants pool to be awarded at this event.

We invite you to Join or renew today to be part of the collective impact for 2026!

Annual Standard Membership or Employer-Sponsored membership:

$1,150 tax-deductible donation

• $1,000 for our grants pool

• $150 for running costs

Annual Next Gen Membership for members aged 40 and under: $575 tax-deductible donation

• $500 for our grants pool

• $75 for running costs

3-Year Membership: $3,450 tax-deductible donation

• $3,000 for our grants pool over three years

• $450 for running costs

Endowment Fund

Life Membership: $25,000 tax-deductible, one-time donation

• $25,000 for our endowment fund, to build the capacity of our organisation

💖  join us or renew your membership here

All membership donations and contributions to running costs are fully tax deductible.