In a world where community support is more crucial than ever, we at ETC stand firm in our commitment of giving back. Since the inception of the ETC Community Support Fund (CSF) in 2012, over $2.5 million has been channelled into deserving community organisations, including $1.5 million in the last three years alone!
This year, we have allocated $500,000 to 24 recipients, reinforcing our dedication to addressing the most pressing needs within our local communities.
By providing significant funding for significant impact, we help organisations tackle local challenges, support vulnerable populations, and drive sustainable development. This aligns seamlessly with our vision of making a positive impact on people’s lives.
The Brunswick Heads Breakfast Club offers meals and essential support to the local homeless community. With funding from ETC, the club will be able to cover the costs of providing breakfasts and other meals, ensuring continued support for those in need in Brunswick Heads.
Disability Entertainment Australia Inc. creates opportunities and offers support for individuals with disability to participate in the creative industries. Thanks to Seed funding from ETC, they are developing a new program specifically designed for people with disability who are interested in pursuing a career in the creative industries on the Gold Coast.
Endeavour Mental Health Recovery Clubhouse supports individuals living with mental health conditions by offering programs that promote recovery and well-being. With funding from ETC, the Clubhouse will be able to purchase a vehicle to transport its members, all of whom live with moderate to severe mental health conditions, ensuring they can participate in recovery programs.
The Forster Neighbourhood Centre provides a range of community support services, fostering social inclusion and well-being for local Great Lakes residents. ETC will fund Dignity Drop Offs, a new community project delivered by Forster Neighbourhood Centre, that involves providing essential reusable items to families sleeping rough. This will include lunchboxes for children, vouchers for laundry services, sleeping bags, basic kitchen items, hygiene and personal items.
Tivoli Social Enterprises offers employment and training opportunities for unemployed and socially disadvantaged individuals through various initiatives, including a community housing project, conservation park, community kitchen, and a range of community events. With funding from ETC, they will be able to purchase a van to transport trainees to training sessions, work placements, and community events.
inCommunity Inc provides essential support services to individuals experiencing homelessness, helping them access vital resources and support. With funding from ETC, inCommunity will be able to fit out an existing van to deliver outreach services to rough sleepers in the Ipswich region. The van will be equipped with a coffee machine, fridges, cooking equipment, first aid kits, and storage for sleeping bags, blankets, clothes, and other necessities.
The Ipswich Foodbarn supplies tonnes of affordable and free grocery items to vulnerable individuals each week. With funding from ETC, they will be able to purchase fridges and a pallet jack to enhance their operations.
The Kempsey Show Society hosts community events and agricultural shows that celebrate local culture, agriculture, and talent. With funding from ETC, they will support a development program for young women in the Kempsey region, focusing on building confidence, setting goals, enhancing resilience, problem-solving, self-management, communication, and employment skills.
Kingdom Makers operates a barber shop, Hebrew Café, and low-cost food outlet in the North Brisbane region. With funding from ETC, they will be able to purchase IT equipment, cleaning supplies, and a fridge to enhance their services.
KINGS Siva Academy INC, the largest Samoan Performing Arts School in Queensland, aims to teach, inspire, and empower the next generation of Samoans in Australia. With funding from ETC, they will offset some of the costs of a 20-week Samoan cultural youth program delivered by KINGS Siva Academy on the Gold Coast.
LifeHouse Care supports vulnerable individuals, including people experiencing homelessness and domestic violence victims, in Coffs Harbour, helping them get back on their feet. With funding from ETC, they will be able to purchase essential items such as white goods, furniture, and bedding to better assist those in need.
Lisa’s Lunches supports families navigating a cancer journey by providing essential assistance. With funding from ETC, they will be able to provide lunch packs for children, ensuring they receive nutritious meals during this challenging time.
Lookout07 is a youth drop-in centre located on the Sunshine Coast, featuring a fully equipped gym, basketball court, cricket pitch, and hangout space. With funding from ETC, they will purchase a van to improve access to the centre for young people in the region.
Lovewell Foundation works with disadvantaged women facing multiple barriers to employment and self-employment. ETC’s funding will go towards supporting a micro-loan model for women looking to start their own business and provide support for those undertaking business training.
Micah Projects offers a variety of family support services within the Brisbane community. With funding from ETC, they will launch a program specifically for vulnerable young mothers, providing certifications, driving licenses, and workwear to help them achieve greater stability and independence.
Multicultural Australia offers a variety of settlement services for new Queenslanders, including migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, to help them integrate into their new community. With funding from ETC, they will deliver the Career Connectors program in Logan, which pairs 12 new arrivals with 12 industry professionals/mentors to support their employment journey.
Nambucca Valley Phoenix operates a supported employment program for people with disability. With funding from ETC, they will re-open their Community Shed and develop a plant nursery in Bowraville, providing more opportunities for meaningful engagement and employment.
New Life Community Centre offers services and support to families from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds to help them integrate into the community. With funding from ETC, they will purchase air conditioning for their food parcel work area, enhancing the comfort and efficiency of their operations.
Raba Urban Farm was established during COVID to create a space for people to reconnect. With funding from ETC, they will install a shade structure in the community garden. This structure will serve as an outdoor classroom, offering lessons on environmental sustainability, Indigenous culture, and community engagement.
Serving Our People is one of Australia’s fastest-growing charities. Established during the pandemic to support the Gold Coast community, they deliver meals, groceries, and other essential goods to over 55,000 recipients, thanks to the efforts of dedicated volunteers. With funding from ETC, they will purchase a delivery van to enhance their service capabilities.
Teens Take Control is a youth mentoring program designed to empower Sunshine Coast youth. ETC’s funding will be used to assist with the fit out of a new space for youth to drop-in and access local youth support services.
Wounded Heroes offers 24/7 crisis support to veterans and their families facing financial difficulties. With funding from ETC, they will carry out repairs to their Op shop and install air conditioning in their café, enhancing the comfort and functionality of these vital community spaces.
Westside Community Care provides social support services in the Springfield community. With funding from ETC, they will purchase a mini forklift to help volunteers safely move community donations.
Youth Express assists at risk and disengaged youth. ETC’s funding will be used to assist with the cost of delivering a 10-week Youth Entrepreneurial program which is focused on the group starting a t-shirt making business.
The Community Support Fund is overseen by ETC’s Board of Directors, who are extremely passionate about this initiative and supporting our communities.
ETC’s Board Chair, Rod McKelvey, said ETC is committed to creating positive social and economic outcomes for the communities it serves.
“We pride ourselves on giving back and partnering with like-minded organisations to build stronger communities, as part of our philanthropic commitment.”
“This philosophy is not just about financial support; it’s about fostering partnerships that leverage resources, expertise, and networks to amplify the impact of community initiatives,” said Mr McKelvey.
The ETC Community Support Fund has been instrumental in supporting a diverse range of groups, including young people, people with disability, migrants and refugees, the long-term unemployed, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
This funding has enabled recipients to purchase essential infrastructure, develop and deliver support services, establish social enterprises, and undertake special projects that drive meaningful change.
ETC’s CEO Damon Munt, said the not-for-profit was proud to see its recipient organisations enhanced capacity to address local needs and create opportunities for growth and development.
“At ETC, we are with community, in community, for community,” said Mr Munt.
“Seeing the tangible impact of our funding across various communities is incredibly rewarding. It reinforces our commitment to fostering positive change and achieving our mission and vision.”
“We are excited to support these organisations as they work tirelessly to make a difference. I’m confident that with this funding support, they will be able to make an even stronger impact within their communities.”
By addressing specific local challenges, ETC ensures that its support is both relevant and impactful. The collaborative effort with like-minded organisations creates a multiplier effect, enhancing the overall impact of ETC’s initiatives.
Learn about last years Community Support Fund recipients >
Call our friendly team on 1800 007 400 or fill out the Enquire Now form on this page.
Fill out this form and one of our team members will contact you.
When you’re looking for support, Ask Izzy can help you to find the services you need, now and nearby. It is free and anonymous, and you can search over 360,000 services to find housing, meals, money help, healthcare, counselling, legal advice, addiction treatment and a whole lot more.
Visit Ask Izzy - https://askizzy.org.au/
If you’re on the Telstra mobile network, you can access Ask Izzy even if you don’t have credit.
Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about the latest tips, trends and business insights from ETC.
