25 YEARS OF IMPACT

In 2026 Greater Shepparton Foundation celebrated 25 years of community impact, proudly reflecting on a journey defined by generosity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to strengthening our region.

Building on the legacy of our predecessor, The Community Fund Goulburn Valley and United Way Community Fund, GSF has continued to respond to the evolving needs of our community - supporting place-based initiatives and investing in projects that create lasting change across Greater Shepparton.

On the evening of March 13, 2026, at Rod and Michelle Luscombe's beautiful property in Toolamba, former staff, board members, donors and supporters came together to mark a very special moment - 25 years of community giving in Greater Shepparton.

This special evening was designed to share memories, catch up with old friends and thank those who volunteered their time, money and energy to build the Greater Shepparton Foundation we enjoy today.

We would like to make special mention and thank Community Foundations Australia CEO Ian Bird for sharing his vision and excitement for the future of the community foundation movement

Looking back over 25 years, we have so much to be proud of -

$1.5 million granted to support local organisations to support the work they do in servicing community
Backing 164 local people via the Lift Off Education Scholarship program
$100,000 raised to deliver 9,230 meals during COVID lockdowns
$300,000 raised to support our flood impacted community

Possibly one of the greatest highlights, and most poignant demonstrations of community coming together to support community need, was the establishment of Shepparton Foodshare as a central hub to collect for for people in and need, and a central hub to donate food.

Preparing for the next 25 years -

Looking ahead to 2050, we ask:

What will our community look like?

What will the need be?

How can Greater Shepparton Foundation remain responsive to the long-term challenges, and nimble in addressing emergency requirements of our communities?

If the Philanthropic Summit is anything to go by – our community reflected that there is so much good work happening across the region, our role as Greater Shepparton Foundation is not to replicate, but find meaningful ways to support, through building strong connections and finding funds to support successful, long-term implementation.

Which is why we have launched the Forever Fund.

The Greater Shepparton Foundation Forever Fund is a permanent community endowment created to support the long-term wellbeing of our region. Gifts to the Forever Fund are carefully invested so that they grow over time, this means every contribution continues to generate support for local community projects year after year. By building this enduring pool of community capital, the Forever Fund ensures that future generations will always have resources available to respond to local needs, strengthen community organisations, and create lasting impact across Greater Shepparton.

The Forever Fund, coupled with the new Community Charity Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR1) reform, has unlocked Australian Taxation Office endorsement under the new settings and significantly expands our capacity to attract philanthropic investment and respond directly to local priorities.

In the years ahead, the Foundation will play a vital role in fostering a more self-determining and connected Greater Shepparton, ensuring local generosity creates meaningful and lasting impact.

This leveling up of the community foundation landscape, coupled with tangible, meaningful ways for communities to contribute through campaigns like Forever Collective, Forever 500 and our Founding Donors campaign, should give us all optimism and excitement for the future.

Read more about how you can support and be involved here.