25 years of community impact: celebrating Greater Shepparton Foundation

For 25 years, the generosity of people across the Goulburn Valley has helped turn local ideas in to lasting change.

What began as a way to raise local support for local initiatives has grown into a Foundation that brings people, ideas, funding and opportunity together to tackle some of the most important challenges facing our region.

Over a quarter of a century, the Greater Shepparton Foundation has supported education, health, employment, food security, cultural inclusion, disaster recovery, youth opportunity and community wellbeing. Some initiatives have provided immediate relief in times of crisis. Others have invested in people and ideas with the potential to change lives for generations.

To mark our 25th anniversary, we’re highlighting 25 moments, programs and contributions that have helped shape our community over the years. Here are the first four.

1. Launching the Forever Fund

The Greater Shepparton Foundation launched the Forever Fund in 2025, building a long-term philanthropic asset designed to support the community into the future.

With over $350,000 raised so far, the fund represents a shift from responding only to today's needs to creating a permanent source of support for future generations.

2. More than $1.1 million in community grants

Through its community grants programs, the Greater Shepparton Foundation has raised and distributed more than $1.1 million to local organisations and initiatives. These grants have helped community groups respond to local needs, test new ideas and deliver practical benefits for people across the region.

3. 164 Lift Off Education Scholarships

The Lift Off Education Scholarship has become one of the Foundation's flagship programs, providing 164 scholarships to help local students pursue education, training and career opportunities that may otherwise have been beyond their reach.

It is an investment not only in individual students, but in the future of the region.

4. Establishing Shepparton Foodshare

The Greater Shepparton Foundation was instrumental in helping establish Shepparton Foodshare, contributing to a longer-term response to food insecurity and food waste in the region.

It reflected a commitment to building community infrastructure and partnerships that could continue making a difference well beyond a single grant or campaign.

Perhaps the Foundation's greatest achievement over 25 years cannot be measured by a single dollar figure, scholarship, project or program.

It is the network of relationships that has been built along the way.

Donors have trusted the Foundation to turn their generosity into impact. Community organisations have brought ideas and expertise. Businesses have contributed resources and partnerships. Young people have been given opportunities. Families have received support. And local people have repeatedly demonstrated that they want to invest in the future of their community.

The story of the past 25 years has been made possible by people who believe in the potential of our community. If you'd like to help shape what the next 25 years looks like, we'd love to hear from you info@greatershepparton.foundation

Until next time,

Amanda