After awarding grants to incredible grassroots organisations in Greater Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane in October 2025, we invited communities to have their say and vote for the charities and projects they believe are making the biggest impact.
From initiatives focused on road safety to financial inclusion, First Nations programs to STEM education and local environmental projects, the finalists were all delivering meaningful change where it matters most. Thanks to your votes, we can now provide even more funding to the organisations that are creating safer, stronger, and more connected communities. The winners from each market:
Greater Melbourne
Winner: Our Village
A circular economy NFP rehoming pre-loved children’s essentials to vulnerable families. The grant will fund their Safe Travel for Families program, providing 570 safety-checked car restraints and prams across 12 Melbourne LGAs, ensuring children travel safely and families stay connected to essential services.
Runner up: Scouts Victoria
Australia’s largest youth organisation teaching life skills, leadership, and community participation. The grant will enable the installation of a pop-up sprinkler system, planting of native trees, and shaded seating at The Pines Scout Camp, creating a sustainable habitat and improving the experience for thousands of young people.
Greater Sydney
Winner: Sydney Wildlife Rescue
Sydney Wildlife Rescue operates a 24/7 volunteer-led service to care for sick, injured, and orphaned native animals across Greater Sydney. The grant funds purpose-built stainless-steel cages for their mobile triage unit, improving emergency care and survival rates.
Runner up: Little Wings
Little Wings offers free air and ground transport for seriously ill children in regional NSW, ACT, and QLD, ensuring access to lifesaving treatment. The grant will help fuel missions by air and road, helping hundreds of families keep out of the drivers seat during their most vulnerable moments.
Greater Brisbane
Winner: Foodbank Queensland
Foodbank Queensland works to end hunger by distributing food to families in need. The grant will fund the Food for Kids program, providing take-home hampers during school holidays for children facing food insecurity.
Runner up: Koala Rescue Brisbane South Inc.
KRBS rescues and rehabilitates koalas in Brisbane South and raises awareness about road safety. The grant will support volunteer recruitment, training, and education programs to strengthen rescue operations.
The organisations with the most votes in each region receive an additional $10,000 on top of their original grant award, while the runners-up receive an extra $5,000 in funding.
At the heart of this program is a simple idea: local organisations know their communities best. By giving you the chance to champion the projects that matter most, we are helping to build a future shaped by local voices and local action.
Congratulations to all the winners and thank you again to everyone who voted.
