Grant Funding
Empowering Change Program
The Empowering Change program thrives thanks to the generosity and vision of dedicated philanthropists. Each year, the program distributes approximately $16.4 million across six key focus areas, reflecting the collective wishes of more than 100 trusts and foundations.
Our focus areas
We envision a more equitable future, where every child and young person is valued, supported, and thriving. A future where children and young people are listened to, their communities are empowered to help them thrive, and their future is not determined by their geographic location or intergenerational disadvantage.
We envision a future where everyone can live and die with dignity, be heard and thrive. We are dedicated to significantly improving the experience of ageing and of dying, particularly for vulnerable older Australians. A community that is better for older adults is better for people of all ages.
We respect the planet and take care of it, knowing that our lives depend on the natural environment. We envision a kinder future where animals are treated humanely, responsibly and with respect.
We envision a more equitable future, where more people live more fulfilling lives. We believe that focusing on grants that support women and girls and First Nations expertise and knowledge will lead to a fairer and culturally richer society for everyone. We acknowledge the critical need to respond to the changing climate especially when the burden is often most heavily felt by the most vulnerable members of our communities.
We envisage a healthier world where Australia is known for its innovative and impactful medical research and all people have access to world-class healthcare that meets their needs. We enable the delivery of essential healthcare and maximising the impact of medical research in Australia by supporting medical researchers, particularly those whose researchers, women, and those pushing boundaries to improve healthcare accessibility and meet the needs of our diverse community.
Grant Programs
The Victorian Small Grants Program is focused on ensuring communities are resilient in the face of social, economic, and environmental change and local support networks are accessible and effective.
Equity Trustees is honoured to manage several trusts that provide scholarships and awards to worthy recipients
The Community Grants Program is focussed on supporting initiatives that amplify local knowledge and strengthen community networks.
Open Grants
Philanthropy
Giving highlights 2025
This year’s Giving Highlights offers just a glimpse of the extraordinary impact that trust-based philanthropy creates. It is a small collection of stories, but together they reflect something much larger – the way not-for-profit partners listen deeply to their communities and respond with creativity, compassion, and commitment.






