The special Grants Celebration was held on Sunday 10th September at the Buderim War Memorial Hall.
More than $97,000 were awarded to community organisations benefiting the residents of the Buderim and 4556 region as part of the Buderim Foundation’s annual Community Grants Celebration.
Funds were awarded to 21 community organisations for projects ranging from kindergarten shade sails, the development of Dementia Awareness and Education programs and resources for cancer and palliative care patients as well as mental health programs, assistance to purchase new vehicles for nursing and animal rescue and more.
Buderim Foundation Grants Committee Chair, Rebecca Ramsay said the Foundation was delighted to provide a record funding amount this year, for support to community organisations supporting the 4556 postcode area.
“The grants come from earnings made from the Foundation’s investment funds, so it is thanks to everyone’s donations and the hard work of our Investment Committee, that we are able to deliver the much-needed funding,” Rebecca said.
“This year, we awarded 21 Community Grants with a total value of $97,942.”
“The Buderim Foundation concept is simple and has three key components. Money in, where donations and bequests are received, money managed, where these funds are carefully invested and then money out, with the income from the investments distributed as grants to organisations supporting the 4556 community,” Rebecca said.
This year is the 16th year grants have been distributed. Since 2008, a total of $829,767 has been distributed to 97 community organisations supporting the 4556 postcode area.
“These grants will make a big difference to the lives of many in our community, enabling the purchase of much-needed, and in some cases, life-saving equipment; and financing vital infrastructure and vehicles.”
See full list of Buderim Foundation Community Grant recipients at the bottom of this article.
The Buderim Foundation Grants Program is open to not-for-profit community-based organisations that provide services and support for residents in the 4556 postcode area and often beyond.
This year community groups have been under additional pressure because of the current economic conditions including high inflation. Grants like these from the Buderim Foundation will allow them to continue their operations and services to our community.
Grants are awarded to projects relating to eight areas of interest including those which seek to strengthen the fabric of the community, help residents live healthy and fulfilling lives and protect and preserve our natural environment. The Buderim Foundation considers the Community Grants Celebration, one of the most important days on the Foundation’s calendar.
The Community Grants announced follow on from grants from the Buderim Foundation Thompson Charitable Fund of $184,300 so far this year. These grants, to support people in need throughout the Sunshine Coast, were made to Gateway Care, Lily House and SunnyKids. Since 2021, the total distributed from this fund is $468,872, which has been provided to nine Sunshine Coast community organisations.
FULL LIST OF 2023 BUDERIM FOUNDATION COMMUNITY GRANT RECIPIENTS: (in alphabetical order)
Buderim Community Kindergarten and Preschool Ass Inc – for shade sails to cover the swing area – $4,462
Buderim Craft Cottage Assoc Inc – for a St Johns Ambulance G5 Defibrillator – $2,655
Buderim Dementia Alliance – for printed and electronic fact and help sheets to promote dementia awareness and education – $3,180
Buderim Horse and Pony Club Inc – for a new mower to maintain grounds – $3,500
Buderim Men’s Shed – for lead lighting equipment – $1,974
Buderim Ware Memorial Community Assoc Inc (BWMCA) – for the upgrade of sound systems at the Buderim War Memorial Hall for all community users – $10,000
Cancer Patients Foundation – for their Look Good Feel Better program – $7,000
Cittamani Hospice Service – towards a replacement Specialist Nurse vehicle – $10,000
Headland Buderim Croquet Club – for a RM33 Chilled Water Bubbler – $1,676
Kanyini Connections Ltd (Hoofbeats Sanctuary) – for program equipment and materials for 2023-2024 – $1,037
LifeFlight Foundation – for new safety equipment to support LifeFlight rescue helicopter crew – $4,645
Magnolia Health – for the Buderim Walk for Endo (Endometriosis) – $3,036
Maroochydore SES Support Assoc Inc – for equipment to support members during activations – $3,879
Mountain Creek Junior Australian Football Club – for a line marking machine – $2,200
SLSQ Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter – for Alpha Aircrew Helmets – $5,098
Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge Society – towards a new SCARS Animal Transport and Rescue vehicle – $10,000
Sunshine Coast Art Group – for expanding creative spaces with Native Landscaping – $1,621
Sunshine Coast Riding for the Disabled RDA Inc – for a shade shed for weather protection of participants during SCRDA programs – $8,367
The Compass Institute – for Honey Bees at Compass Farm – $4,000
University of the Sunshine Coast Athletics Club – for shade marquees for USCAC Athletes – $4,363
Wishlist – Sunshine Coast Health Foundation – for equipment support for the Multidisciplinary Continence Service for Children – $5,239