The Colours of a Buderim Spring Carnival will be full of colour, and fashions fit for the Spring Racing Carnival and include a gorgeous afternoon tea and fashion parade.

Buderim Foundation event committee chair Jenny Cant said the event had been months in the planning and would be quite different from the two very successful fashion parades held by the Foundation with the clothing showcased to include men’s and women’s fashions to suit all ages.

“The fashion parade will feature spring fashions from five local fashion businesses and will include a lovely seated-afternoon tea with champagne on arrival,” Jenny said.

She said the event, which was also being supported by other local Buderim businesses, would also be an opportunity for Buderim Foundation ambassadors to invite friends to find out more about the important work of the Foundation to support the local community and enjoy an afternoon out with friends.

“We are encouraging people to come dressed for the spring races – so men get your jackets and ladies prepare your hats and jewels,” Mrs Cant said.

“All profits from the event will go into the Buderim Foundation community investment fund, with the income earned to be used to fund community projects, through the Foundation’s Community Grant Program.”

The event to be held on Sunday afternoon, 16th October. Tickets are $62.50 including booking fee per person. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.buderimfoundation.org.au/event/fashion-parade/, email info@buderimfoundation.org.au or purchase from the Old Post Office.

The Buderim Foundation is a philanthropic organisation that aims to enrich and enhance the quality of life for people who live in the Buderim area. The Buderim Foundation also manages the Thompson Fund, which aims to support people in need throughout the Sunshine Coast.

For more information on the Buderim Foundation, please visit, www.buderimfoundation.org.au.
Event Details:
Date: Sunday 16th October 2022
Time: 2.30 for 3pm start
Location: Buderim War Memorial Hall
Ticket Details: $62.50 per person.
To purchase tickets, visit https://www.trybooking.com/CCEGY,
email info@buderimfoundation.org.au
or purchase from the Old Post Office.
Tickets will be available until sold or until 12th October.

Community grants of up to $10,000 will be available to local organisations as part of the Buderim Foundation 2022 Community Grants program, which is now open for applications.

Applications are open to organisations serving the local 4556 community and eligible applicants will need to apply online before 3rd July.

Buderim Foundation Grants Committee chair Rebecca Ramsay said the application process was easily completed online and successful applicants will be announced at the Foundation’s 2021 annual community grants celebration on Sunday 11th September.

“The projects need to directly benefit residents within the 4556 postcode area,” Mrs Ramsay said.

“Each year the program attracts a lot of interest. Last year, $70,000 in grants were awarded to 14 local organisations, taking the total amount distributed over 14 years to over $670,000.”

Mrs Ramsay said it was only through the continued generous support of donors that the Foundation was able to invest money, to generate returns that could be re-invested in the community each year through local organisations.

“By investing in organisations serving the Buderim and 4556 community, we strive to support, and encourage positive initiatives that include assisting people to live healthy and fulfilling lives, encouraging cultural endeavours, increasing learning opportunities, protecting and preserving our natural environment and supporting youth in our community.”

The Buderim Foundation is a philanthropic organisation which harnesses the power of giving by generating income from donations and bequests and providing grants for worthwhile community projects.

To find out more and apply for this year’s Grants Program visit www.buderimfoundation.org.au/grants/buderim-foundation-community-grants/ to see if your organisation is eligible and to download the Grant Application Guide. Grant applications need to be submitted online by 3rd July.

The projects that were awarded grants last year included:

Buderim Men’s Shed: Shade Sail for Outdoor Covered area – $8,771.00
The Compass Institute: Supporting the Compass Garden Cafe to Grow and Thrive – $5,897.00
Playgroup Queensland Limited:Improved Inclusive Access to Community Hub – $8,309.00
LifeFlight Foundation: New Aspida Flight Helmets to support Medical Crew – $6,972.00
Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club Inc: Nipper Boards – $2,730.00
Wishlist Smileyscope, a better way to manage fear around medical procedures – $10,000.00
Buderim Theatre Company Incorporated (BATS): Theatre Computer purchase. Supply of theatre step units – $2,400.00
Buderim Contract Bridge Club: Chairs for relocation – $5,940.00
Buderim Rebels Hockey Club Inc.: Managing More Members – $2,620.00
DV Safe Phone Ltd: Drop Boxes as a part of A Community Approach to Supporting Domestic Violence Victims: 4556 Postcode Pilot Project – $9,200.00
Headland Buderim Croquet Club: A digital framework to meet the electronic demands of today’s world – $2,849.00
Maroochydore SES: Operational Response Equipment, Saws – $1,500.00
Buderim Bowls Club Inc.: Play Area Fit out – $1,700.00

Buderim Foundation Thompson Fund grants available for Sunshine Coast organisations helping those in need.

Applications are now open for the 2022 Buderim Foundation Thompson Fund to assist eligible charity organisations who help those in need throughout the Sunshine Coast community.

The Buderim Foundation became the trustee for the Thompson Charitable Trust in 2021 and this will be the second year the Foundation has offered grants from the fund.

Foundation Grants Committee chair, Rebecca Ramsay said Organisations that provide services for those unable to achieve a modest standard of living, were invited to assess their eligibility for the 2022 grants program from 4th April 2022. Buderim Foundation are currently accepting applications for the Thompson Fund Grants and will be assessing these on an ongoing basis.

“In 2021, four organisations providing support to people experiencing homelessness and financial distress due to domestic violence and other circumstance on the Sunshine Coast, were awarded grants totalling $110,000 from the Buderim Foundation Thompson Fund,” Mrs Ramsay said.

The organisations and projects receiving grants in 2021 included:
Youturn Youth Support received funds to fit out two Tiny Houses which will provide affordable living for vulnerable young people, and support for driver’s license costs for four young people.
SunnyKids Sunshine Coast received a grant to provide assistance to 100 individuals at risk of homelessness due to domestic violence and economic instability.
Ozharvest received money to purchase over 16 tonnes of food to support 20 recipient agencies that provide essential meals for people in need.
Lily House received a grant to provide funding for emergency living and school needs and food support for women and their children in crisis.

“The 2021 grants were the first distributed by the Buderim Foundation from the Buderim Foundation Thompson Fund, which was established through a large multi-million-dollar donation by Sunshine Coast philanthropists Roy and Nola Thompson,” Mrs Ramsay said.

The Buderim Foundation Thompson Fund operates as does the Foundation’s other investments.  That is, the investment fund will be preserved in perpetuity with only the revenue being distributed each year.

The grants are open to organisations providing support throughout the Sunshine Coast, including the Sunshine Coast and Noosa Council areas.

Mrs Ramsay said all the information about eligibility, the guidelines and how to apply for this year’s Buderim Foundation Thompson Fund grants round was on the Buderim Foundation website at – https://www.buderimfoundation.org.au/grants/the-buderim-foundation-thompson-fund/

The Buderim Foundation is a philanthropic organisation that aims to enrich and enhance the quality of life for people who live in the Buderim area. This new Fund will allow it to expand its charitable work to people in need throughout the Sunshine Coast.

Media release written by Michelle Smytheman – Reflected Image E:michelle@reflectedimage.com.au M: 0408 401 198

The Buderim Foundation is supporting local families with school expenses through the provision of $30,000 worth of $50 vouchers, to be distributed through schools and community organisations.

The 600 vouchers will be distributed through Buderim Mountain State School, Chancellor State College, Mountain Creek State Primary School, Mountain Creek State High School, Kuluin State School and SunnyKids, as part of the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) Back to School Program.

Buderim Foundation Director Rebecca Ramsay said this year is the 18th year Buderim Foundation together with the FRRR had provided the much-needed assistance for school expenses such as clothing, shoes, and stationery.

Mrs Ramsay said this year the funds included an allocation from the FRRR of $20,000, as well as a further $5000 from the FRRR Matched Funding program which was matched to funds contributed by the BWMCA ($1000), Buderim Lions ($1500), and the Buderim Foundation’s Thompson Fund ($2500).

“This means we have 600 vouchers to distribute which is fantastic for local families, so we are very grateful for the generous financial support of everyone involved,” Mrs Ramsay said.

Mountain Creek Primary School Chaplin Anthony Pullford said it was very special as a community to be able to support families who find themselves in difficult circumstances, such as foster children, those experiencing domestic violence, and those who have become homeless.

“They are so grateful and often tell me that receiving the vouchers makes them feel loved and cared for,” Chappy Anthony said.

Mountain Creek High School Chaplin Stuart Cran expressed his gratitude for the vouchers which he could distribute to those families facing huge challenges.

Chappy Stuart said that in a large school with 2000 students he encounters families living in cars and families whose breadwinner has lost a job or been diagnosed with a debilitating illness.  He said that there was also a number of independent students, who could no longer live at home and were struggling financially.

“Being able to provide some relief for these families in the form of vouchers helps lower stress levels which in turn helps kids engage better at school,” he said.

Buderim Lions Club President Brian McBride said the Back to School Program was part of their many years of support for the local schools, which includes their Club’s Walk to School and Chancellor College Leo Club programs.

“Our club is part of a caring community. With many families facing difficulties due to COVID, and with rising costs of housing and other essentials, we welcome the opportunity to join with other likeminded organisations in providing vouchers to assist families and help ease the burden.”

Buderim War Memorial Community Association President Errol Richardson said the BWMCA was pleased to continue its support of this very worthwhile program, helping children during these very challenging times.

“A sound education is the very foundation in helping children achieve their full potential later in life and we are grateful for the opportunity to be involved. If this program results in only one child leading a successful and productive life it will have been all worthwhile.”

With the contributions from all the local organisations as well as the FRRR, the Back-to-School Program is a great example of how Buderim-based community organisations can work together to achieve results. In the past 18years $227,950 worth of vouchers have been distributed.

The Buderim Foundation is a philanthropic organisation that aims to enrich and enhance the quality of life for everyone who lives in the Buderim area.

The Foundation works by carefully investing all donations from individuals, families and businesses, and any income from these investments is then redistributed back to the community via an annual grant program open to not-for-profit community organisations that provide a service and support to residents in the 4556 postcode area.

“Our donors love that their donations and bequests made to the Foundation directly impact the community we live in,” Ms Ramsay said.

Media release written by:
Michelle Smytheman, Reflected Image Productions, Buderim
M:0408 401 198 email: michelle@reflectedimage.com.au

Image supplied by:
Cheryl Nonmus, ONQ Photography, Buderim
T:07 5445 4533, M:0409 110 023

Image description: Teale Ring, Anthony Pulford, Charlie Morris, Brian McBride

The Buderim Foundation has awarded $70,391 to be shared by 14 community-based organisations, as part of its annual Community Grants Celebration.

Buderim Foundation Grants Committee Chair, Rebecca Ramsay said the Foundation was delighted to once again provide support to community organisations supporting the 4556 postcode area, especially as the challenges of Covid-19 continue.

“The grants come from earnings made from the Foundation’s investment fund, 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.
The special Grants Celebration will be held on Sunday 12th September at the Buderim War Memorial Hall and is a Covid-Safe event.

“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.

“And we are proud to say that donations are not used to cover administration costs as they are all covered by our valued sponsors – Buderim Pharmacy, EdenLea on Buderim and Sunshine Toyota, as well as some special fundraising events.”

This year is the 14th year grants have been distributed.

Since 2008, a total of $671,947 has been distributed to 87 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 upgrades to infrastructure.”

This year’s grants include $10,000 to Wishlist for two Smileyscope Virtual Reality units that are used to take the fear out of hospital for kids; $8,309.50 for Buderim Playgroup to assist with improved Inclusive Access; $6,972 for LifeFlight Foundation for new flight helmets; and $5,897.34 for the Compass Institute to support the Compass Garden café, which supports young people with disabilities.
(A full list of recipients is at end of this post.)

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 as they have been unable to run their regular fundraising events due to Covid restrictions. 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 the one of the most important day on the Foundation’s calendar.

2021 Buderim Foundation Community Grant Recipients:

Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club – $2,730 towards two nipper boards, to help make Nippers as affordable as possible for families
Buderim Bowls Club – $1,700 for the fit out of a play area, to provide more facilities for families
Buderim Contract Bridge Club – $5,940 for chairs to provide facilities as part of the Club’s relocation
Buderim Horse & Pony Club – $1,503 for the upgrade of fencing and equipment to help care for the horses
Buderim Men’s Shed – $8,771 for a shade sail for their outdoor barbecue area
Buderim Theatre Company – $2,400 for a computer and theatre steps
Buderim Rebels Hockey Club Inc – $2,620 towards equipment for new teams
The Compass Institute – $5,897 to support Compass Garden Café which supports young people with disabilities
DV Safe Phone Ltd – $9,200 for a phone drop facility including essential equipment needed to test, reset and repurpose donated mobile phones supporting victims of domestic violence
Headland Buderim Croquet Club – $2,849 towards technology to support the growing club to better manage its administrative functions, coaching practices and tournament activities
LifeFlight Foundation – $6,972 for new Aspida flight helmets, crucial equipment to providing the best chance of survival to critically ill and injured patients, reducing the possibility of permanent disability and assisting in a shorter recovery time
Maroochydore SES – $1,500 for saws to be used for operational responses
Buderim Playgroup – $8,309 for improved inclusive access so that is easier to navigate for people with disability and/or anxiety
Wishlist – $10,000 for 2 Smileyscope Virtual Reality units which are used to take the fear out of hospital for kids

Sunshine Coast organisations receive inaugural Thompson Fund Grants to support people in need.

Four organisations providing support to people experiencing homelessness and financial distress due to domestic violence and other circumstance on the Sunshine Coast, have received grants totalling $110,000 from the Buderim Foundation Thompson Fund.
Youturn Youth Support received funds to fit out two Tiny Houses which will provide affordable living for vulnerable young people, and support for driver’s license costs for four young people.
SunnyKids Sunshine Coast received a grant to provide assistance to 100 individuals at risk of homelessness due to domestic violence and economic instability.
Ozharvest received money to purchase over 16 tonnes of food to support 20 recipient agencies that provide essential meals for people in need.
Lily House received a grant to provide funding for emergency living and school needs and food support for women and their children in crisis.
These grants are the first to be distributed from the newly established Buderim Foundation Thompson Fund which is the result of a large multi-million-dollar donation by Sunshine Coast residents Roy and Nola Thompson.
The Fund will be held in perpetuity and grants from the fund will be distributed annually to organisations in the Sunshine Coast region that support people experiencing homelessness and other challenges due to domestic violence and financial distress.
The Thompsons are passionate about supporting charitable initiatives on the Sunshine Coast and provided their large donation to the Buderim Foundation because of the Foundation’s proven expertise in managing their existing fund and grants program.
“The Buderim Foundation knows what it’s doing and does it well’, according to Mr Thompson.
The Buderim Foundation was established in 2004 and thanks to strong community support has a $2 million fund that has been used to provide grants to community organisations in the 4556 postcode. To date the Foundation has distributed grants worth almost $637,000 to 83 local communities.
Chair of the Buderim Foundation, Dr Russell Stitz said the Thompson Fund would remain separate from the Buderim Community Fund but would be operated in the same way – that is, money in the funds will never be spent and only the revenue raised from investment will be distributed as grants each year.
As a result of strong community support, the Buderim Foundation is now the sixth largest community foundation in Australia.

Buderim Foundation will soon be opening their 2021 Grants Programs for applications, with up to $10,000 each available to community organisations serving the local 4556 community.

Applications open on Monday 7th June, and eligible applicants will need to apply online before 11thJuly. Successful applicants will be announced at the Foundation’s 2021 annual community grants celebration on Sunday 12th September.

This year grants can be used for projects, or organisational operational costs, that directly benefit residents within the 4556 postcode area.
The Buderim Foundations Grant application program attracted a lot of interest last year, and $85,022 in grants was awarded to 20 local organisations, taking the total amount distributed over 13 years to almost $629,000. The projects that were awarded grants last year included:
• Beulah Community – $2,200 for tracks and statue in Buderim Forest Nature Refuge
• Bloomhill Cancer Care – $7,991 for Family Cancer Care and Play Therapy Program
• Buderim Billiards & Snooker Club – $1,000 for refurbishment and furniture
• Buderim Craft Cottage Association Inc. – $5,000 for fire-door ramp and shed
• Buderim Dementia Alliance – $3,000 for Information Brochure
• Buderim Horse and Pony Club Inc – $1,365 for new signs and tools to maintain the site
• Buderim Lions Club – $3,073 for refrigerator and defibrillator
• Buderim Male Choir – $2,500 for music storage upgrade
• Buderim Men’s Shed – $2,360 for cooling fans for kitchen break out area
• Buderim Mountain State School P&C – $10,000 for new musical instruments
• Buderim Scout Group – $10,000 for repairs and maintenance to the den
• Buderim Wanderers Football Club Inc – $5,041 for canteen plant and equipment
• Chancellor State College P&C Association – $548 for Pace for Pediatrics Program
• Compass Inc – $7,000 for Bullying Prevention Program
• Eric Joseph Foote War Memorial Sanctuary Assoc. – $749 for replacement line trimmer
• 4 Paws Animal Rescue Inc. – $2,200 for fencing to create a dog rehabilitation & exercise area
• LifeFlight Foundation – $9,060 for Project Renovation Rescue
• Maroochydore SES – $2,534 for enhanced first aid training for local SES volunteers
• Sunshine Coast Hockey Association – $3,035 for safe seating
• Sunshine Coast Riding for the Disabled RDA Inc. – $6,363 for Solar System Project

Foundation Grants Committee chair, Rebecca Ramsay said it was only through the generous support of donors that the Foundation was able to invest money, to generate returns that could be re-invested in the community each year through local organisations.
“By investing in organisations serving the Buderim and 4556 community, we strive to support, and encourage positive initiatives that include assisting people to live healthy and fulfilling lives, encouraging cultural endeavours, increasing learning opportunities, protecting and preserving our natural environment and supporting youth in our community.”

The Buderim Foundation is a philanthropic organisation which harnesses the power of giving by generating income from donations and bequests and providing grants for worthwhile community projects.

To find out more and apply for this year’s Grants Program visit www.buderimfoundation.org.au/grants/buderim-foundation-community-grants/ to see if your organisation is eligible and to download the Grant Application Guide. Grant applications need to be submitted online by 11thJuly.