The Ballarat Foundation

What The Ballarat Foundation does

The Ballarat Foundation, legally registered as Ballarat Foundation United Way Inc. (ABN 19069908915), is a community foundation operating across the Ballarat region and the broader Grampians area of Victoria, Australia. Founded in 2001 as a tax-exempt trust and substantially consolidated through the 2019 merger of United Way Ballarat and The Ballarat Foundation, the organization functions as a philanthropic intermediary connecting donors, corporate partners, and government agencies to community grantees. It manages over 20 named sub-funds (including the Ballarat Women's Fund, James Petrie Fund, Feed Ballarat Fund, Housing Support Fund, and youth-focused funds) and administers grant programs such as Community Impact Grants (up to $15,000), Ballarat Innovation Grants (up to $50,000), and Respect Ballarat Grants ($1 million stewardship). Beyond grant-making, it operates direct service programs including the TAC L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program, Volunteering Ballarat (the regional peak body for volunteering), the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, and Back to School Vouchers, while also hosting events like Dancing With Our Stars and the Ballarat Winter Appeal.

Revenue is generated entirely through charitable contributions: individual donations, bequests, corporate workplace giving, event fundraising, media partnership appeals (3BA 102.3FM), and stewardship of externally funded programs such as the $1 million Respect Victoria partnership. The organization holds Item 1 Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR1) status, employs approximately 8 staff led by CEO Andrew Eales, and operates from Hugh Williamson House in Ballarat CBD, which also generates rental income through meeting room hire and not-for-profit office tenancies. Grant-making and impact measurement are guided by the Vital Signs data portal, covering more than 100 community social indicators.

The foundation's competitive position rests on 40+ years of accumulated community trust, exclusive stewardship of government-funded grants, and a diversified portfolio of donor-advised funds targeting specific social issues (family violence, mental health, food insecurity, homelessness, youth disengagement, early childhood support, and environmental sustainability). Strategic governance is provided by an 11-member board including Chair Ellen Jackson, with day-to-day fundraising and donor engagement led by Director of Strategy and Philanthropy Lucy Ibrahim and Donor Engagement Lead Pam Sutcliffe.

Name

The Ballarat Foundation

Legal name

Ballarat Foundation United Way Inc.

Website

https://ballaratfoundation.org.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

1983

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Ballarat Foundation is a community foundation managing 20+ named philanthropic funds and grant programs across the Ballarat region, connecting donors and corporate partners to community organisations addressing family violence, mental health, food insecurity, homelessness, and youth disadvantage.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Foundation / Philanthropic Services

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Civic and Social Organizations (8134)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Foundations (BPAGAKAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Dropout Prevention, Alternative Education & Re-Engagement Nonprofits (BPAGADAL), Arts, Sports & Recreation-Based Youth Development Nonprofits (BPAGADAJ), Social Justice & Human Rights Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAN)

Keywords

• Community foundation services
• Philanthropic grantmaking
• Donor-advised funds
• Workplace giving programs
• Community impact grants

Headquarters

HQ city

Ballarat

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations and Bequests: Accepts general donations and bequests (gifts in wills). Donors can direct funds to specific focus areas or sub-funds. All donations over $2 are tax-deductible. Manages investment portfolio through JB Were Philanthropic Services.
2. Corporate Partnerships: Workplace giving programs allowing employees to make regular pre-tax contributions. Corporate sponsorship of events. Back to School voucher program partnership with FRRR. Dolly Parton Imagination Library corporate support.
3. Event Fundraising: Revenue generated from flagship events including Dancing With Our Stars (record $306,000 in 2026), Charity Golf Day, and Ballarat Winter Appeal.
4. Stewardship and Administered Funds: Manages $1 million in stewardship for Respect Ballarat grants in partnership with Respect Victoria. Administers various sub-funds for donors.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Ballarat Foundation is a regional community foundation that receives philanthropic donations from individuals, workplaces, corporates and government, holds them in a portfolio of named sub-funds, and disburses the capital and income as competitive grants, directed donations and direct community programs addressing family violence, mental health, food insecurity, homelessness, youth and early childhood needs in the Ballarat region. It also operates community programs (such as TAC L2P, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Back to School Vouchers, Volunteering Ballarat), runs fundraising events (Dancing With Our Stars, Ballarat Winter Appeal), and provides hireable office and meeting space at Hugh Williamson House.

Product overview

The Ballarat Foundation is a community foundation offering a portfolio of named philanthropic funds, grant programs, and community programs. The core offering consists of 20+ named sub-funds (including the Ballarat Women's Fund, James Petrie Fund, Feed Ballarat Fund, Housing Support Fund, and Youth-focused funds) that channel donations to specific causes. These are complemented by grant programs including Community Impact Grants, Ballarat Innovation Grants, and Respect Ballarat Grants. Operational programs include the TAC L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program, Volunteering Ballarat, and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. The foundation also operates Hugh Williamson House as a community facility offering meeting room hire and office tenancies. Fundraising initiatives include the annual Dancing With Our Stars gala and the Ballarat Winter Appeal. The organization functions as a platform connecting donors, community organisations, and beneficiaries rather than a single unified product.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Ballarat Women's Fund: A giving circle that empowers donors to take collective action against gender inequality and violence affecting women in the Ballarat community.
• James Petrie Fund
• Feed Ballarat Fund
• Housing Support Fund
• Ballarat Winter Appeal
• Dancing With Our Stars
• Volunteering Ballarat
• TAC L2P Program
• Great Women of Ballarat
• Respect Ballarat
• Ballarat Vital Signs
• Ballarat Foundation Giving Hub
• Dolly Parton Imagination Library
• Back to School Vouchers

Products and services

• Ballarat Women's Fund A named sub-fund of The Ballarat Foundation dedicated to advancing gender equality and supporting women and girls in the Ballarat region.
• James Petrie Fund A named sub-fund honouring James Petrie that supports community causes in the Ballarat region through directed donations and grantmaking.
• Feed Ballarat Fund A named sub-fund supporting food security initiatives and addressing food insecurity in the Ballarat region.
• Housing Support Fund A named sub-fund supporting programs and initiatives that address homelessness and housing insecurity in the Ballarat region.
• Peter Amor Sports Participation Fund A named sub-fund honouring Peter Amor that supports sport participation initiatives in the Ballarat region.
• Janine Owen Fund A named sub-fund honouring Janine Owen that supports community causes in the Ballarat region.
• Young Ambition Fund A named sub-fund supporting youth-focused programs and initiatives in the Ballarat region.
• Early Childhood Fund A named sub-fund supporting early childhood development programs and services in the Ballarat region.
• Future Shapers Fund A named sub-fund supporting future-oriented community initiatives and next-generation leadership in the Ballarat region.
• Respect Ballarat Grants Program A dedicated grant stream of the foundation funding local initiatives focused on preventing family violence and promoting respectful relationships in the Ballarat region.
• Community Impact Grants A competitive grant program open to local not-for-profits and community groups delivering projects that address community priorities identified by the foundation's Vital Signs framework.
• Ballarat Innovation Grant A grant stream supporting innovative approaches by local not-for-profits and community organisations to address Ballarat-region social issues.
• Peter Amor Sports Participation Grants A grant stream associated with the Peter Amor Sports Participation Fund, providing grants to support sport participation in the Ballarat region.
• TAC L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program A community program supported by the TAC that pairs learner drivers from disadvantaged backgrounds with volunteer mentors to help them achieve their supervised driving hours and obtain a probationary licence.
• Volunteering Ballarat A volunteer referral and mobilisation program that connects Ballarat-region residents with volunteering opportunities at local not-for-profits and community organisations.
• Dolly Parton Imagination Library A program offering free age-appropriate books to local children each month from birth to age five to support early literacy.
• Back to School Vouchers A program providing school supplies and back-to-school support vouchers to families experiencing financial disadvantage in the Ballarat region.
• Great Women of Ballarat A program celebrating and recognising the contributions of women across the Ballarat region, including awards and events.
• Matthew George Award An award honouring Matthew George that recognises outstanding contribution to the Ballarat community.
• Dancing With Our Stars A signature fundraising event of the foundation pairing local celebrities with professional dancers to raise funds for community programs.
• Ballarat Winter Appeal A recurring seasonal fundraising appeal supporting Ballarat-region residents and community programs through winter.
• Hugh Williamson House Meeting Room Hire Hire of meeting rooms at the foundation's Hugh Williamson House for local community groups, not-for-profits and small businesses on a fee-for-use basis.
• Hugh Williamson House Office Tenancies Office tenancy leases offered by the foundation at Hugh Williamson House to local not-for-profits, community groups and aligned organisations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Dancing With Our Stars raised record $306,000 in 2026, over $1.5 million since 2019
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Respect VictoriacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Partnership to administer Respect Ballarat grants program. $1 million held in stewardship by Ballarat Foundation to administer grants preventing gendered violence and supporting community behaviour change initiatives.
• 3BA 102.3FMcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Partnership to manage Ballarat Winter and Christmas Appeals. 3BA FM provides media coverage and promotion for annual appeal that has provided millions in support since 1980.
• JB Were Philanthropic ServicescoreOthersManages Ballarat Foundation investment portfolio with guaranteed annual returns. Supports organization's endowment and sub-fund investments.
• Transport Accident Commission (TAC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTAC partially funds L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program. Program assists learner permit holders without access to vehicles to gain 120 hours needed for probationary licence.
• Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership since 2005 to deliver Back to School vouchers. National program provides $50 digital gift vouchers to children in need across Ballarat region.
• Committee for BallaratminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Future Shapers Fund. Joint initiative supporting next generation of local leaders in Ballarat.
• Women's Health GrampianscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOriginal creator of Great Women of Ballarat program in 2008. Partnership to continue program's legacy of recognizing women's leadership.
• Zonta Club of BallaratcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLed Great Women of Ballarat program from 2010. Current collaborators include City of Ballarat, Commerce Ballarat, Federation University.
• Volunteering VictoriacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports Volunteering Ballarat as peak body for volunteering. Thrives thanks to support of Volunteering Victoria and government departments.
• The Dance Studio (Shelley Ross)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDance studio provides experienced dance partners for Dancing With Our Stars event. Shelley Ross guides Stars through months of rehearsals for annual gala.
• The Salvation Army, Uniting Ballarat, St Vincent de Paul, Anglicare BallaratcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBallarat Winter Appeal funds distributed to trusted frontline charities delivering emergency relief including food, coats, blankets, and essential items.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Jigsaw Foundation: Australian family-founded community foundation supporting regional and rural communities through grants and partnerships. Comparable as a smaller-scale community foundation using sub-funds and place-based grantmaking to address local disadvantage.
• Sydney Community Foundation: NSW community foundation managing donor-advised funds, grants, and place-based giving initiatives. Closely comparable fund management, grantmaking, and community impact measurement model, though serving a metro geography.
• Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR): National Australian foundation partnering with philanthropy, government, and business to support rural and regional communities. Directly comparable as the Ballarat Foundation partners with FRRR on the Back to School voucher program; both serve regional Australian communities through grantmaking and partnerships.
• Queensland Community Foundation: Queensland-based community foundation offering sub-funds, perpetual funds, and grants to local nonprofits. Directly comparable model of donor-advised funds, regional grantmaking, and community impact focus.
• Perth Community Foundation: Western Australian community foundation administering sub-funds, grant programs, and bequests for regional impact. Comparable structure of named sub-funds, community grants, and donor-advised giving circle model serving a defined geographic catchment.
• Australian Community Foundation: Australian community foundation providing sub-funds, bequests, and grantmaking services. Most directly comparable peer offering the same donor-advised fund model and named sub-fund structure to individual donors across Australia.

Broad incumbents

• United Way Australia: National arm of the global United Way network focused on community impact, workplace giving, and place-based programs. Highly relevant as The Ballarat Foundation is the legal successor of United Way Ballarat, sharing heritage, operating model, and community impact framework.
• Ian Potter Foundation: Major Australian private foundation granting funds across education, science, health, and the arts. Comparable grantmaking and stewardship model, though operating at a much larger national scale with broader thematic focus.
• Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation: Melbourne-based charitable foundation providing grants, scholarships, and capacity-building for community organisations. Directly comparable to The Ballarat Foundation as an Australian community foundation managing sub-funds, grant programs, and donor-advised funds, though operating at a larger urban scale.

Others

• Philanthropy Australia: Peak body representing the Australian philanthropic sector. Adjacent rather than competitive; comparable as the ecosystem membership body that supports community foundations like The Ballarat Foundation through advocacy, sector research, and capacity building.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/ballaratfoundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-ballarat-foundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/ballaratfoundation
• Xx.com/balltfoundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles19 records

Subsidiaries11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Ballarat Foundation