The MWF members work together to research and review community issues and then invite applications for their annual grants program. Funds for their Signature and Nurturing Grants come from membership donations made within each financial year..
Co-founders Gillian Hund and Patricia Burke and their four sub committees (Events, Grants, Membership and MarComms) also create a special events calendar to provide members with opportunities to learn more about philanthropy. Inspiring guest speakers over the past few years have included Dame Julia Cleverdon DCVO CBE, Professor Jane den Hollander, Vice Chancellor, Deakin University, Professor Gillian Triggs, Janet Michelmore AO and Susan Alberti AC.
In 2015, MWF made inaugural grants of more than $80,000 to charities supporting Melbourne women and their families. Each year MWF has continued to grow its membership and donations, which has increased their grantmaking capacity to a total of $146,000 in the 2017/18 financial year.
Learn more at the Melbourne Women’s Fund website.
How to Join
Members pledge to be part of the Fund (giving circle) for a minimum three-year period, so that during this time they have an opportunity to engage, learn and experience the benefits of being a member of a vibrant community of women.
To become a member of Melbourne Women's Fund, please use the form below.
There are three membership options available:
| Membership Type | Membership Donation (tax-deductible) | Administration Fee (not tax-deductible) |
| One-year | $1,000 | $110 |
| Three-year | $3,000 | $330 |
| Lifetime | $25,000 | N/A |
Memberships can be started anytime throughout the year, and monthly payment options can also be arranged.
One voting right, per grant category (Signature and Nurturing Grants) in the financial year is provided when both the membership donation of $1000 (or more) and the administration fee have been paid in full.
Life Membership
Women who seek to support the giving circle in a more comprehensive way can become a Life Member by making a donation of $25,000 or more.
These funds are held in an endowment account by Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation and when the corpus has reached at least $200,000, MWF anticipate they will be able to begin funding educational scholarships for women who have not been able to reach their educational potential.