Supporting the community we call home: The G21 region

Strong communities are built when people have the support, opportunities and resources they need to thrive. For PMF Foundation, that starts close to home.

The G21 region is more than the place we call home. It is a diverse and growing community of coastal towns, rural communities and regional centres, each with its own character, strengths and needs.

Covering five municipalities – Greater Geelong, Surf Coast, Colac Otway, Golden Plains and Queenscliffe – the region spans almost 9,000 square kilometres and was home to approximately 359,000 people at the 2021 Census. It is a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family, supported by passionate community organisations and people who care deeply about their local communities.

But behind the region’s many strengths are people experiencing hardship, families struggling with the rising cost of living, individuals without secure housing and community organisations working tirelessly to meet growing demand for support.

The need is real, and local organisations are on the frontline.

In Greater Geelong alone, an estimated 1,546 people were experiencing homelessness on any given night, according to City of Greater Geelong data. Meanwhile, Geelong Foodshare reported in its 2024–25 Annual Report that it was helping feed more than 20,000 people across the region every week, delivering the equivalent of 2.5 million meals annually through its network of frontline agencies.

These figures highlight the important role not-for-profit organisations play in supporting individuals and families, strengthening communities and helping people navigate difficult circumstances.

Giving back to our local community

As a family foundation based on the Surf Coast, PMF Foundation believes in supporting the communities around us. While our Major Grants Program supports organisations working across Australia within our focus areas of First Nations, Environment and Education, our Small Grants Program provides an opportunity to support a much broader range of local needs.

Each year, we provide grants to selected not-for-profit organisations working across the G21 region, with grants of up to $20,000 available to help make a meaningful difference in their communities.

Importantly, the Small Grants Program is not restricted to our three major funding areas. We recognise that community wellbeing is interconnected and that strong, resilient communities require support across many different areas of need.

From food security and homelessness to social connection, community participation, inclusion and environmental initiatives, we want to help where we can.

We also recognise that local not-for-profit organisations are often best placed to understand the challenges facing their communities and to develop practical, effective responses. Our Small Grants Program helps support the important work these organisations do every day.

By investing locally, we hope to help build a stronger, more connected and more resilient G21 region – one where individuals, families and communities have the opportunity to thrive.

We are proud to support the organisations making a difference close to home and grateful for the dedication, compassion and commitment they bring to our region.

For more information about our Small Grant Program CLICK HERE.