Council supports charities in building stronger local connections

Published on 15 July 2025

Mums Supporting Families in Need is among six Frankston-based charities set to share in $43,000 of funding through the Frankston Charitable Fund’s 2025 Community Connection Grants. Their $10,000 grant will support the Hamper of Hope Project, delivering essential material aid to families fleeing domestic violence.

Incoming Interim CEO of Frankston City, Cam Arullanantham, congratulated recipients at a celebration event, bringing together community leaders to showcase the funded projects.

“We’re proud to deliver this funding which empowers grassroots organisations doing life-changing work for some of our most vulnerable community members,” Mr Arullanantham said.

“Investing in our local charities means investing in Frankston – these groups understand our community’s needs and deliver real outcomes every day.”

The Community Connection Grants, recently rebranded by the Frankston Charitable Fund’s Committee of Management, supports projects that promote social inclusion, health and wellbeing, and community engagement.

Among this year’s recipients is Pets in the Park, receiving $9,000 to deliver a free monthly veterinary pop-up clinic for vulnerable community members and their pets.

Frankston Charitable Trust Committee Chair Abby Foster said the funding continues to back initiatives that make a tangible difference in the community.

“I’m proud to see this year’s grants go to organisations making a real difference in our community. These grants reflect our shared belief that when we invest in local people and projects, we strengthen the heart of Frankston,” she said.

The event also marked a milestone contribution to the Frankston Charitable Fund, with Mr Arullanantham and Councillor Cherie Wanat presenting a $30,000 cheque to the Committee on behalf

of Council. The funding is part of Council’s $1.7 million Local Support Package which supports residents, families, and organisations facing mounting cost of living pressures.

Further details will be released in the coming weeks on the initiatives being delivered in the Local Support Package, including ways Council is working with the community to address key social priorities.

Councillor Cherie Wanat, who serves on the Frankston Charitable Fund Committee of Management said, since its establishment in 2009, the Frankston Charitable Fund had distributed over $424,000 to 83 local charities.

“These grants are more than just funding – they’re about investing in hope, resilience, and connection, and we’re pleased to continue supporting those who stand beside our most vulnerable in the community,” she said.

The successful 2025 grant recipients are:

  • Mums Supporting Families in Need - $10,000 for the Hamper of Hope Project, providing essential material aid to families fleeing domestic violence.
  •  BAM ARTS INC - $9,000 for Accessible Arts in the Community, an inclusive theatre outreach program.
  • Pets in the Park Inc - $9,000 to deliver a free monthly veterinary pop-up clinic for vulnerable community members and their pets.
  • First Peoples’ Health and Wellbeing - $5,000 for Arts Connect, a culturally safe series of art and wellbeing workshops for First Nations people.
  • McClelland Sculpture Park & Gallery - $5,000 for Curious Minds Creative Hands, creative arts workshops for local children and families.
  • Scouts Victoria - $5,000 towards a trailer for camping and activity equipment enabling greater youth participation in outdoor programs.

The Frankston Charitable Fund is a sub-fund of the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, operating as an external committee of Council. It is guided by a dedicated Committee of Management, including Frankston City Mayor Kris Bolam and Frankston City Councillor Cherie Wanat, a representative of the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, and three community members.

For more information about the Frankston Charitable Fund or to apply for future grant rounds, visit www.frankston.vic.gov.au. 

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