More than $153,000 to support grassroots Sunshine Coast charities
Ten Sunshine Coast charities will share more than $153,000 in funding to deliver impactful, community focused initiatives, thanks to the latest Regional Community Fund grant round managed by Queensland Gives.
Established in 1997, the Sunshine Coast Regional Community Foundation is a dedicated fund to provide ongoing support for charitable organisations on the Sunshine Coast, with grants guided by a local advisory committee to ensure funds go to projects that reflect the unique needs and priorities of local communities.
Since its inception, Queensland Gives has distributed almost $1.23 million in grants to local Sunshine Coast charities and organisations, supporting a wide range of community programs and organisations including Katie Rose Cottage, Kind Tractor, Kanyini Connections, Sunny Kids Ltd and The Buderim Foundation.
This year’s funding will support initiatives ranging from food relief and legal assistance, to men’s mental health programs, children’s support services and housing support. Recipients under the 2025 round are:
| Organisation name | Project title | Amount |
| Altitude Scholarships | Supporting young people reach their full potential | $22,500 |
| Lily House | Repairing confidence through dentistry | $9,000 |
| Making Lives Matter Ltd | Mezzanine Floor Development | $15,000 |
| Maroochy Achievers Award | Bursary as per contract | $2,500 |
| OzHarvest Limited | Building Capacity: Essential Warehouse Upgrades to Boost Food Relief on the Sunshine Coast with our first 2-Pallet Truck serving our Regional Hubs. | $20,000 |
| Strength Potential Inc | Hot Chocolate Circle – Resilience Project | $24,000 |
| Suncoast Community Legal Service Inc | Suncoast Community Legal Service Laptop Replacement and CMS Program | $8,750 |
| SunnyKids Ltd | Sunshine Coast Transitional Housing Fitout | $30,000 |
| Sunshine Butterflies | Sunshine Butterflies Accessible Pathways Project 2025 | $9,830 |
| Top Blokes | Improve the mental health and community engagement of at-risk and disadvantaged young males across Sunshine Coast | $11,582.03 |
| Total | $153,162.03 |
Queensland Gives CEO Tara Castle commended the efforts of each recipient and highlighted the lasting value of the fund.
“Queensland Community Foundation was founded by local Caloundra resident, and former Queensland Premier The Hon. Mike Ahern AO, who passed away in 2023. His vision was to build a perpetual funding model to help Queenslanders beyond his own life,” she said.
“Donating to Queensland Gives is a different way of giving, with donations pooled and invested with the income earned from the investments given to Queensland charities in perpetuity.
“This fund has been built by Sunshine Coast locals, for the direct benefit of Sunshine Coast locals. Every donation into this dedicated fund for the Sunshine Coast helps build a stronger, more connected region—not just for today, but for generations to come.
“Grants stay local and funding decisions are made by a committee of Sunshine Coast locals who understand the community’s needs. It’s a unique way to give to the region, rather than just one cause or charity.
“It is easy to leave a gift to this fund either in your lifetime or in your will. Whether it’s a one-off tax deductible donation or a long-term bequest, contributing to this fund guarantees your support stays local and creates lasting impact across the Sunshine Coast.
“All donations are tax-deductible and help build a stronger future for the entire region. It is the perfect way to leave your own legacy gift for the benefit of the Sunshine Coast.”
The Sunshine Coast Regional Community Foundation is managed by Queensland Gives on behalf of Queensland Community Foundation – Queensland’s largest community foundation and charitable trust. Through a pooled investment model, donations are preserved in perpetuity and the earnings distributed annually to local causes.
Media enquiries: Tara Castle, Chief Executive Officer, Queensland Gives
0405 092 968 or tara@queenslandgives.org.au
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About Queensland Gives by Queensland Community Foundation
Queensland Community Foundation was established in 1997 as a charitable trust and community foundation by former Queensland Premier The Hon. Mike Ahern AO with seed funding of just $300,000 – since then, it has distributed $49.7 million to Queensland charities and non profits. The fund now has $158 million in its trust and this financial year, Queensland Gives will distribute $6.3 million to around 300 charity organisations across Queensland.
Queensland Gives manages 264 sub funds and a General Fund with monies contributed by charities, corporations, government agencies and individuals.
A donation today to Queensland Gives will be invested on behalf of your favourite cause, charity or community and the income goes directly to that cause, forever. The operating costs of Queensland Gives are met by founding sponsors QIC and Anglo American. To find out more visit www.queenslandgives.org.au
