The NRCF Women’s Giving Circle recently awarded $80,000 in funding to four projects through its Empowering Women & Girls Grant Program – a new milestone for the Circle. This year saw a record 26 grant applications submitted, highlighting the strong demand for initiatives that create opportunities for women and girls in the Northern Rivers.
Unlike previous years, where finalists pitched their projects live, this year’s recipients were chosen through a member voting system. After reviewing shortlisted applications, Women’s Giving Circle members selected the four projects they felt would make the greatest impact.
One of the successful projects was Circle of Friends, delivered by Iluka Community Organisation Planning for Emergencies (ICOPE). This grassroots initiative provides weekly gatherings for older and vulnerable women, many of whom experience isolation, disability, or mobility challenges. The program helps participants build confidence, joy, and a sense of belonging through exercise, creative activities, and social connection.
Kyogle Family Support Service was also awarded funding for Cultivating Calm: Reclaiming Safety & Strength After Domestic Violence, a trauma-informed program that combines movement, nervous system regulation, and practical workshops to support women on their recovery journey.
In Muli Muli, the Local Aboriginal Land Council will deliver Nourishing Women, Nurturing Futures, a culturally safe program designed to strengthen intergenerational bonds and promote healthy lifestyles. Led by local women and Elders, the project offers cooking workshops, art-based activities, and health education tailored to the needs of First Nations women and girls.
Finally, Muggi Dubay – Strong Women, delivered by Country as Teacher, will run over two years to support First Nations girls and young women at risk of disengaging from education. The program provides mentoring from female cultural experts and exposure to career and tertiary pathways in areas such as land management, arts, and hospitality, building both cultural pride and future opportunities.
Since its inception in 2021, the Women’s Giving Circle has grown to more than 160 members and distributed over $220,000 to support women and girls across the Northern Rivers. Members contribute $1,000 annually and pool their donations to invest in local projects that create lasting change.
Find out more: https://nrcf.org.au/womens-giving-circle.
You’ve seen the power of collective giving. If each of us invite 1 friend to join the Giving Circle, we can have so much more impact together. JOIN HERE
Photos courtesy of Mazzer Photography:
