A $174,902 funding boost is fuelling fresh momentum for ten Mackay charities and community groups, following the Mackay Community Foundation’s 2025 grant round. The funding supports a wide range of grassroots initiatives aimed at strengthening health, safety, resilience and social connection across the region. Several recipients received grants to purchase vehicles, helping frontline teams reach more people in need. From youth support and homelessness outreach to disability arts and community gardens, the projects reflect the region’s diverse needs. With a generous donor now matching future contributions dollar-for-dollar, the long-term impact of this support is set to grow even further.
Ten local charities and community groups are moving forward with renewed momentum thanks to $174,902 in funding delivered through the Mackay Community Foundation’s 2025 grant round.
The funding will support a diverse range of projects aimed at enhancing community health, resilience, social connection and safety, with three of the ten recipients receiving grants to purchase much-needed vehicles.
Mackay Community Foundation Chair Frances Easton said the funding would go a long way in strengthening grassroots support services across the region.
“Every grant is meaningful but funding three cars for this round was additionally exciting,” Ms Easton said.
“The outreach that these organisations will be able to achieve thanks to having these vehicles on hand will create a broader impact.”
Among the recipients was the Australian Street Aid Project (ASAP), which supports people experiencing homelessness with services that go beyond a warm meal. The vehicle will help ASAP transport clients to vital medical, Centrelink and housing appointments.
“This grant means more than just a vehicle – it means dignity, connection and support,” said ASAP Director Kayleigh Brewster.
Mackay Women’s Services also received vehicle funding to replace an ageing car and extend their reach across the region.
CEO Belinda Berg said, “The new vehicle will keep our team mobile – supporting survivors of domestic and family violence, attending court, meeting agencies, and maintaining a strong presence in the community.”
Other recipients included Crossroads Arts, Kidney Support Network, Orange Sky, Clontarf Foundation, and Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia.
A new anonymous donor has also committed to continue the foundation’s matching donations program for 2025/26. For every $5,000 donated, the donor will match it – doubling the impact for grassroots programs.
To support local organisations, visit www.mackaycommunityfoundation.com.
2025 Mackay Community Foundation Grant Recipients:
• Clontarf Foundation – $8,522 for the Mackay L2P's Initiative
• Engedi – $18,655 for an Accessible Community Garden
• Australian Street Aid Project – $19,685 for Medical Appointment Transport for People Experiencing Homelessness
• One Life NQ – $9,836 for Myrtles Place Furniture Replacement
• Orange Sky – $10,000 for Mackay Laundry Pod Relocation
• Crossroads Arts – $18,000 for SCOPE – I can – I dream – I uncover
• Mackay Women’s Services – $44,031 for Mobilising Mackay Women's Services & Technical Surveillance Counter Measures
• Kidney Support Network – $29,133 for Renal Patient Transport Service
• Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia – $14,000 for the Ronald McDonald Learning Program
• One Stop Youth Shop Inc – $3,040 for Strength 2 Strength & Free 2 Be Me Youth Development Programs
Ten local charities have received $174,902 in grants to boost services, including three vehicles to expand community outreach. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
A $174,902 funding boost is driving vital change across Mackay, with ten local charities receiving support to expand their impact and reach more people in need. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
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