Investing in Women
Feminist grant-making
Through the Victorian Women’s Benevolent Trust, we fund circuit-breaking initiatives that improve the safety, economic security, health and rights of women, girls and gender-diverse people in Victoria.
Focus Areas
We fund grassroots projects that meet real needs and drive real change.
The barriers women, girls and gender diverse people face aren’t simple or uniform. Thanks to our Sub-Fund program and dedicated supporters, our grants are able to target where change is most needed and least funded.
Safety and Justice
Economic Security
Culture and Rights
Health and Wellbeing
Education and Voice
Frequently asked questions
Got a question that isn’t answered here? Get in touch with our team: grants@vwt.org.au
No. You just need to select the themes that match your project. Our Trustees will handle the allocation to the relevant Sub-Fund (e.g. the Fleur Spitzer or Con Irwin SubFund).
Yes! While we don’t fund business as usual expenses (like existing rent or utility bills), we do fund capacity building. This means if you need a new staff member to coordinate volunteers, a consultant to help with a 3-year strategic plan, or a new software system to help you advocate for women’s rights more effectively, we want to hear about it.
Yes, provided they are for entirely different projects. However, as we prefer to spread our funding broadly, it is rare for one organisation to receive two grants in one cycle.
That’s great! Many projects do. Tick all that apply; it helps us see the full impact of your work.
Yes, but only if you have an auspice partner (a larger organisation with DGR1) who agrees to manage the funds for you. You will need their ABN and a letter of support.
Visionary gifts
Our Sub-Funds honour remarkable lives by investing in the women and girls.
Lesley Vick Sub-Fund
Deborah Ganderton and John Henry Sub-Fund
Nancye and John Cain Sub-Fund
Supriya Singh Sub-Fund
Union of Australian Women (Victoria) Sub-Fund
Ruth Owens and Kevin Lynch Sub-Fund
Alma and Albert Tivendale Sub-Fund
Jan Webster and Sue Peterson Sub-Fund
Humanitas Sub-Fund
Christine Friday and Kathleen Pooley Sub-Fund
Jean McCaughey Social Justice Sub-Fund
Fay Marles Equal Opportunity Sub-Fund
Applications are currently closed.
Our grants round will reopen in April 2027. To be the first to know when we’re accepting applications, sign up to our mailing list.
On Feminism
"I always consider my greatest work was paving the way, cutting a track through a dense scrub of ignorance and prejudice."
- Henrietta Dugdale, letter to Vida Goldstein, circa 1918