Grant Stories

Through its 106 sub funds, MCF funds a wide range of organisations and projects. All grants are made in line with MCF's mission "to address emerging social issues and meet the needs of its communities".

In the 2006/7 financial year, 169 grants were made to 111 organisations. The stories of a small selection of the projects we supported are outlined below - one in each of MCF's major fields of interest and key target groups.

Seeing Eye Dogs Australia

Field of Interest:           Disability
Grant Recipient:           Seeing Eye Dogs Australia
Project:                        Support for care and training of Zsa Zsa
MCF Sub-fund:             Dennoch Fund

Since 1960, Seeing Eye Dogs Australia has been assisting people who are blind or vision impaired, to live and work independently within their communities. It takes up to 2 years of intensive training for one Seeing Eye dog to graduate with a client. These dogs provide the gift of mobility, independence and freedom in day-to-day life.

A grant has been given to sponsor the training and care of Zsa Zsa, who has recently passed her six month assessments with flying colours.

For further information about the organisation and their work go to www.seda.org.au

Last Updated ( Thursday, 05 July 2007 )

Carlton Flats Holiday Program

Field of Interest:           Community Services & Welfare
Grant Recipient:           Church of all Nations
Project:                        Carlton Flats Holiday Program
MCF Sub-fund:             Anna Wearne Fund

For five years now the Anna Wearne Fund, througfh MCF, has provided Ernie Simms with the funds to run a holiday program each school holiday for the many children who live on the culturally diverse Carlton Public Housing Estate.

The former professional boxer has been running 'Ernie's Club' from a room on the Carlton housing estate for 25 years this year and says he's "reigned in some tough nuts over the years."

Last Updated ( Thursday, 05 July 2007 )

Australians for Affordable Housing

Field of Interest:           Community Development & Advocacy
Grant Recipient:           Australians for Affordable Housing
Project:                        Media Campaign
MCF Sub-fund:             Morawetz Family Fund, Coronella Fund

Australians for Affordable Housing has been formed at a time when it's less affordable than ever to buy a home and is becoming increasingly difficult to rent. The housing situation for renters and those struggling to buy their first home or manage their mortgage is at a crisis point.

For the last 18 months a group of community organisations, primarily based in Victoria but many with a national focus, have been working together concerned at the declining levels of access to good secure and affordable housing. These groups represent a broad spectrum of services and missions and include housing, homelessness, tenancy, health, community service, church and secular organisations and local Government.

Last Updated ( Thursday, 05 July 2007 )

Fortyfivedownstairs

Field of Interest:           Arts & Culture
Grant Recipient:           fortyfivedownstairs
Project:                        Performance and Exhibition Venue
MCF Sub-fund:             Hartline

fortyfivedownstairs was established in 2001 to provide a versatile and interesting space for performance, exhibitions, forums and music.

Situated in a former factory, and gallery, in Flinders Lane, Melbourne, fortyfivedownstairs offers a home for innovative, original performance in music, dance, drama and physical theatre. Its aim is to support artists and performers by providing an affordable city venue and to bring higher visibility and new audiences to companies which are creating some of the most innovative new theatre in Australia, as well as to artists who are not involved in the commercial gallery network.

Last Updated ( Thursday, 05 July 2007 )