Over the past year, we engaged with community organisations across the west to understand aspirations for the region and start conversations of what it would take to shape a future where all communities thrive. In response, Greater Melbourne Foundation designed a funding round aimed to support community collaborations by providing dedicated funding for the ‘time and space’ that holds them together. Kerry Farrance, the Foundation’s general manager for programs and social impact said, “Community organisations have shared with us that collaboration, coordination and shared learning are essential but too often unfunded. “When organisations are working in crisis or survival mode, it is difficult to invest time in blue-sky thinking or long-term systems change. Yet it is this connective tissue that enables communities not just to respond to immediate need, but to shape a stronger future.” Phase One of this work is designed to connect and support a collaboration of community organisations across Melbourne’s west. This first phase will focus on strengthening relationships, enabling collaboration, and creating the time and space to explore shared aspirations and identify opportunities to work differently together. “This marks a new direction for the Foundation and what community philanthropy can and should be. Rather than funding individual programs alone, we are investing in the infrastructure of connection, supporting the systems, trust and shared leadership that already exists within communities.” As a community foundation, the Foundation continues to work on what its role and responsibility within the broader community sector ecosystem should be. “Our approach to effective, community philanthropy is evolving to ensure we support community-led change and enable networks to flourish by providing flexible support, embracing thoughtful risk taking, and backing the connective tissue that makes impact possible. Phase One is just the beginning. Additional organisations will be invited to join as the initiative grows, expanding the network and strengthening collective capacity across the region. “At its heart, this work is about listening and responding. Community has asked philanthropy to fund the space and time for organisations to connect, share, and develop collaborations. We are proud to take this step alongside our partners toward a more connected, resilient and aspirational future for Melbourne’s west,” said Kerry.