A group of Bayside College Williamstown Campus Year 9 students has taken a close look at the process of how to allocate grants to community organisations.
As part of the Schools in Philanthropy program, the Hobsons Bay Community Fund [HBCF] engaged with Bayside College to help the students develop awareness about local social issues, learn about community leadership, philanthropy and the work of the HBCF.
Through the program, the students had five options for local community groups in need of extra funding and were required to decide which organisation would receive an extra $500 through the HBCF.
HBCF committee member Julie du Plessis said about 20 students took part in the program and decided to award the $500 to the Williamstown Community and Education Centre [WCEC] for the delivery of its ongoing education programs to local asylum seekers and refugees.
“There was a big debate,” she said.
The program involved the students assessing grant applications, interviewing representatives from the community organisations and making values-based judgements about these applications.
Team leader Maria Molnar said the program helped shine a light on how non-profit organisations provide essential services to people in need and how valuable grants are to these organisations.
Fellow team leader Alexandra Rudinas said the program was a fun and enlightening experience.
“We’ve thoroughly enjoyed the program knowing that we are assisting those who are struggling, helping them get back onto their feet,” she said.
WCEC chief executive Mark Brophy said the program was another linkage between their organisation and the broader community.
“I think it’s a great initiative,” he said.
“It’s good to get youths involved.”
Matthew Sims
