Schools in Philanthropy: Inspiring the Next Generation of Community Leaders

Since 2022, the Hobsons Bay Community Fund (HBCF) has proudly partnered with Bayside College in Williamstown to deliver the Philanthropy in Schools program for Year 9 students. The initiative forms a key part of the students’ extended learning about community, helping them understand the real impact of giving.

Learning the Meaning of Philanthropy

Throughout the program, students explore the many forms of philanthropy—financial giving, donating goods, and volunteering—and consider how each contributes to stronger, more connected communities.

A highlight of the program is the hands-on grantmaking activity. Students assess three real grant applications from local organisations, then work together to award a $500 student-directed grant to the project they believe will have the greatest impact in Hobsons Bay.

Community Visits Bring Learning to Life

To deepen their understanding, students visit local community organisations to learn about projects. This year, the students visited:

Each organisation shared the work they do to support, educate and strengthen the community. Students were impressed by the passion, commitment and outcomes they witnessed at every site.

And the winner is…..

While all three applicants demonstrated strong community benefit, students unanimously voted to award the $500 grant to the LCIS “Go Bags” project. The project equips community members in crisis with essential items, offering immediate, practical support when it’s needed most.

Students took their role seriously, expressing that they wished they could fund all three programs. This led to an important real-world lesson: in competitive funding environments, even excellent projects cannot all receive support.

Building a Culture of Participation

The program aims not only to educate students about philanthropy but to encourage them to see themselves as contributors to their community—now and into the future. One student captured this beautifully, reflecting:

“These organisations can make a big good impact on people in Hobsons Bay, if we only participate.”

Students, HBCF Committee members and Emily Wright from LCIS at the final Schools in Philanthropy session

Request for Sponsorship: Schools in Philanthropy Program

The Schools in Philanthropy program is currently delivered through the generous contributions of time of HBCF committee volunteers, and the valued support of Bayside College teachers.

We are now seeking a Naming Partner to help ensure the program’s long-term sustainability and growth. A sponsorship contribution for 2026 would strengthen the program's administrative capacity and enable us to expand its reach—bringing the benefits of hands-on philanthropy education to even more students across Hobsons Bay.

Your partnership would not only support a proven, high-impact learning experience but also help nurture the next generation of local community-minded leaders.

If you would like to discuss this opportunity, please contact us at Contact@hbcommunityfund.org.au

Students, HBCF Committee members and Emily Wright from LCIS at the final Schools in Philanthropy session

Students announce Laverton Community Integrated Services (LCIS) the recipient of the $500 grant award in their final Schools in Philanthropy session

 

Schools in Philanthropy students visit the U3A Williamstown “Not too old” Art Exhibition project

 

Schools in Philanthropy students at the Jawbone Nature reserve hearing about the Friends of Williamstown Wetlands “ Restoring Nature, Reconnecting Community” project

 

Emily and Naheed from LCIS talk to Schools in Philanthropy students about “Respect & Relief: Culturally Inclusive Food and Crisis Go Bags “ project