Magical million-dollar mark of support passed by Albany Community Foundation

Less than a decade after its launch, the Albany Community Foundation has donated more than $1 million back to the community. The foundation was established in 2014 as a charitable organisation driven by the desire to improve the lives of Albany residents experiencing hardship by meeting funding gaps and offering a helping hand. Since then it has given more than $445,000 to front-line community services agencies, which have delivered on a commitment to pass 100 per cent of the funds on to individuals and families through the purchases of items to maintain a basic standard of living. Anglicare WA has been one of the main partner agencies of ACF. Great Southern service manager Joanna Fictoor said ACF had been a “game changer”. “The support ACF provides to our services and the families we support is invaluable,” she said. “Without ACF, many families would remain struggling and just surviving, but with ACF’s help, we now have an ever-increasing number of families thriving in our community. “The efficiency of the application process allows for timely outcomes, which is important when delivering crisis services.” It has also given funds to schools, sporting clubs and community appeals as well as providing support directly to families and individuals. ACF chair Tae Woods said the foundation was proud to give back to the community in a meaningful way. “We believe everyone should have a fair go in our community and by supporting the most disadvantaged we are doing our bit to level the playing field,” he said. “We are most grateful to all of our donors and supporters for helping us make this happen.” ACF’s current focus is on helping to address the impacts of homelessness and the cost-of-living crisis.