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PARTNERSHIPS ..... SUPPORT ..... GRANTS .....
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
The Opening the Doors Foundation can only continue to operate into the future with the support of Donors, Supporters, Partners and Grants from other Trusts and Foundations.
This section is dedicated to some of those Partners and Supporters
St. Vincent de Paul Society
| ... officially began its partnership with the Foundation in 2004. The initial partnership is for a period of 5 years and the partnership funds the administration section of the Foundation and also commits a portion of the annual Funding to be directed to the students and families. Without this generosity, interest and support over the past two years (2004/2005) the Foundation would not have been able to develop its administration and build its financial base. As the administration of the Foundation is supported by St Vincent de Paul Society it allows all monies accumulated through fundraising to be allocated directly to the students and families. The Foundation and St. Vincent de Paul Society are forming bonds and partnerships that will enrich and enhance both organisations. |
Catholic Bishops of Victoria
| Currently 98% of our applications come from students enrolled in Catholic Educational Institutions in Victoria . (We hope that statistic changes as doors to Independent education continue to "open" for Indigenous students) Reflecting this, the Catholic Bishops of the four Victorian dioceses have provided strong financial support for the Foundation in 2004 and 2005. Such support is vital for our future. |
Portland House Foundation
...began its partnership with the Foundation in 2005 with a generous donation and the possibility of continuing partnership. Another exciting potential for the future of the Foundation! In the letter to us, Portland House stated: "We are pleased to contribute to a program which offers assistance to young Indigenous Victorian to attain their best in their education. Thank you for your partnership with the Portland House Foundation. I look forward to hearing of your progress during the coming year and congratulate you on the work of your organisation." Again, we look forward to the future in partnership.
It is with great excitement that we announce the continued support of Opening the Doors Foundation by Portland House Foundation for 2006 / 2007 with the offer of a very substantial grant. This is a great display of faith in the work of the Foundation by Portland House and the money will provide the opportunity for further development of the Foundation and well as ensure the continued support of young grant recipients throughout Victoria . |
Rio Tinto Aboriginal Foundation
| Lifting the retention rate of Senior Students in Rural Areas: 2005 and 2006 |
TELSTRA FOUNDATION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND
CONNECTIONS: A Pilot Project for rural Indigenous students in Victoria , seeking ways of offering appropriate mentoring and connecting opportunities for Years 7 - 12 students.
"I have great pleasure in advising that your request for funding for Year 1 of your Pilot Project has been approved."
Herb Elliott AC, MBE Chairman
This is a very exciting opportunity for the Foundation to work in collaboration with the Koorie Education Officer of the Ballarat Catholic Education Officer, Jeanette Morris, in providing connecting opportunities to Indigenous students in that Diocese. It is the hope of the Foundation that these exciting and innovative opportunities will encourage the successful participation of Indigenous students in the education process and most importantly will aid the retention rate beyond the post compulsory school age.
The Telstra Foundation Community Development Fund has offered the possibility of a second year of funding depending on the successful reporting of the first year of the pilot project. |
Lord Mayor's Charitable Fund
| 2004 & 2007: Reaching Those Closest To Us - Indigenous Students in the Metropolitan area |
Harry and Agnes Bugden
...have been supporters of the Foundation since its inception and, in fact, were its first major benefactors. Since 1991 Harry and Agnes supported the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry in Thornbury and when the Foundation was established in 2001 their belief in the power of education to change lives and address disadvantage led them to offer ongoing financial support that provided the Foundation with a financial base to build upon.
Agnes passed away in 2003 and Harry has continued his support and this year, 2005, made a contribution to the Foundation that will ensure its future viability. Their gifts are given freely, with "no strings attached" as Harry states. The simplicity and joy of their giving not only makes a difference to those students and families who rely on the Foundation for support, but is an inspiration to all who are touched by their faith and generosity. |
Sister Adele Gayford rgs
| ...entered God's Kingdom on 12 October 2005. Up until that date Adele had, since the beginning of the Foundation, sent a monthly cheque to the Foundation to "support the children and families in their education". Her giving out of her own simplicity and poverty with such joy and faithfulness had a powerful effect on all of us at the Foundation. At her Funeral Mass Adele's joy and faith in life was celebrated, and it is that joy, faith and generosity that the Foundation will continue to celebrate, appreciate and remember. |
Ethel May Woods Trust
| 2004: Making Camps (School and Leadership) accessible for Koori Kids |
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