The Power of Collective Giving
By Zoe Waters, Executive Director, Barwon Health Foundation
Some of the most meaningful changes in our community have not been driven by a single act of generosity, but by people coming together around a shared purpose.
At the Barwon Health Foundation, ‘Giving Circles’ are built on this simple yet powerful idea: when individuals unite their philanthropy, they can create an impact far greater than any one person could achieve alone.
For more than a decade, Giving Circles have played an important role in supporting the delivery of healthcare at Barwon Health.
In 2015, the Foundation launched the Leadership Circle, bringing together a group of visionary supporters committed to funding research and clinical trials at Barwon Health. Eleven years on, their collective generosity continues to support the acceleration of innovation, helping clinicians and researchers pursue research and innovation. This year, the Circle chose to contribute $140,000 towards seed funding for research - helping ideas become research questions.
More recently, hundreds of local people joined together to establish the Lasting Legacy Giving Circle. Together, they created a permanent endowment fund that will support care delivered by Barwon Health’s Cancer Services. This year, earnings from the fund have helped provide oncology wellness programs that bring comfort, dignity and support to local people.
These initiatives demonstrate what can be achieved when philanthropy becomes a shared endeavour.
In February, the Foundation was proud to launch its newest Giving Circle as part of the Barwon Women’s and Children’s Appeal. This Circle of Care brings together families, businesses, community groups and individuals who share a vision for exceptional healthcare for future generations.
Each member joins a growing community of supporters who understand that meaningful change happens when many people contribute what they can towards a common goal.
The symbolism of the Circle of Care is reflected in its design. Each circle represents an individual act of generosity. Interwoven together, they create something stronger, more connected and more powerful than any one circle could achieve on its own. Together, they form a collective giving community united by a shared commitment to Barwon Health and the care provided to local women, children and families.
Funds raised through the Circle of Care will support the “above and beyond” elements of Barwon Women’s and Children’s, building on the more than $500 million Government investment in healthcare infrastructure to further enhance patient comfort, drive innovation, and fund leading-edge equipment; creating welcoming environments.
Importantly, Giving Circles offer more than the opportunity to make a gift.
As our region continues to grow, so too does the need for quality healthcare close to home. The challenges ahead will benefit from a community willing to stand together and invest in a healthier future for generations to come.
We invite you to join the Barwon Health Foundation Giving Circles and become part of a growing collective of local people supporting investment in Barwon Health. Whether your passion is advancing research, supporting care, or helping deliver the very best for women and children, there is a place for you within our circle.
Together, we can support Barwon Health in a way that no single person or family or organisation could achieve alone. Together, we can create a legacy that will improve lives for generations to come.
To learn more about joining a Giving Circle, please visit www.barwonhealthfoundation.org.au. We would be delighted to welcome you into our Circle of Care.
