ETC Community Support Fund: $400,000 Given Back In 2026

Employment & Training

Driving Real Impact at a Local Level Through the ETC Community Support Fund

At ETC, we believe strong communities create better opportunities for everyone. That's why we continue to invest in initiatives that deliver meaningful, local impact.

Through the ETC Community Support Fund in 2026, we've awarded $400,000 to 16 not-for-profit community organisations across Queensland and New South Wales. This brings our total given back to $3.4 million since 2012!

Each funded organisation is working on the ground to address some of the most pressing challenges facing local communities. These include homelessness, food insecurity, youth disadvantage, social isolation and barriers to employment.

From mentoring programs and employment pathways to food relief and outreach services, these initiatives offer practical support where it's needed most. Importantly, every project is shaped by local knowledge, ensuring it responds to the unique needs of each community.

The ETC Community Support Fund focuses on backing organisations already embedded in our regions. By doing this, we help expand services, strengthen support networks and create new opportunities for people to move forward.

Behind every project is a real opportunity for change. Whether it's building skills, gaining support or finding a sense of belonging, these initiatives are helping people take positive steps towards a brighter future.

The Following 16 Recipients Were Successful in Securing Funding in 2026

Agape Outreach Inc. (North Coast/Gold Coast) – $40,000

Agape Outreach supports people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage through practical assistance, case management and pathways to greater independence. With funding from ETC, the organisation will deliver a stability and skills pathway program across the Gold Coast and North Coast. As a result, participants will be supported to build confidence, develop skills and access employment opportunities.


Eats 4 The Streets (Somerset) - $10,000

Eats 4 The Streets provides food relief and support to people experiencing hardship in the Somerset region. Thanks to ETC funding, the organisation will purchase new refrigeration equipment to expand its mobile food outreach service and support more people in need.


Grainery Care (Hunter) - $10,000

Grainery Care supports people facing barriers to employment through training, mentoring and community-based programs. ETC funding will help deliver the Community Pathways to Employment program, combining hospitality training, job readiness activities and wrap-around support to assist participants into work.


Helping Our Homies (Wivenhoe) - $40,000

Helping Our Homies provides outreach and practical support to people experiencing homelessness and hardship in the Ipswich region. With funding from ETC, the organisation will purchase a new vehicle to expand the delivery of food, essential supplies and support services to those who need them most.


Hope Ventures (Somerset) - $20,000

Hope Ventures works alongside families to build resilience, strengthen connections, and create positive futures. Through ETC funding, the organisation will deliver a family mentoring program that supports parents to build confidence, develop new skills and establish stronger family foundations.


Inala Community House (Wivenhoe) - $10,000

Inala Community House provides a range of community programs and support services for individuals and families experiencing disadvantage. ETC funding will support the purchase of new refrigeration equipment, increasing the organisation's ability to store and distribute fresh produce to people experiencing food insecurity.


Oldies Angels (Wide Bay Sunshine Coast) - $20,000

Oldies Angels supports vulnerable members of the community through practical assistance and food relief initiatives. With support from ETC, the organisation will undertake facility upgrades to enhance its School Lunch Program, helping ensure more students have access to nutritious meals.


Our Neighbourhood (Ipswich Connect) (Wivenhoe) - $30,000

Our Neighbourhood is a community-led organisation focused on strengthening social connections and improving outcomes for vulnerable people across the Ipswich region. ETC funding will support the Side-by-Side initiative, helping young people transitioning from youth detention access mentoring, employment pathways and positive community connections.


Picabeen Community Centre (Somerset) - $40,000

Picabeen Community Centre supports individuals and families experiencing hardship through a range of community services and development programs. With funding from ETC, the organisation will expand its Future Ready Initiative, helping vulnerable young people and job seekers build life skills, financial resilience and pathways to employment.


Riding for the Disabled Association Kempsey (Mid North Coast) - $35,000

Riding for the Disabled Association delivers equine-assisted programs that support people of all ages and abilities to build confidence, skills and social connection. ETC funding will assist the organisation to replace critical flood-damaged infrastructure, allowing more resources to be redirected into programs supporting jobseekers and community engagement.


ShoreTrack (Mid North Coast) - $45,000

ShoreTrack supports young people facing barriers to employment through mentoring, training and work readiness programs. Thanks to ETC funding, the organisation will expand its operations with new equipment and a vehicle, creating more traineeship and work experience opportunities for young people on the Mid North Coast.


Strength Potential Inc (Wide Bay Sunshine Coast) - $20,000

Strength Potential Inc delivers programs that empower men to build resilience, connection and personal growth. With support from ETC, the organisation will deliver an eight-week program focused on identity, purpose and belonging, helping participants develop greater confidence and wellbeing.


The Acorn Pantry (Wivenhoe) - $15,000

The Acorn Pantry provides affordable food and practical support to individuals and families experiencing financial hardship. ETC funding will assist with the fit-out of a new shop space, expanding access to affordable groceries and increasing the organisation's capacity to serve the Ipswich community.


The Women's Shelter Armidale (New England) - $10,000

The Women's Shelter Armidale provides crisis accommodation, support services and pathways to safety for women and young people experiencing vulnerability. Through ETC funding, the organisation will support the Trackside youth hub, helping provide accommodation, food and essential support services for young people in the New England region.


Vibe Care (Gold Coast) - $45,000

Vibe Care supports people experiencing hardship through practical assistance, community outreach and connection to essential services. With funding from ETC, the organisation will purchase a vehicle to help transport people to job interviews and employment opportunities, while also delivering food and essential supplies throughout the community.


Youth Outreach (Gold Coast) - $10,000

Youth Outreach supports vulnerable and disadvantaged young people through housing, mentoring and wellbeing programs. ETC funding will assist with the fit-out of the organisation's Micro Housing Community, creating safe and welcoming spaces for young people taking their first steps toward independence.


A Commitment That Continues to Grow

ETC is 'With Community, In Community, For Community'.

Since 2012, we've contributed more than $3.4 million to community organisations through the ETC Community Support Fund, including $2.4 million in the past five years alone. This ongoing investment reflects our commitment to supporting positive social and economic outcomes across the regions we serve.

Over time, this funding has supported hundreds of grassroots initiatives. More importantly, it has helped local organisations respond to emerging needs and deliver lasting impact where it matters most.

Through these 16 projects, local organisations are creating opportunities, fostering inclusion and strengthening community connections. ETC is proud to support the people and programs making a real difference in their communities.

From improving access to food and essential services to creating pathways to employment, our recipients are breaking down barriers and building resilience. In doing so, they're strengthening the social fabric of their communities and creating benefits that extend well beyond the individuals they support.

Investing in Positive Change

The ETC Community Support Fund is about more than funding. It's about backing local organisations that understand their communities and are leading change from the ground up.

Our support helps organisations to:

  • Expand essential services
  • Upgrade facilities and infrastructure
  • Launch or grow social enterprises
  • Deliver innovative, community-led programs

Each project reflects the unique priorities of its community, but they all share a common purpose: creating stronger futures for the people they support.

Whether it's helping a young person build confidence, supporting a family through a difficult time, improving access to food, or creating new pathways to employment, each initiative is making a meaningful difference.

Above all, these projects are creating opportunities for people to thrive.

We congratulate all 16 recipients and look forward to sharing their stories throughout the year ahead.

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