A new community-led giving initiative, the Hunter Community Fund, will officially launch on 31 October 2026 at the Carrington Bowling Club in Newcastle. Designed to increase regional charitable giving, the volunteer-run giving circle supports both local Newcastle and Hunter-based charities as well as global initiatives evaluated by charity assessor GiveWell.
The launch aligns with the Federal Government’s national objective to double Australian philanthropy by 2030 and follows the release of Philanthropy Australia’s report, Giving Together: The Power and Potential of Collective Giving in Australia. The research indicates that collective giving circles increase long-term individual donor contributions and foster broader civic engagement.
The Hunter Community Fund operates by pooling tax-deductible micro-donations of $1 per day ($30 per month or annual equivalent) from local residents and businesses. Members directly nominate regional charities, with grant recipients selected via a popular member vote to deliver non-restricted financial support to community organisations.
Founder of the Hunter Community Fund, Ethan Andrews stated that the initiative was created to address declining national donation rates alongside rising demand for charitable services.
“Giving to causes you care about and people that aren’t as fortunate as you is a part of belonging to the community. I love the Hunter and am incredibly fortunate to call this region home. When I read that the rates of Australians donating to charity was in decline, and at the same time charities were experiencing unprecedented demand, I felt compelled to do something,” Ethan said.
“The Hunter Community Fund is a volunteer-run giving circle. Donations are tax deductible for businesses and individuals, but we are not a charity ourselves. We exist solely to fund charities, and we ask for a modest contribution from members – just $1 per day – to encourage people to join us.
“Members can contribute monthly or once per year, and then get the opportunity to nominate their favourite local charity. We then decide who we will fund through a member vote. We also donate based on the recommendations of GiveWell, an organisation that reviews the most cost-effective charities.
“It is easy to wonder how much impact your donation to a charity can have, and how effectively it is being used. By donating with others through the Hunter Community Fund, your $1 per day gets pooled into grants worth thousands of dollars that support charities headquartered in our region, as well as the most cost-effective charities in the world.
“If you have some discretionary income, you probably won’t miss $1 per day, but along with other donors from your community you could have a significant impact on the lives of people in need. Take a look at our website, or come along to the launch at Carrington Bowling Club to meet some of our members.”
The public launch event takes place at 10:00am on Saturday 31 October 2026 at Carrington Bowling Club, 1C Cowper Street, Carrington.
IMAGE | Hunter Community Fund launches collective giving circle to drive regional philanthropy
