Catholic Diocese of Ballarat Foundation
Role
The Foundation is a response to changing needs within the Diocese. The Foundation was established in 1986 to raise funds to assist the Bishop fund the pastoral needs of the Diocese of Ballarat. The faith and generosity of earlier generations endowed us with churches, schools, presbyteries and other facilities. The present generation is faced with the challenge of providing services to the people of the Diocese amidst its changing demographic.
Goals of the Foundation
To financially assist the Diocese in its mission to grow Christ’s kingdom here on earth and the charitable works of the Diocese, and to provide for relief, support and comfort of those suffering from disadvantage within the Diocese: from unemployment; low income; age; physical or mental disability; language difficulties; or social or economic isolation.
The Foundation has its own rules, constitution and board of management; and operates as a distinct entity from general diocesan finances. It has grown and now holds net assets in excess of $14 million.
Donations
The Foundation relies on donations to continue to build its investment reserve to fund its activities. You can assist by making a donation (all donations, regardless of the amount, are gratefully received); through a pledge (individuals or families can choose to commit to a pledge of a chosen amount on a yearly basis, or for a set period of time); or a bequest via your will.
Donations to the Bishop’s Charitable Fund are tax-deductible.
Membership
Mr Adrian Tinetti (Chairperson), Ms Lucy Darcy (Deputy Chairperson), Bishop Paul Bird CSsR, Ms Juanita Bongiorno, Ms Gabe Driscoll, Mr Paul Ryan and Mr Andrew Black.
Meetings
The Foundation meets four times per annum.
Foundation Grants Forms
Following is the application form to apply for grants from the Foundation. An acquittal form must be submitted at the conclusion of the project.
2026 – School Community Improvement Grants
The Catholic Diocese of Ballarat Foundation, incorporating the Ballarat Catholic Bishop’s Charitable Fund (“Foundation”) will make funding available to six Catholic Primary Schools for new projects that aid in the improvement of the welfare of their community within the Diocese of Ballarat.
Up to $5,000 will be made available, per project, delivered during 2026. Any DOBCEL primary school within the diocese can apply for the grant through the grant process, as outlined in the grant application below.
Grants will be awarded to the six schools within the diocese that best meet the criteria for community improvement that show impactful support toward the mission and objectives of the Foundation. This includes, but not limited to, providing relief, comfort and support for those suffering disadvantage within the Diocese.
All proposals will be assessed and considered at a meeting of the Foundation in December 2025, with successful applicants being notified in late December 2025 and funds delivered in February 2026.
Grant applications will close on December 11, 2025. Schools are encouraged to contact the Foundation Secretary via email (foundation@ballarat.catholic.org.au) with any queries about the grant process.
In 2025 we award funds to many very worthy school projects across the Diocese. Those schools that were awarded funds in 2025 are free to re-apply for the 2026 grants.
The Catholic Diocese of Ballarat Foundation is a not-for-profit entity independent of the operations of the Diocese of Ballarat with its own board and constitution and incorporates the Ballarat Catholic Bishop’s Charitable Fund. The foundation has supported the needs of the individuals and families within the Ballarat Diocese for many decades and has contributed over $5 million in grants to the community in the last 10 years. The foundation distributes grants from investment returns and donations from the community. All tax-deductible donations made to the Ballarat Catholic Bishop’s Charitable Fund are most welcome and will help ensure the fund continues to support the people of the diocese for decades to come.
Contact Executive Officer
Mr Ross Wheatland
Diocesan Business Manager
PO Box 576
BALLARAT VIC 3353
Ph: (03) 5337 7126
Email: Foundation