The information on these pages will help you determine if your organisation is eligible to apply for a grant from the Ross Trust and should allow you to see how we might work together to create positive social change so Victorians can thrive.

If you would like to know how the Ross Trust generates its income for distribution as charitable grants, please read our fact sheet and governance information.

Our Granting Focus for FY25/26: Advancing Educational Equity Across Victoria

At the Ross Trust, we believe every young person deserves an education that supports their identity, potential and connection to community—no matter who they are or where they live. But across Victoria, many children and young people still face unfair barriers to learning. These challenges are especially acute for First Nations students, those in out-of-home care, young people in contact with the justice system, those living in regional and rural areas, school-avoidant and neurodiverse learners, and young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds.

What We Will Fund

  • Prioritise equity by focusing on those furthest from opportunity
  • Support community-led solutions, especially in regional Victoria
  • Back flexible and inclusive learning models that re-engage young people
  • Strengthen systems and workforce capacity to better support students
  • Amplify community voice and drive policy change

Where We Focus

We invest in communities with community-led, collaborative solutions and strong local leadership—including the Mornington Peninsula, South-West Coast, Central Victoria, and Outer West Melbourne.

How We Fund

Our approach is grounded in trust-based philanthropy. We offer multi-year, flexible support, keep processes streamlined and transparent, and build respectful, long-term partnerships. We’re here to walk alongside our grantees—not just fund them.

All grants are by invitation only. If you wish to express initial interest, please contact us.

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  • Exclusions

    There are a range of grant exclusions which mean an organisation will not qualify for funding by the Ross Trust.

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  • Terms of engagement

    Once you receive a grant, there are a few things we need your help with.

    Learn more