░A░F░L░ ░R░E░P░O░R░T░
𝐀𝐅𝐋 𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓: Collingwood Football Club Community Foundation Commits $8 Million to Support Community Members
The Collingwood Football Club Community Foundation has taken a bold step forward in its mission to support and empower the broader community, announcing an $8 million investment into a range of social programs designed to drive meaningful change.
In a statement released earlier this week, the Foundation confirmed the funds will be allocated across multiple key focus areas including mental health, education, youth engagement, and diversity and inclusion. The initiative aligns with Collingwood’s deep-rooted philosophy that a football club’s responsibility extends well beyond the field, and that true success includes enriching the lives of those it serves.
Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly said the announcement reflects the club’s long-term vision for community impact:
> “This investment reinforces Collingwood’s role as a pillar of support for the people around us. Whether it’s through health programs, education pathways, or initiatives that foster belonging and inclusion, our goal is to create opportunities that make a lasting difference.”
The $8 million fund will be distributed over several years, supporting both existing initiatives and new projects co-designed with local organisations and stakeholders. These include mental health support services, school mentoring programs, Indigenous cultural awareness initiatives, and inclusive sporting opportunities for people of all backgrounds and abilities.
One standout program receiving renewed funding is Magpie Nest, a long-running collaboration between the Collingwood Foundation and The Salvation Army, which provides housing and support services for individuals experiencing homelessness. Since its inception, Magpie Nest has housed hundreds of individuals, offering stability, dignity, and a chance to rebuild.
In addition to direct support services, part of the funding will also go toward building infrastructure for community spaces and expanding outreach in underrepresented communities. The Foundation is also exploring new partnerships with educational institutions and health providers to increase its long-term impact.
Community Foundation Manager Sarah Lacy highlighted the collaborative approach driving the initiative:
> “We’re working closely with community leaders and service providers to ensure this investment reflects real needs. This is about listening, learning, and working together to create solutions that truly matter.”
The announcement has been met with widespread praise, including from AFL leadership, who lauded Collingwood’s commitment to community responsibility and social inclusion. With this significant financial pledge, the Collingwood Football Club Community Foundation is setting a powerful example for how professional sports organisations can be a force for good in society.
As the programs unfold, the club has promised transparency and regular updates, ensuring the community remains at the heart of everything they do.