Inclusion recipients for 2025 QBE Foundation local grants

Through the QBE Foundation, we are working to help create strong, resilient and inclusive communities.

Each year community organisations based in Australia supporting programs across Australia , New Zealand and the Pacific are invited to apply for $50,000 grants, so that they can achieve the goals at the heart of their organisation.

In 2025, $600,000 was awarded to 12 community organisations across three categories: inclusion, climate resilience, and employee choice – supporting causes that are important to QBE’s people.

Four community organisations with a focus on inclusion received grants this year, helping to increase access to opportunities for people impacted by domestic and family violence, period poverty and unemployment.

Meet this year’s inclusion recipients

Friends with Dignity

Friends with Dignity is a volunteer-driven charity that partners with refuge and crisis centres to provide practical support and safe, welcoming homes for people affected by domestic and family violence. The program is there for everyone, including Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD), LGBTIQ+ and First Nations backgrounds.

“The grant will allow us to provide 13 fully furnished homes – all equipped with whitegoods, beds, linen, furniture and kitchenware – to help more people and families escape domestic violence,” said Manuela Whitford, Founder and CEO.

WithYouWithMe Academy

WithYouWithMe is a social impact tech company helping underemployed individuals find meaningful, future-proof careers in tech.

“Women make up less than a third of Australia’s tech workforce and the numbers are even lower for those from diverse or non-traditional backgrounds,” said Cia Kouparitsas, Chief Customer Officer, WithYouWithMe.

“The challenge often begins well before a job application. Many women simply don’t see themselves in tech because of the narrow image the sector still projects; while others don’t realise how their unique cognitive strengths and transferable skills already align with the core capabilities needed in the sector. This grant will help us broaden the image of what a career in technology looks like and show more women that they already have what it takes to thrive.”

The grant will be used to support WithWomen, a national initiative aiming to support 2,000 women – particularly those facing systemic barriers – establish careers in tech, offering free skills assessments, tailored digital training, and industry-recognised certifications, with ongoing support from career coaches. Funding will help scale the program and close the gender gap in Australia’s digital workforce.

TABOO Foundation

The TABOO Foundation is working to eliminate period poverty in Australia by distributing free period products to vulnerable groups, delivering menstrual health education, and advocating for menstrual equity. Their work is especially impactful for communities facing socioeconomic hardship and those underrepresented in health conversations.

“1 in 5 people who menstruate in Australia have struggled to afford period products,” said Eloise Hall, Managing Director and Co-Founder. “We want to change that. TABOO was started with a vision of creating a world free from period poverty. Where everyone, no matter their personal circumstance, has access to safe and dignified period care.”

The grant will help Taboo work towards its vision, starting with supporting menstrual health management across six remote First Nations schools in far north Queensland providing culturally safe period products for the young girls at these schools.

Image: TABOO Foundation staff, Eloise Hall (CEO) and Gabby Low (Public Health Lead).

The Warrior Woman Foundation

The Warrior Woman Foundation supports vulnerable young women, equipping them with the tools and confidence to thrive. Through mentorship, leadership programs, and holistic support, it aims to help young women overcome disadvantage, break cycles of poverty, and achieve their highest potential.

“The grant will help to fund our Young Warrior Woman Program helping young women build their confidence, financial literacy, and job readiness – which can lead to life-changing improvements in their wellbeing, education, and employment outcomes,” said Jessica Brown, Founder and CEO.

“Thanks to QBE Foundation’s grant, 30 young women aged 16-25 from disadvantaged areas in Western Sydney will be able to take part in this program.”

Find out more about the QBE Foundation local grants program.