Support foster care with your donation.
Foster carers are vital. Without them children can miss out on the consistent, compassionate care they so desperately need. Your donation to foster care helps us back our carers, advocate for better outcomes, and give every child the chance to heal and grow.
Fundraising
Why foster care support is essential.
Every child deserves a safe, stable, and nurturing home. But right now, across Victoria and Tasmania, there simply aren’t enough foster carers to meet the growing need, and not enough resources to fully support those already stepping up.
Children entering foster care have often experienced trauma, instability, and loss. They may arrive with nothing but a small bag of belongings. Carers step in with open arms, but the challenges are real. From accessing specialist healthcare and counselling, to navigating complex behavioural needs and staying connected with birth families, the demands are significant.
Foster care is more than just shelter. It’s guidance, love, and a fresh start. But to truly thrive, foster children and the carers who open their hearts and homes to them need support—practical, emotional, and financial. That’s where you come in.
Your donations for foster families can help bridge the gap, offering vital assistance where it’s needed most.
How your donation makes a difference
Your foster care donations help fund essential services for families, including:
- Training for new foster carers
- Trauma-informed counselling and therapy
- Ongoing support and training for foster carers and children
- Respite programs to give carers a break when needed
- Emergency essentials like clothing, school supplies, or baby items.
Uniting's commitment to foster care
At Uniting Vic.Tas, we walk alongside carers and children every step of the way, offering wraparound support, 24/7 guidance, and programs tailored to individual needs. From short-term care to long-term placements, we’re committed to creating environments where kids feel safe, valued, and seen.
Advocacy, training and support
When you donate to foster care, you’re committing to long-term change. Your support helps Uniting to advocate for better policies, more sustainable funding, and stronger protections for children in care. We also provide ongoing training and support to carers, helping them respond with skill and compassion, even in the toughest moments.
The impact of your support
Thanks to generous donors, children in care are finding their voices. Carers feel equipped to provide loving and practical care. Your support doesn’t just help kids survive; it helps them thrive.
Hear the real story
Open your heart to fostering.
You don’t know how good it is until you do it. I’m not going to lie, it can be very hard but it’s so worth it. I have grown immensely since becoming a foster carer.
Hear the real story
Giving children the future they deserve.
Foster Care
“When she came in, she was very shy, very quiet but now she’s just part of our family. Every day is rewarding for all of us. She’s a beautiful child.”
Hear the real story
Linda and Craig’s inspiring journey as foster carers.
Foster care is just like having your own children, you’re giving kids what they need in life.
Hear the real story
Natalie’s story.
In the community
Hear the real story
Helping children to thrive.
Jill, Foster Carer
I was single, I had a spare bedroom and I was working part-time. I felt like I was in a good position to become a foster carer
Hear the real story
Providing a home away from home.
Geordie and Matt, Foster Carers
We decided not to take on long-term care because we both work full time. We decided respite care would be better suited to us
Hear the real story
Respite carers provide vital break.
Bec, Foster Carer
I’ve made the choice not to have children of my own because I enjoy my independence, but I’ve always enjoyed being around children
Hear the real story
A personal connection leads Ben to foster caring.
Ben, Foster Carer
One of the reasons I decided to go down this path is because my mum was in care when she was younger
Ways to contribute
Every single gift counts. One-time foster home donations help cover urgent needs like clothing for a new placement or therapy for a child in distress.
Monthly donations allow us to plan ahead, sustain key programs, and offer consistent and long term support to those who rely on us.
We’re always looking for more compassionate people to join our foster care community. Learn more about becoming a foster carer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are donations to affordable housing programs tax-deductible?
Yes. Donations over $2 are tax-deductible, and you’ll be emailed a receipt for your records.
Can I donate items instead of money?
Yes—new clothing, toiletries, toys, and school supplies are always welcome. You can donate non-perishable food and toiletries to Food For Families. If you have clothing, used toys and school supplies, you can donate to Uniting Op Shops. Or if you have new toys or gifts, you can donate to our Gifts For Families program around Christmas time.
How does Uniting use my donation?
Donations are used within our foster care programs, to help cover child care needs, carer training and counselling.
Are there volunteer opportunities available?
Yes. The most impactful way to volunteer is by becoming a foster carer, but there are other meaningful ways to volunteer. Every role—big or small—helps create a stronger, more supportive foster care system.
Can I leave a bequest to support foster care?
Absolutely. A bequest to Uniting allows you to extend your compassion and generosity beyond your lifetime, helping provide ongoing support to foster carers. Whether you choose to leave a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or a residual gift, your contribution will help change lives.
Other ways to support us
Get involved today to create a brighter future.
Together, we can make a difference.