Collective giving is gaining real momentum in Australia, with Giving Circles emerging as a powerful way for individuals to come together, pool resources, and drive meaningful social change.
To harness this momentum and mark its 20th anniversary, national not-for-profit Fitted for Work is proud to launch its inaugural Giving Circle, an empowering new initiative that invites donors to join a purpose-driven community committed to creating lasting change for women and gender-diverse people.
When asked why being part of this Giving Circle is different to making a donation, Donna de Zwart, Fitted for Work’s Managing Director said, “When someone’s gives to Fitted for Work it’s personal, it’s because they either have lived experience or are close to someone who has.”
“This collective giving approach is opening a new avenue to engage more closely with our donors, not just as supporters, but as an active community directly involved in shaping Fitted for Work’s future and the impact we make together.”
By inviting donors into the decision-making process, Fitted for Work is strengthening relationships, building trust, and creating a more inclusive and transparent philanthropic culture.
By joining the Circle, members gain the opportunity to vote on how pooled funds are allocated, ensuring their values shape Fitted for Work’s collective impact. They also enjoy access to exclusive events, service tours, curated networking opportunities, regular impact updates, and direct engagement with their leadership and frontline teams offering a unique behind-the-scenes experience. For more details on how the Giving Circle will operate, join the Giving Circle online launch event or check out the Fitted for Work website.
As an organisation dedicated to empowering women and gender-diverse people, Fitted for Work has supported more than 48,000 clients over the past two decades, helping them build confidence, resilience, and the job-readiness skills needed to thrive. Their services break down barriers to employment, transform lives, and create pathways to economic independence.
Fitted for Work’s clients represent a broad spectrum of human experience, including women and gender-diverse people who have faced significant barriers to employment. This includes individuals who have experienced domestic and family violence, homelessness, long-term unemployment, mental health challenges, disability, or have been impacted by the criminal justice system, among other complex life circumstances.
Fitted for Work’s work is driven by the belief that when women are supported to succeed, the ripple effect benefits everyone.
“We believe that when you’re fitted for work, you’re fitted for life,” says Donna de Zwart, Fitted for Work’s Managing Director.
A recent report by Mandala Partners examined the economic and social impact of Fitted for Work over the past 20 years, revealing the organisation’s services reduce job search duration by at least 48 per cent compared to the national average. Clients reported finding employment, on average, within just 13 weeks of engaging with Fitted for Work’s support, highlighting the effectiveness of their tailored, confidence-building approach to job readiness. The report found that for every dollar invested, Fitted for Work generates $2.19 in social and economic benefits, underscoring the tangible value of their work in creating lasting change.
While recent progress, such as a narrowing the gender pay gap and increased full-time employment for women is encouraging, many of the individuals accessing Fitted for Work’s services are still being left behind. These are the women and gender-diverse people who often fall through the cracks of mainstream support systems.
As the cost of living continues to rise and the challenges faced by clients grow more complex, Fitted for Work has responded by building a dedicated, tailored, and specialised support model that meets clients where they are and empowers them to move forward with confidence.
“This vital work is only possible thanks to the generosity and commitment of our philanthropic and corporate partners, whose support helps us create lasting change,” says de Zwart.
For clients like Monica, the support from Fitted for Work was nothing short of transformative.
A migrant to Australia, Monica unexpectedly found herself out of work, and as her self-esteem began to suffer, she discovered Fitted for Work.
“Fitted for Work gave me back my confidence. It gave me back my self-worth. It made me feel like I could achieve anything,” she said.
The online launch for the Fitted for Work Giving Circle will take place on the 25th September, 5pm-6pm AEST. Clients such as Monica will be sharing the impact Fitted for Work has had on her life, how Fitted for Work helped her rebuild her confidence and reclaim her place in the workforce.
“I am excited to see this new initiative take shape, with the support of our dedicated Steering Committee we are really proud of what we are creating and warmly invite anyone seeking a deeper, more meaningful way to give and connect with Fitted for Work’s purpose and a community that share in the same values, to join us for the launch,” says Head of Philanthropy at Fitted for Work, Liz Trewhella.
Join the national launch event, online on 25th September from 5pm to 6pm AEST and be part of a movement that’s transforming lives. Register here.
Head to the Fitted for Work website to learn more about how you can become a member today: Fitted For Work Giving Circle – Fitted For Work.