Operating since 1887, The Queen’s Fund supports single women in Victoria who need emergency financial relief due to family violence, mental illness, or medical issues by providing grants of up to $350.
We work with social workers from 160 welfare agencies across Victoria who are in the best position to determine how to help the woman in need. They continue to support her after our emergency relief has been provided.
We are different because we can provide flexible financial support that considers the personal and unique circumstances of each applicant to create the most impact, paying for things like rent, household bills, transport or refurbished computers for education often within 24 hours if needed.
Our committee is unpaid and we have very low overheads. Any overheads we do have are covered by a historical bequest. This means 100% of the money donated goes to the women and children who need it most.
Single women, particularly those with children, remain one of the groups in our society who are most in need of support. And the need is growing.
Women continue to be more likely be living below the poverty line. This outcome is due to women tending to have lower employment rates and lower wages than men, paired with a greater caring role for both children and family members.