What is Hands Across Canberra?
Hands Across Canberra is the ACT’s community foundation.
- We raise funds for Canberra’s most vulnerable people.
- We invest the money to make it grow
- We give it back in grants.
Community foundations are about giving where you live, for the long-term benefit and enhancement of a community.
Hands Across Canberra is only 13 years old but community foundations in Canada, the United States and New Zealand have become powerful tools for giving grants and making investments in their community’s future, sometimes for a century or more.
Canberra is the most generous community in Australia. With your help, big or small, we can make a lasting, transformative difference for all our neighbours and friends right here where we live.
Make
an Impact
There are many ways you can contribute to Hands Across Canberra and it’s network of community organisations. You can give your time and talent through volunteering, attending events, spreading the word about the work of organisations, or running fund-raising events and activities. There are also a range of ways to donate funds, such as directly through one-off donations, regular contributions such as workplace giving programs or by participating in fund-raising activities and events.
You can give in several ways:
- Hands Across Canberra (fcsuite.com) at any time. This money funds our grants to 350 local charities.
- Donate to the charity of your choice through our platform
- Establish a named fund, distributing interest each year to causes you care about. Named funds are professionally managed long term investments.
- Contact us to offer your services as a volunteer or a community partner.
Hands Across Canberra is delighted to receive generous support from the Commonwealth Bank's Civic and Manuka branches, as part of their CommBank Community Donation scheme.
We dropped in to meet Matt Leggett (Civic), Mary Dabinet (Manuka) and Clare (Civic).
Apparently giant cheques are no longer a thing, but good hearts and local giving never go out of style. #commbank #givewhereyoulive … See MoreSee Less
Nobody goes harder, tries more or generates energy like James Carter and his outstanding team at Carter + Co Agents.
Their recent bowls day at the Canberra Labor Club Group, Weston Creek, raised more than $40,000 for their named fund with Hands Across Canberra, as everyone had one hell of a good time on the greens.
Those funds form a critical part of our annual grants program, supporting thousands of Canberra locals, from those struggling with homelessness to the hungry, people hurting from violence or living with disability. They're our neighbours, our friends and they need our help.
But that’s not all, by a long shot. We call James our energiser bunny – he's in the middle of a literal marathon of marathons and 25 fitness events this year to raise funds and awareness for people who need a hand.
James, you are extraordinary – thank you to the whole Carter + Co Agents family. We couldn’t be happier to work with you on building a better and fairer Canberra for everyone. … See MoreSee Less
Hands Across Canberra is proud to be part of the 2026 Charity Partner Program led by the Canberra Raiders.
This initiative brings together a group of incredible organisations working across health, wellbeing, and community support, all connected through a shared goal of making a meaningful difference in our region.
Through the program, partners are supported to raise awareness, strengthen community connections, and grow their fundraising impact.
A powerful reminder of what is possible when sport, community, and purpose come together.
www.raiders.com.au/news/2026/03/18/raiders-foundation-launches-2026-charity-partner-program/ … See MoreSee Less