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Ever since the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) was founded in 1864 it has played an important role in the community, bringing people together for the benefit of local organisations, charities, and individuals as a force for good.

A not-for-profit organisation

The Lexus Melbourne Cup is the People’s Cup and as its custodians, the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) is proud to use its position as a leading not-for-profit sporting organisation to help the people who need it most. The VRC aims to have a social impact of more than $2 million each year, ensuring that its operations have a positive effect on the wider community. This includes large scale charitable activities such as Pin & Win, which has raised more than $7.4 million since it was introduced in 1995, to small scale donations and initiatives in our local community.


Current community initiatives

Victoria Racing Club has a long and proud history of supporting the community through a number of community programs.


Charity Programs

We partner with charities and organisations that share our values and conduct programs for the betterment of our community’s wellbeing.


Our community priorities

Social Impact

Social Impact

  • Maximise reach for each dollar invested in Community Connector programs.
  • $2 million per annum contribution to charitable, industry and social causes through VRC activities.
Equine Welfare

Equine Welfare

  • Commit to deliver the Equine Welfare initiatives via the VRC Equine Wellbeing Fund.
  • Continued investment in post-racing careers through our partnership with Living Legends.
  • Prioritising the safety of all horses across all races at Flemington.
Our Environment

Our Environment

  • Achieve an 85% diversion rate from landfill.
  • A 50% reduction in total waste.
  • Be 100% powered by renewable energy.
  • A carbon neutral organisation.
Our People

Our People

  • Clear corporate social responsibilities for leaders and key roles.
  • Rolling three-year diversity plans and assessments.
  •  Strengthen the industry through employment pathways.

Important information

This charter was established to uphold the Club’s corporate values and provide a visible framework for the assessment of applications made to the VRC.

Objectives

  • To support charities that are aligned with the VRC’s corporate values.
  • To support causes in the local area.
  • To increase and diversify sources of fundraising.
  • To utilise existing VRC resources and events to provide promotional leverage to approved charities where appropriate.
  • To conduct all charitable activities effectively and efficiently so as to minimise expenses and maximise funds raised.
  • To obtain stakeholder support for the VRC’s charitable activities.
  • To utilise the iconic status of the Melbourne Cup - ‘the people’s race’ - as an envoy to assist in achieving positive social impacts.
  • To be ethical and responsible in our operations.

The VRC supports charitable organisations that can demonstrate alignment with our corporate values.

Levels of support Donations available Eligible recipients
Level 1 Tickets to be used for fundraising purposes - 2 x General Admission tickets for Mackinnon Stakes Day or Super Saturday

Local community (located within 5km of Flemington):

  • local schools
    local sporting clubs
  • not-for-profit organisations
  • Racing industry welfare
  • Animal welfare
Level 2 Pin & Win exclusive charity partnership

Appointed via tender process

All applications must be submitted by email on official letterhead to donations@vrc.net.au.

Each application will be assessed on its individual merit.

Limitations

The VRC is unable to support:

  • requests that are not in writing.
  • individuals or private enterprise.

Please note:

  • Support may be provided on a rotational basis. Year-on-year support may be declined to accommodate all requests.
  • Donation requests may not be processed during October and November due to peak activity and requests received via regular post may not receive a response.
  • Donation requests via email are preferred; all hard copy requests may not receive a response due to the number of requests received.

Applicants must read and understand the VRC Charity Charter.

All applications must submitted in writing on official letterhead to donations@vrc.net.au and adhere to the following requirements:

  • ABN to be clearly visible on the application (where applicable).
  • include a brief profile of the charity or organisation and its vision, mission and objectives.
  • include the date and format of the event to be held.
  • outline where the money raised would be spent.
  • do not include any materials other than those specifically requested.
  • sign and date the application.

Ronald MacDonald House Charities Victoria and Tasmania is the VRC’s Pin & Win charity partner for 2024 and 2025. Please refer to our Pin & Win page for information on this year's campaign.

To express interest in future Pin & Win partnership opportunities with the Victoria Racing Club, please email community@vrc.net.au