Dignity and Grace: Support for Family Violence Survivors

CHARITABLE INITIATIVE · MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

Dignity

and Grace

Restoring choice, safety & dignity to women and children escaping family violence

A Shark Tank Pitch · 2026

THE PROBLEM

The Reality Behind

Closed Doors

Every day in Victoria, a woman or child lives in fear — and survival means leaving everything behind.

94,170

Family violence incidents in Victoria in 2023. That's one every 6 minutes.

74%

Of all family violence victims are women and girls

1 in 4

Women in Australia have experienced partner violence since age 15

78 women

Killed by gender-based violence across Australia in 2024

THE HUMAN COST

“They leave with nothing but the clothes on their backs and the children in their arms.”

Their Belongings

Women flee with no clothes, no essentials, no comfort items for their children.

Their Stability

Overnight, a family loses their home, their routine, and their sense of normalcy.

Their Dignity

Trauma strips away identity. Survivors no longer feel like they have the right to choose.

OUR SOLUTION

A Store Built on Dignity

We are creating a space where survivors walk into what feels like a real store — and choose the items they need, completely free of charge. With shopping bags, a checkout experience, and neatly displayed clothing for women and children.

Free clothing — donated AND brand-new retail items

A real checkout & shopping bag experience

Sections for women's wear and children's clothing

Because choosing matters. Because feeling normal matters.

WHY IT'S DIFFERENT

Charity Reimagined

We don't just hand out bags of clothing. We restore the power to choose.

Traditional Charity Model

Dignity and Grace

Pre-packed bags of random items

Survivors choose exactly what they need

No size or style consideration

Clothing organised by size, style, age

Feels like receiving handouts

Feels like shopping in a real store

Only second-hand donations

Mix of donated AND new retail clothing

No personal agency

Shopping bags, checkout, dignity restored

THE IMPACT

“It's about a mother seeing her child clothed, fed, and cared for. A moment of relief, hope, and humanity — when they need it most.”

Clothed with Dignity

Women leave with clothing chosen by them — not assigned to them.

Children Cared For

Kids receive age-appropriate clothing, giving mothers the priceless relief of seeing their child provided for.

A Fresh Start

The act of choosing, shopping, and carrying a bag home begins the journey of reclaiming identity.

OUR GROWTH PLAN

Starting Small. Dreaming Big.

Phase 1

Pop-Up Booths

Year 1–2

We launch with staffed charity booths in Melbourne shopping centres, selling donated goods and handmade items to the public. Revenue funds operations and builds brand awareness.

2–4 booths across Melbourne centres

Low overhead, high visibility

Community donation drives

All profits directed to Phase 2

Booth revenue funds the store

Phase 2

Our Own Store

Year 3+

With funds raised and partnerships secured, we open a permanent Dignity and Grace store — a fully fitted, beautifully designed free clothing space for survivors.

Dedicated women's + children's sections

New retail + donated clothing

Real shopping experience with checkout

Referral partnerships with DV shelters

BUSINESS MODEL

How We Sustain the Mission

Pop-Up Booth Sales

Our booths in Melbourne shopping centres sell curated donated items to the public, generating direct revenue.

Corporate Sponsorships

Local businesses and national brands sponsor the charity in exchange for recognition, CSR alignment, and community goodwill.

Public Donations

Individual donors contribute online and in-person. Clothing donations from the public and retailers replenish our free store inventory.

Retail Partnerships

Fashion retailers donate end-of-season new stock. We approach brands to donate unsold inventory rather than destroy it.

100% of net revenue is reinvested into the store, the survivors it serves, and the expansion of our mission.

FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS

From Booth to Store — The Numbers

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Booth Locations

2

4

— (store opens)

Estimated Revenue (AUD)

$18,000

$42,000

$85,000+

Donations & Sponsorships

$10,000

$25,000

$50,000

Total Funds Available

$28,000

$67,000

$135,000+

Key Milestone

Brand launch + 2 booths

Grow community + partnerships

Open permanent store

Store Opening Goal: $120,000 AUD

Year 3 Projected: $135,000+ AUD

Booth rental costs estimated at AUD $86–$258/day. Revenue modelled on 3–4 days/week operation per booth.

donate new/end-of-season stock

fund store operations and programs

refer families to Dignity and Grace

provide booth space (discounted/donated)

clothing donations from the community

Logo on all materials, store naming rights, press releases, social media features, tax deduction

Logo on store signage, social recognition, tax deduction

Public acknowledgement, social media shoutout, tax receipt for donations

All donations over $2 are tax deductible. Dignity and Grace is a registered Australian charity (DGR pending).

OUR NETWORK

Reaching Those Who Need Us Most

Women's Refuges & Shelters

Family Violence Support Services

Court Support Programs

Social Workers & Case Managers

Community Health Centres

Schools & Early Childhood

Dignity and Grace works alongside existing support services in Melbourne. When a survivor is referred by a case worker or shelter, they are welcomed into our store with no questions, no judgment, and no cost — just dignity.

Melbourne has over 40 registered family violence service providers — each a potential referral partner.

THE ASK

Join Us in Restoring Dignity

$50,000

Seed funding to launch Dignity and Grace

$20,000

Booth Setup & Operations

Equipment, booth rental, display racks, signage, and initial inventory for 2 Melbourne locations.

$20,000

Clothing Inventory

New retail clothing for women and children to supplement donated stock — ensuring quality, fit, and dignity.

$10,000

Legal, Admin & Marketing

Charity registration, website, branding, social media launch, and community outreach materials.

In return, your investment directly restores dignity to women and children in Melbourne who have survived the worst — and deserve the best.

OUR VISION

A Store in Every City That Needs One

What begins in Melbourne has the potential to become a national movement. Every major Australian city has thousands of women and children who escape violence every year — and every one of them deserves a Dignity and Grace.

2026

Launch pop-up booths across Melbourne shopping centres

2027

Secure permanent Dignity and Grace store location in Melbourne

2028

Expand to Sydney and Brisbane

2030

National network of Dignity and Grace stores across Australia

"Because dignity is not a privilege. It is a right — and we intend to restore it."

Restoring Dignity. One Choice at a Time.

Melbourne, Australia · 2026

GET INVOLVED

Help Us Give Women and Children a Fresh Start

Donate

Every dollar provides clothing and dignity to a survivor

Partner with Us

Sponsor our mission and align your brand with purpose

Donate Clothing

New or gently used women's and children's clothing welcome

dignityandgrace.org.au

hello@dignityandgrace.org.au

@dignityandgrace

Thank you for believing in dignity for every woman and child.