A report released yesterday by philanthropic organisation Melbourne Community Foundation, based on research by University of Melbourne's McCaughey Centre, warns Melbourne's outer growth suburbs, including Melton, could become pockets of social disadvantage without investment in key community development programs.

Melbourne Community Foundation CEO Sarah Davies said the MacroMelbourne, Social and Economic Disadvantage in Melbourne: Challenges and Priorities for Philanthropic Investment report revealed "seven deadly signs" that showed Melbourne's growth areas risked becoming home to a large population of disadvantaged, disillusioned and disaffected residents in the next 20 years.

According to Australian Bureau of Statistics census data, Melton was the third-fastest-growing municipality in Victoria in 2007-08, increasing by 6000 people or 7per cent.

Ms Davies said MCF's role was to identify projects, through research, that could best assist community development and present those projects to philanthropic groups for investment.

"This is not about a lot of money, it's about intelligence, research, evidence-based and proper targeting of the money into the opportunities that will have the most positive impact," she said.