Australian Communities Foundation Limited

Australian Communities Foundation Limited is a non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating impactful, structured philanthropy across Australia. It operates as the country's sole national community foundation, bringing together thousands of individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a common goal of creating positive social and environmental change.

History

The Foundation was established in 1997 by Marion Webster OAM and Hayden Raysmith AM. Since its inception, it has been instrumental in making strategic philanthropy accessible to a wide range of people, enabling them to support causes that matter to them effectively[4].

Mission and Services

The mission of Australian Communities Foundation is to activate a nation of givers, striving to create a fairer and more sustainable Australia. To achieve this, the Foundation provides a variety of services including:

• Strategic Grantmaking: This involves working with community organizations to identify areas of need and opportunities for impactful giving.
• Tax-Effective Giving: ACF helps donors structure their giving in a way that maximizes tax benefits while allowing flexibility in supporting their chosen causes.
• Donor-Advised Funds: These funds allow donors to contribute to a charitable account and recommend grants to qualified organizations over time.
• Collective Giving: ACF supports collective funding initiatives, where multiple donors pool resources to tackle major societal issues.
• Legacy Planning: The Foundation assists individuals in creating lasting legacies through bequests, which can provide ongoing funding for their preferred causes[1][2].

Impact

Australian Communities Foundation tracks its impact across five key focus areas. By 2023, the Foundation had distributed over AUD $150 million in grants since its establishment, marking a significant milestone in its philanthropic endeavors[4]. Notably, in 2021, ACF reached a milestone of 100% responsible investing in its portfolio, aligning with the UN Principles for Responsible Investment[4].

Recognition and Awards

The Foundation has received several awards for its philanthropic efforts. In 2021, its Rapid Advocacy Fund won the Best Grant Program at the Australian Philanthropy Awards. Additionally, in 2024, the ACF Impact Fund received a Collaboration Award for its "Voices for Impact" program[4]. These recognitions highlight the organization's commitment to innovative and effective philanthropic practices.

Leadership and Governance

Australian Communities Foundation is led by a team experienced in philanthropy and community development. The organization's governance structure ensures that it maintains high standards of transparency, accountability, and strategic decision-making.

Conclusion

Australian Communities Foundation Limited plays a pivotal role in fostering a culture of philanthropy in Australia, connecting donors with community needs and supporting long-term positive change. Through its extensive array of services and commitment to responsible investing, it continues to be a leader in national philanthropic initiatives.

[1] https://www.communityfoundation.org.au/about/who-we-are [2] https://communityfoundation.org.au [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/7f1af405-3aaf-e811-a961-000d3ad24182/profile [4] https://communityfoundation.org.au/about/our-story/ [5] https://leadiq.com/c/australian-communities-foundation/5a1db47a2300005300ae5347