The Trustee for the Cardinia Community Foundation Trust

The Trustee for the Cardinia Community Foundation Trust is a not-for-profit organization that operates as a philanthropic community foundation, primarily focusing on raising funds to support local community groups in the Cardinia Shire, Victoria, Australia.

Objectives

The foundation's primary objective is to enhance the social, community, and general welfare of residents in the Cardinia Shire. It achieves this by managing a trust fund that disperses grants through an annual grants program. These grants are designed to address the growing needs of various community sectors, including projects for people who are disadvantaged or have disabilities, seniors, young people, and initiatives in the arts, environment, and men's health.

Structure and Operations

The Trustee for the Cardinia Community Foundation Trust is administered as a not-for-profit entity with the Australian Business Number (ABN) 69 697 426 233. It is endorsed by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR2), which allows donations to the foundation to be tax-deductible. This legal structure enables the foundation to pool donated funds and invest them, using the generated income to provide ongoing support to local charities through grants.

Community Grants Program

The Cardinia Foundation Community Grants Program is a key initiative of the foundation, offering financial support to projects that benefit various segments of the community. The program focuses on several core areas:

• Disadvantaged and Disabled Individuals: Providing resources for those who face social and economic challenges.
• Seniors and Young People: Supporting initiatives that enhance the lives of these demographics.
• Arts, Environment, and Men's Health: Encouraging projects that promote cultural enrichment, environmental sustainability, and health initiatives.

Named Funds

The foundation offers the option to establish named funds, allowing donors to create a lasting legacy within the community. These funds can be named according to donor preferences and are administered by the foundation. Donors can also establish advisory committees to advise on grant making or fundraising strategies, though these committees are not separate legal entities and serve only in an advisory capacity. Establishing a named fund requires a minimum donation of AUD 20,000, which is then part of the foundation's trust and utilized to generate income for grants. This approach provides a convenient alternative to setting up a private fund, eliminating the need for complex legal and financial management.

Impact

The Cardinia Foundation's impact is evident in its annual grants program, which supports a diverse range of community projects. Previous grant recipients can be found on the foundation's website, highlighting the extent of its community involvement and the specific projects it has funded. The foundation's commitment to transparency and accountability ensures that donations are used effectively to strengthen the community according to the donor's intentions.

[1] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/17dd8970-38af-e811-a95e-000d3ad24c60 [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/17dd8970-38af-e811-a95e-000d3ad24c60/documents/c38e6346-b693-ec11-b400-00224892b937 [3] https://cardiniafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Personal-2025-.pdf [4] https://cardiniafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Dedicate-a-named-Gift-Fund-in-Memoriam-2025-.pdf [5] https://www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/info/20021/supporting_our_community/804/the_cardinia_foundation_community_grants_program