Who We Are
Activating a nation of givers for a fairer Australia
We enable and inspire smarter giving for greater impact
Australian Communities Foundation is a non-profit organisation that supports and enables smart, rewarding and effective giving. With over 27 years of experience in catalysing positive social and environmental change, we make impactful philanthropy easy and accessible.
As Australia’s only national community foundation, we are a community of givers made up of thousands of people from all over the country. What unites us is our desire to make a difference.
Our purpose is to activate a nation of givers to create a fairer and more sustainable Australia.
We make strategic giving easy
We’re experts in all the work that comes with giving: administration, compliance, grantmaking and more. Give with us so you can focus on the joy of giving.
We have deep roots in community
We work with hundreds of grassroots organisations and leaders to identify community needs and opportunities so you can give with impact.
We connect you with community
When you give with us, you join a national community of like-minded givers and gain access to networking and learning events, plus co-funding opportunities that maximise your impact.
We support tax-effective giving
We offer ways to structure your giving so you receive your tax deduction now and the flexibility to support your causes when you’re ready.
We grow your giving and impact
When you open a Fund with us, your donations are responsibly invested, meaning your money can both grow and do good while you take the time to find the right opportunities for granting.
We honour your legacy
When you leave a bequest through us, you can create a lasting legacy. Your gift can be invested and grown into an ongoing source of funding for the communities and causes you care about.
Our Services
We provide a broad range of philanthropic structures and services for more effective giving.
Our Community
When you give with us, you join Australia’s largest community of everyday philanthropists.
Our Impact
We help our giving community effectively support the causes they care about. Since 1997, we have distributed over 12,000 grants totalling $180+ million to communities across Australia and beyond.
Our Story
We’ve been making strategic philanthropy accessible since 1997 when our founders, Marion Webster AM and Hayden Raysmith AM, pioneered the community foundation model in Australia and established the Melbourne Community Foundation.
Our Strategy
Our strategy is designed to help further our mission of activating a nation of givers for a fairer and more sustainable Australia.
Our Board
Fiona McLeay
Chair
Our Team
Andrew Binns
Chief Executive Officer
Our Values
Inclusion
We believe in respecting and understanding the perspectives and experiences of others. We know that collaboration and working collectively is essential because no one force can solve community issues in isolation.
Agency
We support self-determination and believe that people and communities have the power and the right to determine the solutions to their challenges.
Courage
We believe it takes courage to pursue a fairer and more sustainable Australia. The problems we are tackling are complex and we understand that facing and overcoming challenges is part of the path to solutions.
Fairness
We believe in taking a stand for social, environmental, cultural and economic justice. We believe addressing power imbalances is central to creating a fairer Australia.
Watch
Introduction to Australian Communities Foundation: ‘We’re for communities’
How we can help
Learn more about Australian Communities Foundation and our services.