Family History: Explore your family’s legacy and map out your family history.

Money Messages: Reflect on the messages you received about money and how they influence you today.

Perpetuity / Spend-Down Horizon: Consider whether your Fund will give indefinitely or spend down within a set timeframe – and what this means for your strategy.

Fund Projection: Understand how your Fund might grow over time and what that means for your giving potential.

‘How much do I want to give?’: Clarify how much you’d like to give over time – and how that aligns with your values, goals and resources.

Values: Identify the values that matter most to you and how they can guide your giving.

Giving Motivations: Explore the deeper reasons that drive your giving.

Giving Principles: Define the principles that will shape how you show up in your giving.

Giving Risk Appetite: Consider your comfort level with philanthropic risk.

Giving Focus: Narrow in on the causes or communities you want to support.

Giving Landscape Scan: Survey the existing efforts in your area of interest to identify where your giving can complement or add value.

Giving Purpose Statement: Craft a clear and concise statement to guide your giving over time.

Theory of Philanthropy: Map how you will develop your giving to better contribute to meaningful change.

Giving Planner: Plan your annual giving activities, milestones, decision points and financial commitments.

Funding Opportunity Checklist: Assess whether a grant or funding request aligns with your strategy and priorities.

Giving Canvas: Create a one-page summary of your approach to giving.

Reflection and Adaptation: Take stock of how your giving is going and adapt your approach based on what you’re learning.

This Toolkit is primarily designed for families and individuals with a Named Fund at Australian Communities Foundation (ACF) who want to become more informed and effective in their giving. It’s also a valuable resource for anyone in Australia who has the opportunity to give – whatever that looks like, and whoever you give with.

If you find the world of philanthropy confusing or overwhelming at times, this Toolkit is here to help. It’s designed to guide you through the process of developing your giving framework. Deepening your understanding of philanthropy makes the act of giving a grant more rewarding and meaningful.

Use this Toolkit in whatever way works for you. At ACF, we understand that everyone is at a different stage in their giving journey. We also know some people give as individuals, and some give together as families or groups.

You can work through the Toolkit on your own or use specific tools with others involved in your giving. These resources can help you share perspectives, find alignment and make more informed decisions together. The Toolkit includes guidance on using the tools as a family.

While the Toolkit is designed to be followed from start to finish, you can also explore individual sections if there’s a particular topic you would like to dive into or revisit.