Philanthropic & Charity Grants
Trusts and foundations give hundreds of millions of dollars each year to causes like yours. We help you find the right funders and write proposals that genuinely resonate.
What are philanthropic and charity grants?
Philanthropic and charity grants come from trusts, foundations and charitable funds that exist to give money away for public benefit. Many are set up by individuals, families or communities, and a good number are required to distribute a minimum amount every year.
These funders often support the work that government and business will not. They tend to value clear outcomes, a strong fit with their giving focus, and long-term relationships. A great proposal shows not just what you will do, but why it matters and how you will know it worked.
Three kinds of philanthropic funder
Philanthropic money reaches community organisations in a few different ways. Matching your work to the right kind of funder is where we start.
Private and family foundations
Charitable trusts set up by an individual, a family or a business to support causes they care about. Some accept applications, and many give through relationships and invitations.
Community foundations
Place-based funds that pool giving from many donors to support their local area. They are a great fit for grassroots and locally focused work.
Ancillary funds
Structured giving funds, known as private ancillary funds and public ancillary funds, that individuals and companies use to give in a planned way over many years.
Trusts and foundations that give
Australia has a large and generous philanthropic sector, from major national foundations to hundreds of smaller family and community funds. Many are managed by trustee companies such as Perpetual and Equity Trustees.
How we help you win them
We research the trusts and foundations whose focus aligns with your mission, prepare expressions of interest and full proposals, and help you frame your outcomes and evidence in a way that resonates. Where a funder values relationships over paperwork, we help you build those too.
Our engagements are fixed-fee and project-based, and kept affordable for the sector.
Philanthropic grants FAQ
Why do trusts and foundations give grants?
They exist to give money away for public benefit, often on behalf of a founder or a community. Many are legally required to distribute a minimum amount each year, so funding good work is exactly what they are set up to do.
What do philanthropic funders look for?
They look for a strong fit with their giving focus, clear and measurable outcomes, and trust in your organisation to deliver. Many value a genuine relationship and a long-term view over a one-off transaction.
What is a private ancillary fund or a community foundation?
A private ancillary fund is a structured giving fund that an individual, family or company uses to give in a planned way over time. A community foundation pools giving from many donors to support a particular local area. Both are common sources of grants for community organisations.
Can we approach a foundation directly?
Sometimes. Some foundations run open application rounds, while many others give by invitation or through relationships. Knowing which is which saves you a lot of wasted effort, and it is one of the first things we check.
How long does philanthropic funding take?
It can be slower than a government round, because it is often built on relationships and trust. The upside is that a good philanthropic relationship can support your work for years, so it is well worth the investment.
Let's find the funders that fit your mission.
Book a free grant consultation and we will tell you honestly where your best funding opportunities are, before you commit to anything.