Major National Foundations
Large philanthropic foundations, such as the Ian Potter Foundation and Gandel Foundation, fund significant work across Australia. Here is how they give, who can apply, and how to write an application that wins.
At a glance
Each foundation has its own focus and process, and some are invitation-only. Always check current guidelines, or ask us.
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Speak to a grant writer today →What are major national foundations?
These are large, well-established philanthropic funders that make significant grants across the country. The Ian Potter Foundation supports work in areas like the arts, the environment, science, health, education and community wellbeing. The Gandel Foundation, one of Australia's largest family foundations, funds community, education, health, the arts and Indigenous programs, among others.
Grants can be substantial, and the process is often more involved, starting with an expression of interest. A strong application shows a clear fit, real ambition, and the capacity to deliver.
Who they are for
Major foundations generally fund established charities that can deliver significant work. Funders usually look for organisations that:
- Are a registered charity, often with tax-deductible status
- Have a strong track record and good governance
- Propose work that fits the foundation's focus
- Can manage and report on larger funding
What they can fund
- Significant programs and initiatives
- Capital projects and infrastructure
- Research, evaluation and innovation
- Multi-year and system-change work
How to write a competitive application
Major foundations back ambitious, credible work with a clear fit. Here is what makes an application stand out.
1. Prove the fit
Show that your work sits squarely within the foundation's focus. A strong fit is what gets an expression of interest through to the next stage.
2. Be ambitious but credible
These funders want to back meaningful change, so think big, but show a realistic plan and the capacity to deliver it.
3. Lead with evidence and outcomes
Back your case with data, a clear theory of change, and a way to measure success.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying without a clear fit to the foundation's focus
- A proposal that is too small or too vague to stand out
- Underestimating the time a strong application takes
Want an expert to write it for you?
Speak to a grant writer today →A stronger application, and your time back
Grants are competitive, and the detail is where they are won or lost. A professional grant writer helps you put your best case forward, and frees your team to keep doing the work.
We know what funders look for, answer every criterion, keep your budget clean, hit every deadline, and tell you honestly which grants are worth chasing.
Major national foundations FAQ
Can we apply directly?
Some foundations run open expressions of interest, while others give by invitation or through relationships. Knowing which is which saves a lot of effort, and it is one of the first things we check.
Are these only for big organisations?
They tend to fund established organisations that can deliver significant work, but not always large ones. A smaller organisation with a strong track record and the right project can still be competitive.
Can Giving Tree Advisors write the application for us?
Yes. We can find the foundations that fit, prepare your expression of interest and full proposal, and help you frame ambitious, credible work.
Let's turn this grant into a win.
Book a free grant consultation and we will match you to the right foundations and put your strongest application forward.