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Annual Giving
$500K
Grant Range
$10K – $5.0M

Tips for Applicants

The Trust accepts applications by invitation only and does not consider unsolicited applications. Prospective grantees must first complete an eligibility quiz and submit a grant enquiry. Strong alignment with the Trust’s strategic priorities (Community Strengthening and Education) and geographic focus (Victoria) is crucial. Early engagement and demonstrating how your work strengthens social capital, fosters connections, develops capacity, or improves educational outcomes for school-aged children are key.

Giving Philosophy

The Trust is guided by principles of trust-based philanthropy, focusing on long-term partnerships and evidence-based initiatives to improve outcomes for Victorians. They engage early with prospective grantees to ensure alignment with funding priorities and strategic approach, operating on an invitation-only basis after an initial eligibility check and enquiry process.

Notable Grants

$1,500,000 over five years to Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) for 'Investing in Rural Community Futures'

ACNC Financial History

YearGrants GivenRevenueTotal AssetsNet Assets
FY2023
$4.7M
$7.3M$159.0M$153.2M
FY2022
$4.2M
$14.2M$139.6M$135.9M
FY2021
$4.0M
$5.1M$145.3M$141.6M
FY2020
$3.2M
$5.5M$124.0M$120.3M
FY2019
$4.5M
$10.9M$133.0M$128.8M
FY2018
$3.7M
$6.4M$122.2M$119.2M
FY2017
$4.0M
$6.4M$116.0M$112.5M
7yr total$28.4MSource: ACNC Annual Information Statements

Focus Areas

artseducationhealthenvironmentindigenouscommunityhuman rights
Geographic
AU-VIC

Financial Details

Source of Wealth
The foundation was established through a significant bequest of £275,000 (equivalent to $550,000 AUD at the time) from Helen Macpherson Schutt (née Smith) upon her passing in 1951. Her wealth originated from a prosperous Scottish-Australian family and grew significantly through astute investment management of the original corpus.

Board & Leadership

ACNC
John Daley
trustee
ACNC
ACNC
ACNC
Linked from structured person roles rather than unstructured foundation summary text.

Data Sources

Profile quality: low
Foundation profile updated: 6 June 2026 (8 days ago)
Website pages scraped: 5
Added: 27 February 2026 (108 days ago)
View on ACNC Register →