The Trustee For John & Beryl Neilsen Winchester Foundation
About
The Winchester Foundation is an Australian philanthropic foundation established in 2011 by the late Mrs. Beryl Neilsen OAM and named in memory of her and her late husband, John Neilsen. It primarily focuses on empowering children and youth from rural and regional areas of Queensland and the Northern Territory by providing scholarships to help them access quality education, from primary school through to tertiary studies and trades.
Tips for Applicants
Prospective applicants should send an email for more information on applying. The Foundation values academic pursuit and fostering a lifelong connection with scholarship recipients. Families of recipients are encouraged to become 'Winchester Ambassadors' to spread awareness of the Foundation's mission.
Giving Philosophy
The Foundation's core belief is that geographic location should not be a barrier to a good education, striving to provide rural families with the same educational opportunities as those available to city students. They aim to ease the financial burden on families by covering study costs and boarding expenses, helping students reach their unique potential. The board takes a personal interest in the progress and achievements of scholarship recipients, fostering lifelong connections.
Notable Grants
Giving History
ACNC Financial History
| Year | Grants Given | Revenue | Total Assets | Net Assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2023 | $807K | $3.7M | $15.9M | $15.8M |
| FY2022 | $693K | $2.4M | $12.8M | $12.8M |
| FY2021 | $695K | $1.5M | $12.0M | $12.0M |
| FY2020 | $690K | $1.8M | $10.6M | $10.6M |
| FY2019 | — | $2.0M | $9.2M | $9.2M |
| FY2018 | — | $1.7M | $7.8M | $7.8M |
| FY2017 | $653K | $1.2M | $6.7M | $6.7M |
| 7yr total | $3.5M | Source: ACNC Annual Information Statements | ||
Programs & Opportunities (8)
6 open · 2 closed · sorted by deadline · last checked 9 May 2026 (1 day ago)
Tertiary and Trade Scholarships
Financial assistance for students pursuing university or trade education, closing 8 January each year for study commencing that same year
Tertiary Scholarship
Scholarships for youth studying trades or tertiary degrees in rural and regional areas of Queensland and Northern Territory.
Trade Scholarship
Provides scholarships to support regional and rural students pursuing trade studies.
Primary Scholarship
Provides scholarships to support regional and rural students in pursuing their primary education.
Secondary/Boarding Scholarship
Provides scholarships to support regional and rural students in pursuing their secondary education, specifically for boarding school fees.
Winchester Scholarships
Scholarships are available for students in primary, secondary, and tertiary education, as well as youths pursuing trades, who live in rural and regional areas of Queensland and the Northern Territory. These scholarships assist with the costs of accessing suitable education.
Winchester Scholarship
Scholarships for primary and secondary students in rural and regional areas of Queensland and Northern Territory to assist with the costs of accessing suitable education.
Secondary Boarding Scholarship
Scholarships to support secondary students with boarding costs to access education opportunities.
Program History (1)
Year-specific program memory with visible provenance. This is the bridge between open opportunities and recurring portfolio strands.
Winchester Scholarships
Scholarships for primary, secondary, and tertiary students living in rural and regional areas to assist with their educational expenses.