THE TRUSTEE FOR THE IAN POTTER FOUNDATION
About
The Ian Potter Foundation is one of Australia's largest philanthropic organizations, established by Sir Ian Potter to support charitable causes across six program areas: Arts, Community Wellbeing, Early Childhood Development, Environment, Medical Research, and Public Health. The foundation operates nationally, making grants to benefit the Australian community through a vision of a fair, healthy, sustainable, and vibrant Australia.
Tips for Applicants
The foundation conducts structured funding rounds with clear deadlines—Round 3 2026 has EOI opening 28 May 2026 (close 18 June) and applications closing 20 August 2026. They offer an eligibility quiz on their website for prospective applicants. The foundation values innovation and community benefit across their six program areas. Applicants should demonstrate clear outcomes and alignment with the foundation's vision of a fair, healthy, sustainable, and vibrant Australia. The foundation uses an Evaluation Panel and requires reporting from grantees.
Giving Philosophy
The foundation operates on a vision of creating 'A fair, healthy, sustainable and vibrant Australia.' They believe in supporting innovative projects that benefit the community across multiple sectors. Their giving is structured around four funding pillars—FAIR (community wellbeing, early childhood), HEALTHY (medical research, public health), SUSTAINABLE (environment), and VIBRANT (arts). They conduct structured funding rounds with Expressions of Interest followed by full applications, and utilize an Evaluation Panel to assess grant outcomes.
Notable Grants
Giving History
ACNC Financial History
| Year | Grants Given | Revenue | Total Assets | Net Assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2023 | $46.2M | $41.2M | $888.1M | $786.6M |
| FY2022 | $41.6M | $37.5M | $831.2M | $742.6M |
| FY2021 | $26.0M | $62.4M | $916.9M | $830.8M |
| FY2020 | $42.0M | $37.0M | $709.6M | $623.4M |
| FY2019 | $45.0M | $37.3M | $755.4M | $680.9M |
| FY2018 | $24.4M | $37.5M | $708.8M | $650.8M |
| FY2017 | $35.4M | $35.4M | $643.9M | $584.6M |
| 7yr total | $260.6M | Source: ACNC Annual Information Statements | ||
Programs & Opportunities (17)
12 open · 5 closed · sorted by deadline · last checked 23 June 2026 (today)
Round 1, 2026 - Environment (EOI)
Expressions of Interest for the Environment program area are open for Round 1, 2026.
Round 2, 2026 Expressions of Interest
Expressions of Interest for the Arts program area are open. This round supports initiatives contributing to a 'VIBRANT' Australia. Following EOI, applications close on June 4, 2026, with grants announced in late September 2026.
Round 2, 2026 - Arts Expressions of Interest
Arts program area EOI open until March 12, 2026; full applications close June 4, 2026; grants announced late September 2026
Round 1, 2026 - Medical Research (Applications)
Applications for the Medical Research program area are open for Round 1, 2026. Grants will be announced late June 2026.
Round 2, 2026 - Arts
Expressions of Interest are open for the Arts program area. Applications close on Thursday 4 June 2026, 5 PM AEST.
Round 3, 2026 - Community Wellbeing & Public Health
Expressions of Interest for Community Wellbeing and Public Health program areas. Full applications close 20 August 2026, with grants announced mid-December 2026.
Community Wellbeing - Round 3 2026
Expressions of Interest for community wellbeing projects supporting fairness and social equity
Public Health - Round 3 2026
Expressions of Interest for public health initiatives with new funding guidelines from 2026
Medical Research Program
This program offers grants for significant medical research projects that aim to benefit the health of the Australian community.
Community Wellbeing Program
This program provides grants to initiatives that aim to enhance community wellbeing, supporting a fair and healthy Australia.
Early Childhood Development Program
Grants are available for projects and organisations focused on fostering early childhood development across Australia.
Public Health Program
Grants are provided for public health initiatives across Australia, with new funding guidelines effective from 2026.
Community Wellbeing
Supporting organisations addressing disadvantage and social inclusion
Public Health
Population health interventions (new guidelines from 2026)
Early Childhood Development
Integrated ECD systems for young children and families
Arts Program
The Ian Potter Foundation offers grants to support charitable organisations working in the arts sector across Australia.
Environment Program
The Ian Potter Foundation supports environmental initiatives through grants, contributing to a sustainable Australia.
Program History (2)
Year-specific program memory with visible provenance. This is the bridge between open opportunities and recurring portfolio strands.
Round 1, 2026 - Environment (EOI)
Expressions of Interest for the Environment program area are open for Round 1, 2026.
Round 1, 2026 - Medical Research (Applications)
Applications for the Medical Research program area are open for Round 1, 2026. Grants will be announced late June 2026.