The Sydney Community Foundation (SCF) offers individuals and families a different and strategic way of connecting to their community. We offer a simple and efficient option for donors to become involved with philanthropy.
Helping donors to invest Sydney's future
As a public, philanthropic foundation the SCF combines the independence and community connectedness of a charity with a long term investment focus. Community Foundations offer two funds - a fund endorsed by the Australian Taxation Office as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR), which allows donors to claim a tax deduction, and a General Fund, that does not have tax deductibility. The General Fund can receive donations that do not require a tax deduction, such as bequests and sponsorships. Donations are pooled and invested in a permanent endowment fund. Its earnings are then used to help build the social capital in our region. Donations therefore become a perpetual investment in Sydney's future, continuing to give over time.
The SCF connects its donors with innovative and sustainable community initiatives. We do this by identifying and articulating current and emerging social issues in areas such as young people at risk, women and children in need, the aged, Indigenous and culturally diverse communities and the environment in greater Sydney.
By working collaboratively and seeking to build on the knowledge of others in the community, we find innovative and long term strategic solutions. Using this knowledge the SCF makes carefully targeted grants thereby assisting donors to invest in the future of their community.
Entire families can become engaged with the philanthropic process by setting up a named philanthropic fund with the SCF.
How it works
It is easy to set up a named fund within the Foundation's structure. Please contact the SCF office on 9251 1228 for a "Donation and Request Form". Donors can name the fund or remain anonymous. The fund can be established with a small amount, on the understanding that it will reach a minimum of $50,000 within five years. The SCF charges a trustee fee to cover its costs and to allow it to sustain and grow the business.
Summary of key benefits
The SCF is an attractive alternative to the expense and administrative responsibilities involved in setting up and maintaining a private foundation. The SCF provides:
- A means of ensuring that the donor's family name can live on and be associated with gifts to charitable organisations long into the future.
- A way to engage all family members in the process. Donors are able to indicate areas of interest, work with the Foundation to select projects to be supported, and indicate preferences as to the application of funds. Younger and older family members can become involved in the decision making process.
- The assurance, through the Foundation's structure as an independent trustee, that the donor's gift will continue to be responsibly managed and used according to his/her philanthropic wishes.
- Strong governance and operational efficiency through a carefully selected Board.
- Access to community and grant-making knowledge.
- The opportunity to participate in a range of insightful forums and events concerning issues in the community, enabling the donor to connect with other like-minded people, if desired.
To obtain an application form for the establishment of a subfund within the Sydney Community Foundation, please contact us.