Andrew Thomas
Perpetual has launched IMPACT Philanthropy which combines a strategic approach with sustained support for philanthropists and not-for-profit (NFP) organisations to help provide maximum community benefit.
Perpetual’s General Manager of Philanthropy, Andrew Thomas, said IMPACT Philanthropy reinforces what philanthropists know all too well that every investment in philanthropy is about making a tangible difference.
“Impact has long been the central theme of Perpetual’s approach to working with philanthropists and partnering with the NFP sector, and IMPACT Philanthropy is about embedding that in everything we do,” Mr Thomas said.
“Perpetual shares with its clients and NFP partners a deep commitment to contributing to the community and a passion for giving in a way that creates an impact.”
Nearly a year after the acquisition of The Trust Company, IMPACT Philanthropy brings together the best thinking from both businesses. Perpetual is one of the largest managers and distributors of philanthropic funds in Australia and in 2014 distributed more than $83 million on behalf of the 990 charitable trusts and endowments it manages.
Perpetual’s commitment to IMPACT Philanthropy means continuing to support philanthropists in sourcing and funding organisations that invest in both their longevity and in outcomes for the communities in which they operate. This means providing tools and resources to help them create enduring legacies both within their lifetime and via their estate.
The IMPACT Philanthropy announcement comes at the same time as applications for funding have opened through Perpetual’s 2015 IMPACT Philanthropy Application Program. The grant making and funding assessment process identifies the optimal match between a philanthropist and an NFP organisation which has consistently demonstrated excellence.
“One of our fundamental beliefs is that NFP organisations know far better than we do where they need funds and support so therefore we don’t tell applicants what they should or shouldn’t apply for,” Mr Thomas said.
As an extension of the funding program, for the first time this year, Perpetual will be providing a limited number of organisations with grants worth up to $1 million each. Perpetual will identify NFPs which have consistently performed well against its assessment criteria during the past three years of the general application process and invite them to apply for the grants. These organisations can apply for funding to support whatever resources they need in order to have an impact.
“Through IMPACT Philanthropy we are looking for organisations which can clearly articulate their community impact in order to provide greater community outcomes,” Mr Thomas said.
In addition to providing increased opportunities for philanthropists to collaborate and fund common causes, Perpetual is also committed to investing in the growth of the sector through IMPACT Philanthropy. This includes providing NFPs with ongoing support for governance through its scholarship program with the Australian Institute of Company Directors, commissioning research, and providing advice on financial governance and investment management.
For more information about the 2015 IMPACT Philanthropy Application Program visit http://www.perpetual.com.au/fundingopportunities