Jodi Kennedy

Advances in medical science benefit everyone and this UNESCO World Health Day on 7 April, Equity Trustees is highlighting the important role structured giving plays in supporting Australia’s medical researchers and health care providers in delivering better health outcomes for all.

Charitable giving remains a vital source of funding in parts of the health sector – including medical research, disability services, healthcare access, mental health and wellbeing, and medical support services.

Equity Trustees facilitated $101.9 million in charitable grants and bequests directed to the for-purpose sector in 2025, with 39% of that funding going to support medical research and health initiatives.

“Philanthropic giving is a key element in the funding mix allowing medical researchers and health providers to continue their important work. We’re proud to support philanthropists who are making a meaningful difference to health outcomes in our community,” said Jodi Kennedy, General Manager of Philanthropy and Community Trustee Services at Equity Trustees.

One powerful example of this is the Equity Trustees Medical Research and Health Partnership Program, which combines the strength of 28 philanthropic trusts to help fuel breakthroughs in medical research. The Program has committed $7 million over five years to the Translational Research Institute Foundation, Monash Partners Academic Health Science Centre, and Sydney Health Partners, to support their groundbreaking medical research and advance the future of Australian healthcare. This adds to $10 million already committed to the Program since its establishment in 2017.

“As the trustee of more than 1200 philanthropic funds, Equity Trustees can align trusts with similar goals and help to coordinate their giving. This magnifies their impact, while continuing to honour the intent of every client who entrusts us with their legacy,” Ms Kennedy said.

“By facilitating funding through these partnerships with leading research organisations, we’re helping to accelerate medical discoveries and advancements in healthcare that can improve lives for generations to come.”

Ms Kennedy said ongoing philanthropic support through giving structures such as the philanthropic funds, trusts and foundations that contribute to the Equity Trustees Medical Research and Health Partnership Program delivers much greater impact than making one-off contributions.

“Establishing a private or public giving fund gives families the opportunity to dedicate charitable capital, receive immediate tax benefits, and provide ongoing support to eligible charities. This approach to giving is sustainable and creates enduring value for initiatives – whether that’s backing breakthroughs in medical science, or fostering developments in areas such as education, the environment, or community development,” Ms Kennedy said.

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Jodi Kennedy

As the world marks UNESCO’s International Women’s Day on 8 March, Equity Trustees is supporting the work of Australian Investing in Women (AIIW) to promote gender-wise giving.

Research by AIIW demonstrates how gender equality leads to safer societies, more productive economies and a fairer world for all of us. When we invest in women, communities thrive, economies strengthen and progress accelerates for everyone

Australia ranked 24^th in the world for gender equality but there are many critical areas in which charitable giving remains a vital source of funding to support women’s contributions, in areas such as scientific research, including medical fields in Australia where women comprise 52% of the research workforce[1].

“Philanthropic giving plays a key role in ensuring female scientists and researchers have the resources and opportunities they need to excel,: said Jodi Kennedy, General Manager of Philanthropy and Community Trustee Services at Equity Trustees. “We’re proud to support philanthropists who are making a meaningful difference in the scientific community.”

One standout example is the Dyson Bequest, managed by Equity Trustees. The Dyson Bequest Fellowship at the Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research is a five-year commitment that invests directly in the development of women scientists and medical researchers.

This initiative not only supports individual career advancement but also contributes to improved health outcomes for communities everywhere.

The Dyson Bequest marked its 25^th year in 2025, with two generations of the family carrying on the legacy. Rose Gilder, daughter of Janie Dyson who founded the Bequest with her husband Bruce Dyson, works closely with John Dyson, nephew of Bruce and Janie Dyson, to lead the granting.

“We’ve met some extraordinary women doing life-changing work. I’d like to think we’ve played a small part in helping them get there,” Rose Gilder said, reflecting on the impact the Bequest is having on creating pathways for women in science.

Ms Kennedy said structured giving, like the Dyson Bequest, which is stewarded through the Equity Trustees Charitable Foundation, extends well beyond one-off donations.

“Giving funds, whether private or public funds, allow families to set aside charitable capital, gain immediate tax deductions, actively grow their funds and financially support eligible charities over the long term,” she said.

“This sustainable approach to philanthropy ensures a lasting impact – whether that’s supporting initiatives that advance gender equity in science, or making a difference in areas including education, the environment, or community development.”

Equity Trustees is responsible for distributing more than $100 million of philanthropic money to our community annually. Stewarding more than $360 million, the Equity Trustees Charitable Foundation empowers individuals, families and organisations across Australia to practice structured giving during their lifetime.

This International Women’s Day, take the next step towards lasting change – discover how structured giving can support gender equity and the causes closest to your heart here.

ENDS

MEDIA INQUIRIES

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Denise Cheng

Australia has been ranked the fourth most generous country among 119 countries, with three in five Australians making a financial donation to a charity, according to the Charities Aid Foundation (2022) – with the data from the ACNC reporting a total of $19bn in donations and bequests in 2023^[1].

Of those who donate in the way most do (on an ad hoc basis), the average annual donation totalled $580 per taxpayer, according to recent research commissioned by Equity Trustees.

Some gave more – with people on higher incomes averaging $850 and those with religious affiliations averaging $720.

This was despite over half (52%) of people saying the cost of living and managing other financial priorities was a barrier to them donating.

Looking forward, 3 in 20 people said they plan to donate $1,000 or more in the next 12 months and 1 in 20 said they expected to donate more than $5,000.

Equity Trustees surveyed more than 1,000 Australians and found 96% of them had donated money to charity over the past year.

“We often hear about philanthropy among the super-rich, but philanthropic giving is no longer just for the wealthy,” says Equity Trustees’ Business Development Manager of Philanthropy, Denise Cheng.

“Despite the cost-of-living crisis, we are seeing that more Australians than ever are looking to give, and this is driving an increase in philanthropic activity.

“Another reason for the increase in philanthropic giving is that it has become more accessible, with new technology and online platforms.”

Ms Cheng adds that while tax deductions are an attractive benefit of donating to charity, the Equity Trustees research found the main motivators for Australians to give to charity were around personal alignment to a cause and a desire to make a difference.

Equity Trustees General Manager, Philanthropy and Community Trustee Services, Jodi Kennedy, adds, “We know that many Australians are keen to make a difference in the world through charitable giving, regardless of how much wealth they have at their disposal.”

“That’s why we believe it’s time to redefine what giving looks like – by offering a smarter way to make lasting change, that’s accessible to more people.”

New portal launches

Equity Trustees is helping more Australians to participate in structured giving by offering a new way to set up their own sub-account in the Equity Trustees Charitable Foundation (ECF), a public ancillary fund.

The ECF is powered by the Equity Trustees Philanthropy Portal, enabling people to become a philanthropist with just $5,000. “They can give their account a name that resonates with them – perhaps after someone they care about, or something aspirational to them,” says Ms Kennedy.

Ms Cheng adds, “The ECF offers a way to give that goes beyond one-off donations. It enables individuals to establish a tax-effective giving structure that harnesses the power of investment to deliver greater, long-term impact. It is a way for people to start giving now, and watch their contribution grow while continuing to support the causes they care about well into the future.”

The online Equity Trustees Philanthropy Portal provides easy access to each giving account, while Equity Trustees deploys its 145+ years of experience to take care of the investment, compliance, governance and administration. Equity Trustees manages more than 1,200 charitable trusts and foundations and distributes more than $100 million of philanthropic granting to charitable causes annually.

“The goal of the portal is to make philanthropy accessible, affordable, self-directed and tech-enabled so more Australians can give sustainably to change tomorrow,” says Ms Cheng. “It provides an easy and affordable entry point to becoming a philanthropist.”

The online Equity Trustees Philanthropy Portal also provides transparency and easy access to giving, she says. This accessibility is common in the US, where the technology underpinning our portal originates.

“Equity Trustees is providing access to Australia’s leading philanthropic expertise – with real time visibility at your fingertips. Anytime, anyplace.”

Survey conducted in December 2024 by Equity Trustees of more than 1000 Australians who give also showed that: 

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Notes:
[1] https://www.acnc.gov.au/tools/reports/australian-charities-report-11th-edition

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Jodie Kennedy

The power of 28 philanthropic trusts managed by Equity Trustees has been combined to grant more than $7 million over five years to support the work of three of Australia’s leading medical research organisations.

The Equity Trustees Medical Research and Health Partnership Program brings together philanthropic trusts with a shared purpose consistent with advancing medical research for the benefit of the Australian community. A new funding round opened early in 2025 with applicants required to demonstrate a strong alignment with the Program goals, robust governance, and proven impact in advancing medical research.

The three successful medical research organisation applicants are:

• Monash Partners Academic Health Science Centre (Monash University): $2,946,945
• TRI Foundation, Translational Research Institute: $2,130,295
• Sydney Health Partners (University of Sydney): $2,055,585

This new five-year commitment builds on the success of the program since it began in 2017, with more than $10 million already distributed under this area through a funding framework developed by the Equity Trustees granting specialists to support critical medical research.

Jodi Kennedy, General Manager, Philanthropy and Community Trustee Services at Equity Trustees, said: “The Medical Research and Health Partnership Program reflects the commitment of our philanthropic clients – past and present – to advancing medical research that improves the health and wellbeing of people in Australia and around the world.”

This funding will drive research into disease prevention and treatment with the potential to deliver significant public health benefits, while fostering long-term, collaborative relationships with organisations translating discoveries into improved healthcare.

“By partnering with these leading research institutions, the program empowers research that leads to real-world clinical outcomes, improves patient care, and supports the development of innovative therapies and interventions.”

Ms Kennedy also notes that a key advantage of this program is its ability to bring together philanthropic trusts established by clients, and projects that reflect the specific wishes of each of those clients. This includes those who have entrusted their philanthropic legacy to Equity Trustees in perpetuity.

“As the trustee of more than 1200 philanthropic funds, we are able to bring together trusts that have similar charitable goals and coordinate, combine and streamline their funding towards that shared goal,” she explained.

“This has the added benefit of potentially opening up opportunities for funded organisations to leverage additional support from government, other philanthropic organisations, and even within the research community.”

“We are deeply committed to creating meaningful, lasting outcomes through partnerships that advance medical research as a part of this program, and we look forward to the benefits of their work on our whole community over time,” she concluded.

The 28 trusts making this Partner Program possible are:

1. The Judith Jane Mason & Harold Stannett Williams Memorial Foundation (the Mason Foundation)
2. NSW Community Foundation
3. NSW Community Foundation – Nicholas and Phyllis Pinter Trust
4. Vernon Sinclair Fund
5. The Jane Frances Hayes and Frederick Williams Hayes Charitable Trust
6. The A E Hingeley Trust
7. The R D Hingeley Trust
8. Equity Trustees Charitable Foundation – E Murray Charitable Gift
9. ANZ QLD Community Foundation
10. Queensland Community Foundation – Thomas George Swallow Trust
11. The J & T Cox Mem Foundation
12. The H J Hinchey Charitable Trust
13. Laurie Gertrude McCallum Estate
14. The Kenneth Cameron Thomson & Betty Madge Thomson Memorial Fund
15. George Weaber Foundation Trust
16. The Frank Alexander Charitable Trust
17. Bill Long Charitable Trust
18. Victoria Community Foundation – George Perry Fund
19. Victoria Community Foundation – Dean William Winter Trust
20. The Appel Family Bequest
21. Estate of Harry Bunting
22. Lynne Quayle Charitable Trust
23. Preston and Loui Geduld Trust Fund
24. Athol Joseph Anderson Charitable Trust – The Dorothy Hill Memorial Trust Fund
25. William & Evelyn Beveridge Settlement
26. Beatrice Harris Charitable Trust
27. The Myra Stoicesco Charitable Trust
28. The Cross Family Trust

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Denise Cheng

It might be tax time, but a deduction for charitable giving is not top of mind for Australians who donate, according to research commissioned by Equity Trustees underpinning an ambitious new campaign to redefine giving and grow the national spirit of philanthropy.

• Australians who donate to charity are driven by a desire to make a difference more than a tax deduction
• 96% of Australians give to charity, even though 52% face their own financial challenges
• Income is not an indicator of whether people will give or not, with those under or over $150,000 annual income equally likely to donate around $5,000 a year
• Age is not a factor – with younger Australians (18-24 years) more committed to giving than older age groups.

Tax time is a traditional fundraising period for charitable organisations, and while Australians are a generous bunch, with research from Australia’s leading source of trustee–managed philanthropic funding, Equity Trustees, indicating that of 96% of Australians who gave to charity over the past 12 months, only 20% said the tax benefit was a key motivation.

National Manager of Active Philanthropy, Denise Cheng, said with every dollar donated to charity offsetting taxable income, an increasing number of taxpayers prefer to direct their money to charities of their choice.

“Tax deductions are an attractive benefit of donating to charity, but our research found that the main motivators for Australians to give to charity are around personal alignment to a cause, a desire to make a difference, and trust in the charity,” Ms Cheng said.

General Manager, Philanthropy and Community Trustee Services, Jodi Kennedy, added: “We know that Australians are keen to make a difference in the world through charitable giving, regardless of how much wealth they have at their disposal. That’s why we think now is the time to redefine giving – we want to provide a smarter way to make lasting change that’s more accessible to more people.”

Of Australians surveyed who have donated time, money or goods to charity over the past 12 months, 52% had donated despite facing barriers in managing other financial priorities. In fact, 3 in 20 said they’d give $1,000 or more in the next 12 months and 1 in 20 said they’d give more than $5,000. This sentiment was higher in young age groups.

Equity Trustees’ research also shows that while higher income generally increases the capacity to donate, people who earn $60,000-$100,000 were just as likely to say they’d be willing to donate more than $5,000 in the next 12 months as people who earn $150,000 or more.

“Like many in the for-purpose sector, Equity Trustees is committed to doubling structured giving in Australia by 2030, and these findings show we’re taking promising steps towards achieving that goal,” Ms Kennedy said.

“Equity Trustees is helping everyday Australians to participate in structured giving by offering a new way to set up their own sub account in the Equity Trustees Charitable Foundation (ECF), a public ancillary fund.  The ECF is powered by the Equity Trustees Philanthropy Portal, enabling people to become a philanthropist with just $5,000. What’s more, they can even give their account a name that resonates with them – perhaps after someone they care about, or something aspirational to them,” said Ms Cheng.

“Structured giving is a strategic way to give that goes beyond one-off donations. It’s about the creation of a tax-effective giving structure, that leverages the power of investments to create greater impact over a longer period. It’s a way people can start now – and see their contribution continue to make a difference over time.”

Equity Trustees manages more than 1,200 charitable trusts and foundations and distributes more than $120 million of philanthropic granting to charitable causes annually.

The online Equity Trustees Philanthropy Portal enhances the new (and existing) philanthropist’s donation experience, providing transparency and easy access to their giving account, while Equity Trustees deploys its 145+ years of experience to take care of the investment, compliance, governance and administration.

“The goal of the portal is to make philanthropy accessible, affordable, self-directed and tech-enabled so more Australians can give sustainably to change tomorrow,” said Ms Cheng.

How to make the most of the charitable giving tax deduction

• Keeping accurate and timely records and receipts is important
• Consider structured giving with Equity Trustees, which:
  • allows you to receive a tax deduction
  • amplifies your giving through smart, responsible investment
  • lets you choose which registered charities to give to – and automates your giving if you prefer
  • leverages a technology platform to keep track of donations, and security that your donation goes to registered charities
  • provides sustainable ongoing income to the charitable sector.

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Jodi Kennedy,

Approximately $1.4 million has been committed to support vital Australian research into Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).

The Judith Jane Mason & Harold Stannett Williams Memorial Foundation (the Mason Foundation) is a charitable trust that was established by a generous donation in 2003 by Judith Jane Mason (nee Williams) and named in honour of her father Harold Stannett Williams, whom Ms Mason described as “a most intelligent, wonderful and charitable man”.

The Mason Foundation was one of the first philanthropic funders to recognise the importance of ME/CFS research, with funding going directly to solving the ongoing challenge of this elusive illness, which has a devastating impact on the lives of many.

The 2024 ME/CFS research grants program, will fund each of the following projects for up to $120,000 per annum over the next three years:

• Dr Daniel Missailidis, La Trobe University – Bottom-up: linking the gut microbiota, immune system and metabolism in ME/CFS
• Prof Paul Fisher, La Trobe University – Diagnostic blood tests for ME/CFS (and Long COVID)
  A/Prof Lucette Cysique, University of New South Wales – Kynurenine pathways in the management of cognitive and physical fatigue in ME/CFS
• Dr Natalie Thomas, University of Melbourne – The ME/CFS Neuroendocrinology Program: identifying the unique steroid “hormone fingerprint” of ME/CFS and related hormone related events and triggers.

Since establishment twenty years ago, the Mason Foundation has awarded more than $26 million of research funding, ensuring ongoing research for ME/CFS and Alzheimer’s disease.

Jodi Kennedy, General Manager, Philanthropy and Community Trustee Services at Equity Trustees, said the Mason Foundation grants are a demonstration of critical collaboration by a research consortium, into a condition that is not well understood or funded.

“The Mason Foundation ME/CFS research grants are the only competitive grants program that continuously funds ME/CFS research in Australia, in the search for a better understanding of how to prevent, treat and care for those experiencing this poorly understood and debilitating condition.” Ms Kennedy said.

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Jodi Kennedy

Did you know women and girls are more likely than men to experience discrimination, poverty, violence and lower levels of average pay?

To help break this unfair bias Equity Trustees is committed to taking gender into account across all of its philanthropic granting.

“Applying a gender lens in favour of women ensures we’re taking responsibility as a funder, for addressing inequities and changing underlying systems compounding marginalisation and oppression,” said Jodi Kennedy, General Manager, Charitable Trusts and Philanthropy at Equity Trustees.

“In the past financial year, we granted around $1.5 million to programs solely targeting the unique needs of women and girls. Right now, we’re focussed on implementing the gender framework recommended by Australians Investing in Women^[1], a not-for profit gender advocate to ensure our granting leads to positive social change and a better, fairer society for everyone.”

Some of the practical ways Equity Trustees is becoming more gender-conscious include talking about gender with stakeholders, bringing gender into the granting discussions and application process, and funding specific programs that will effect change.

“We also collect gender-wise grant-related data which we then learn from and tailor. This influences our future granting by elevating the needs of women and girls, deepening our commitment to creating sustainable social change,” she said.

The Phyllis Conner Memorial Trust managed by Equity Trustees, is an example of how the team is successfully implementing a gender lens in philanthropic giving. A recent project funded by the Trust supports single mothers across Victoria to reengage in the workforce, helping to secure basic human rights such as financial and personal security, affordable housing and flexible working arrangements.

“Our objective is to take our philanthropic partners on the gender-wise journey with us, but at the same time considering the differing needs and circumstances of all people,” said Ms Kennedy.

As manager and trustee of more than 600 charitable trusts, Equity Trustees is a leading source of philanthropic funding in Australia. More about Philanthropy at Equity Trustees available online^[2].

The theme of International Women’s Day^[3] on 8 March 2022 is #BreakTheBias towards a world free of bias, stereotypes; that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive; and where women’s equality is universal.

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[1] Australians Investing in Women
[2] Philanthropy at Equity Trustees available online.
[3] International Women’s Day

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Jodi Kennedy

Equity Trustees has announced it will deliver $3.4 million in additional funding to the National Foundation for Medical Research and Innovation (NFMRI), Monash Partners and the Mater Foundation.

The granting will be delivered from 26 philanthropic trusts, for which Equity Trustees acts as trustee, and is a continuation of an existing partnership.

Over three years, the partners will be funded as follows:

• NFMRI: $1.76 million to advance medical research in the areas of Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.
• Monash Partners: $856,000 for research to improve health for children, those suffering from cancer, heart disease and depression.
• Mater Foundation: $824,000 to continue its research into children’s diseases, cancer and diabetes.

Ms Jodi Kennedy, Equity Trustees General Manager, Charitable Trusts and Philanthropy, said: “Equity Trustees is delighted to be able to continue its innovative partnership with these three organisations, which we first commenced in 2017.

“These groups bring together universities, medical research institutes, healthcare providers and industry and are leaders in collaboration and translation. Each plays an important part in advancing research and achieving equitable health outcomes for all Australians. We believe work of this nature requires sources of long-term capital rather than short-term funding.”

Monash Partners Executive Director, Professor Helena Teede said the previous round of funding from Equity Trustees had been directed towards improving the lives of children, young and older people; supporting the career development of female clinical academics, clinicians and early to mid-career researchers; and aiding research that translates into community impact and better health.

“Thanks to the vision and insightful approach of Equity Trustees, we have translated a wide range of innovative research projects designed to transform research into efficient delivery of our healthcare dollars to directly benefit patients,” Ms Teede said.

“As a result of this funding, we have been able to work with the communities we serve to create longer-term health care strategies which will have significant and lasting benefits.”

Dr Noel Chambers, NFMRI CEO said a further three-year partnership would enable NFMRI to continue supporting important research activities that would otherwise not be funded, with a focus on cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

“This funding expands upon our pilot partnership with Equity Trustees, which helped NFMRI to achieve a 62% success rate in projects attracting next-step partners and leveraging a total of over $45 million in external funding,” he said.

For Mater Foundation, the continued research effort means further progressing several areas of work including a significant focus on adult and paediatric immune responses to cancers under the direction of Dr Camille Guilerey and childhood disease and welfare progression by Associate Professor Kym Rae.

“Equity Trustees ongoing support of Mater Foundation enables a wide range of research initiatives to be maintained and built upon over the next three years. In particular, we are able to support the career progression of two remarkable research leaders through the Outstanding Women in Research Award.

“Dr Guilerey and Associate Professor Rae, in their respective fields of cancer immunotherapies and health and disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, are leading exceptional teams of emerging researchers to impactful outcomes,” said Mater Foundation Executive Director, Andrew Thomas.

In FY21, Equity Trustees distributed a total of $96.2 million across a range of charitable and not-for-profit causes from grants and bequests, with 42.7% of funding made to medical research and health organisations.

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Jodi Kennedy

Many Australians choose to leave a legacy that will make a lasting difference after they’re gone rather than leaving a one-off charitable donation in their will.

This is something all Australians can consider and  not just something for high income earners – Equity Trustees manages hundreds of examples of charitable trusts and structures left behind by ordinary Australians who made the decision at some stage during their lifetime to support the causes they care about by providing a sustainable funding stream for them to benefit from into the future.

John and Patricia (Pat) Anderson married a little later in life and were a happy partnership – living in Camberwell in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne and holidaying in Lorne with their friends. He was a Minister with the Uniting Church and she was a devout Catholic with a fierce streak of independence who had enjoyed a career in the banking sector.

John died in 1993, but Pat continued living a full and social life. When Pat died in December 2019, aged 94, she left behind a trust which had by then amassed around $12 million from their combined assets – even after leaving some gifts to extended family members. Her instructions were to establish a perpetual charitable trust called JOPA (combining the first two letters of their names).

A number of charities were named to benefit – reflecting the interests and concerns of both John and Pat. JOPA will distribute funds from the trust into perpetuity to the Arthritis Association, Heart Foundation, Red Cross, Vision Australia, Prahran Mission, the Salvation Army and the Cancer Council. Separately, John left one-off gifts (bequests) in his Will to Dementia Australia, Geelong Animal Welfare Society, Lost Dogs Home, Melbourne City Mission, Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute, and the Uniting Church.

“We’re honoured to carry out Pat’s instructions forever – Pat had long term objectives for her charitable giving. By appointing a professional trustee which has done this work for well over a century, Pat put in place a giving strategy that would stand the test of time.” explained Jodi Kennedy, General Manager of Charitable Trusts and Philanthropy at Equity Trustees.

“And in time, we can expect Pat’s trust to produce more than half a million dollars per year, in perpetuity to her causes.”

Ms Kennedy said there are a range of philanthropic structures available to allow Australians to leave a lasting legacy to the community, in the way they want.

“Some of the options include establishing a sub-fund under an existing public ancillary fund or creating a standalone private ancillary fund.  Either can be a great way to involve children and grandchildren in future giving decisions,” she said.

“But whatever option is right for you, the key question is whether you, like Pat, want to create a legacy that can go on supporting charitable causes and organisations to do their work, by providing a sustainable funding stream for them to benefit from into the future..”

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Jodi Kennedy

Many Australians view death and dying as a taboo topic – and this is affecting the decisions they make and the quality of care they receive as they age, according to Equity Trustees.

As Australia marks ‘Dying To Know Day’, an annual campaign which encourages everyone to start conversations about death, Jodi Kennedy, General Manager, Charitable Trusts and Philanthropy, Equity Trustees, said that as one of the largest sources of trustee philanthropic funding in Australia, Equity Trustees had been supporting the work of for-purpose organisations aiming to improve end-of-life outcomes through its aging and aged care granting program.

“Unfortunately, death is still viewed as a morbid topic in our culture, but there can be real benefits to making your wishes known during your lifetime and involving family and friends in the process,” she said.

The Wicking Trust, managed by Equity Trustees, is one of Australia’s most significant charitable trusts. Established in 2002 by John and Janet Wicking, the Trust has distributed close to $25 million over the past five years to improve the lives and prospects of older Australians, people with Alzheimer’s disease, and those who are blind or have low vision.

The Wicking Trust has provided $600,000 over five years to The Groundswell Project, the founder of Dying to Know Day in Australia. The Groundswell Project is focused on improving how people in Australia die, care and grieve through a range of community and educational programs. It has also launched the Death Literacy Index, a world first population-based tool to measure death literacy.

Jessie Williams, CEO of The Groundswell Project, said there had been a noticeable shift in the campaign this year, with an increase in confidence among event holders in encouraging shared conversations about dying as a part of living.

“Death is often over-medicalised and institutionalised and because of the lack of options, knowledge and decision-making power, there can be negative repercussions for the person dying and those around them.

“We are inviting our event holders to develop the campaign for a post-Covid Australia, where we aim to reach workplaces, health settings, households and communities; rural, remote and metropolitan. Our impact will be the increased numbers of Australians exercising choice and control over how they want to live and how they want to die.

“We are grateful to The Wicking Trust for their support in helping us to continue to socialise the conversation around death and dying and make it less of a taboo topic.”

The Wicking Trust and Equity Trustees have also provided grants to a range of other organisations which are focused on end-of-life care across Australia.

These include $1 million over eight years to The Australian Centre for Social Innovation (TACSI) to convene and support a ‘Systemic Impact in End of Life Network’. The network is designed to connect people with the influence, resources and knowledge to create change in how Australian institutions approach death.

The Trust has also provided a $1 million grant over three years to The Violet Initiative, which for 30 years has guided people caring for someone who is dying and is focused on improving care systems in the last stages of life.

“It is no secret that our population is ageing and we are pleased to be working with a range of excellent causes that are helping to create meaningful change in the way Australians approach death and dying,” Ms Kennedy said.

Ms Kennedy said this process can begin with estate planning which can be the first step in the process of planning ahead before ageing – and even end of life decisions – are a reality.

“It’s better to begin the conversation well before anyone has to act or make important decisions – whether it’s about your estate plan, how you want to be cared for is you lose capacity or your wishes for organ donation.

“This Dying to Know Day, we encourage Australians to give some thought to their wishes and share them with family members because we believe everyone deserves a dignified end to their life.”

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