Case Studies

Over the past few years we have interviewed several of our Members who have PPFs about their giving for our journal Australian Philanthropy. Some of these people talk about their personal motivations for establishing a foundation or their passion for the work their giving enables. Others tell the story of their family’s role in the PPF and the way they intend to involve their children. Each case study adds a new dimension to our understanding of philanthropy.

Ian Darling - The Caledonia Foundation
Ian Darling is Chairman of The Caledonia Foundation, a PPF focusing on the education, training and welfare of underprivileged young Australians. He’s also Chairman of the Documentary Australia Foundation, a new philanthropic initiative for foundations, charitable organisations and documentary filmmakers, He spoke with Louise Arkles about innovative philanthropy, planning for high impact, and the wearing of many hats.

In business you need to keep reinventing yourself and keep assessing whether or not you’re making an impact and maximising your return on investment, or from a philanthropic perspective, whether you’re maximising the return on social capital. There’s a big learning curve that happens initially – we spread our wings quite widely, while defining our focus to helping young Australians. For the first few years we gave many small grants, and got swamped with applications – which is a healthy thing as we were able to see what was happening across the field.

» Read the complete interview with Ian Darling from issue 69 of Australian Philanthropy

The Nelson Meers Foundation
The Nelson Meers Foundation was one of the first PPFs created back in 2001 by Nelson Meers and is managed by his daughter Samantha Meers, executive director.

Two principles guided our decision-making: that it was important to choose just one focus area, so that we could develop some level of expertise in that area; and that we could sustain an enthusiastic commitment … Continuity is important, but I strongly believe that this is a matter for each generation to consider afresh [as] philanthropy is something that cannot be done well or effectively without commitment and enthusiasm … It will be a matter for each generation to develop its own philosophy according to the times. Perhaps the Nelson Meers Foundation’s funding priorities will shift over time, but we believe that the flexibility of the PPF structure will accommodate this.

» Read the complete article by Nelson Meers from issue 65 of Australian Philanthropy

David Gonski
David Gonski AC is well known for his widespread involvement in philanthropy. He is currently the Chancellor of the University of New South Wales, and his former roles have included chairman of the Australia Council for the Arts, councillor for the Australia Business Arts Foundation, member of the Prime Minister’s Community Business Partnership Tax Committee, President of the Art Gallery of New South Wales and a Director of ANZ Bank Ltd.

For some time now I have been very conscious that the life I lead as a merchant banker and company director is one which essentially could be categorised on an index of social impact as being low. It is a life of involvement but one which is very beneficial to me and not necessarily so to the community at large. Philanthropic giving has allowed me to change this balance. This giving both in money and in time has given me a feeling that I am giving back to my community; that I am involved better in the world that surrounds me and finally, the effect of my work has a more enduring and sustainable effect.

» Read the complete interview with David Gonski from issue 67 of Australian Philanthropy