The Bennelong Foundation acknowledges Australia’s First Nations Peoples as the custodians of Country on which we live, learn and work. We recognise their continuing connection to the lands throughout Australia, culture and communities. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to Elders past, present and emerging.

Change, not charity.

The Bennelong Foundation works hand in hand with organisations to support participation, empower individuals and strengthen their communities. Because when we are part of something bigger - we all win.

Talent Beyond Boundaries

A new solution for refugees: based on skills, backed by business and enabled by technology.

Funding & investments

Discover how we fund community organisations and invest our resources.

News & insights

Read the latest updates from the Foundation and our partners.

Stories of impact

Be inspired by the tales of changemakers and positive community action.

About us

Learn more about our people, our ambition and our history.

380+

organisations supported by the Bennelong Foundation.

20+

years partnering with community changemakers.

About the Bennelong Foundation

Making meaningful change

Founded by the Bangarra Family Office, the Bennelong Foundation and the Bennelong Foundation UK are the philanthropic arms of the Bangarra Group. In addition to grantmaking and investments, we leverage the assets, time and expertise of the Group to connect business and philanthropy, build social impact leadership and cultivate a culture of giving.

20+

charities funded in Cornwall, London, Kent and Surrey.

5

years funding programs that tackle childhood poverty and promote social inclusion in the UK.

About the Bennelong Foundation UK

Making meaningful change

Founded by the Bangarra Family Office, the Bennelong Foundation UK and the Bennelong Foundation Australia are the philanthropic arms of the Bangarra Group. In addition to grantmaking and investments, we leverage the assets, time and expertise of the Group to connect business and philanthropy, build social impact leadership and cultivate a culture of giving.

Stories of impact

Read how changemakers supported by the Bennelong Foundation create positive change.

Sydney East Community College

A mentor program helping skilled migrants, refugees and asylum seekers confidently find jobs.

Banksia Gardens

A holistic, community approach to the final years of high school is helping Melbourne students reach their academic potential.

First Australians Capital

Purpose-driven capital is empowering Indigenous-led businesses to grow and thrive.

Happy Brain Education

Happy Brain Education helps migrant families in Melbourne access high-quality education via tutoring and mentoring services.

Australian Spatial Analytics

A work integrated social enterprise (WISE) is providing tailored support for neurodiverse people so they can thrive on the job.

Media Diversity Australia

An internship program is bridging the divide between Australia’s diverse population and how it is represented in the media.
Funding Insights

Making Meaningful Change.

Founded by the Bangarra Family Office, the Bennelong Foundation and Bennelong Foundation UK are the philanthropic arms of the Bangarra Group. In addition to grantmaking and investments, the Foundations leverage the assets, time and expertise of the Group to connect business and philanthropy, build social impact leadership and cultivate a culture of giving.

22

Years partnering with community changemakers across Australia.

380+

Organisations supported by the Foundation.

Stories of our partnerships

Confit Pathways
I used to run a criminal enterprise, now I run a social enterprise.

Joe Kwon

Founder and CEO, Confit Pathways
Talent Beyond Boundaries
The Bennelong Foundation came in on the ground floor and took a calculated risk. They were our second major funder...they backed the program when we were just forming as an organisation.

Jemma Bailey

ANZ Co-director, Talent Beyond Boundaries
TeamSports4All
It's hard to break cycles of disadvantage, but this charity is doing just that for families.

Simon Davie

CEO, TeamSports4All
AYI Centres
The key difference AYI Centres intends to make is to support these students to feel safe at school.

Bishop Laryea

Founder, African Youth Initiative Centres
News & insights

The latest from the Foundation and our partners

View all

Welcome Kim Thien Vo

Kim Thien Vo, a University of Melbourne scholarship recipient, is pursuing a double major in accounting and finance and has already made a meaningful impact at Bangarra Group.
May 2016
1
min read

Sydney Pitch In

Coverage of the second annual Sydney Pitch In event at O Bar, where $50,000 was granted to three charities in a glamorous evening hosted by TV personality Paul McDermott.
Apr 2016
1
min read

Launch of the New Colombo Plan, Bennelong Foundation Cross Cultural Pre Departure Training Programme

The launch of the Bennelong Foundation Pre-Departure Cross-Cultural Training Programme for New Colombo Plan students, hosted by The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Julie Bishop MP, marks a significant milestone in the national roll-out of the program.
Apr 2016
1
min read

A Taste of Harmony 2016

A celebration of 'A Taste of Harmony' with an African themed event featuring drumming, lunch, and a special performance by grade six students.
Mar 2016
1
min read

We welcome Sandra Jacobs as the new Bennelong Foundation CEO

Sandra's extensive experience in wealth management, philanthropy, and community involvement aligns with the vision of purpose-driven businesses like the Bennelong Foundation and the Bangarra Group.
Feb 2016
1
min read

Steptember!

Celebrating the success of Andrew Aitken in completing the Steptember challenge and raising over $13,000 for children and adults living with cerebral palsy.
Sep 2015
1
min read
"They need the chance to use their voice, to express themselves and to have agency. We give them that through education and employment opportunities."

Dewi Cooke

CEO, The Social Studio

Working hand in hand with organisations to support participation, empower individuals and strengthen their communities.

FAQs

What type of Foundation are you?

The Bennelong Foundation Australia is a Private Ancillary Fund operating under the regulations of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC) and the Australian Tax Office (ATO). It grants to organisations that carry a deductible gift recipient 1 (DGR1) status.

The Bennelong Foundation UK is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) operating under the regulations of the Charity Commission for England and Wales. It grants to registered charitable organisations or organisations whose work benefits the community.

What does the Foundation fund?

Our ambition is to give every person the opportunity to shape their future and chase their goals.
Our aim is to increase pathways to economic empowerment, as well as social cohesion and inclusion.
You can find more information about specific funding areas here.

Do you fund capacity-building initiatives for not-for-profits?

Yes.

Who can apply for funding and when?

Australia Foundation
Australia-based not-for-profits with DGR1 status can apply for a 12-month, Community Grant of up to $30,000 in our annual, open grant round. The round typically opens in July each year. Periodically, we invite expressions of interest for multi-year Catalyst Grants or Learning for Life Grants, or to take part in Pitch In events that are led by our Philanthropy & Community Engagement Committee.
Learn more in Grants.

UK Foundation
A small number of UK-based charitable organisations are invited to apply for a 12-month Social Inclusion Grant every year or take part in our UK Pitch In events. Learn more here.  

What is the application process?

When a grant round opens, organisations can submit an expression of interest via the website. The Foundation team will then invite a small number of these organsations to submit a full application. Visit our grants page to check eligibility criteria and read our supporting resources. Follow us on social media to stay up to date on funding opportunities.

Still have questions?

Contact our management team for further information.