Chairman’s Report GRANTS AWARDED
65
TOTAL VALUE
$26,078,938 GRANTS PAID
159
TOTAL VALUE
$28,599,110
For many people, 2021 was another very challenging year with the effects of the global pandemic disproportionately impacting disadvantaged members of our community. At the Foundation, we are thankful for the continuing efforts of the not-for-profit sector to meet the needs of the community while rising to these new challenges. During such difficult times, the Foundation remains committed to supporting organisations working to address the most pressing problems in our society. Part of this commitment is the continuous improvement of our own processes and strategies. Hence, as part of the Board’s commitment to a five-year evaluation cycle of its approach to grantmaking, the Board re-engaged The Centre for Effective Philanthropy to conduct a confidential survey of our grantees and declined applicants to obtain feedback on the quality of the Foundation’s grantmaking. Originally planned for 2020, the survey was delayed to May 2021 due to the sudden impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our grantees and declined applicants. The results have been pleasing, with grantees rating the Foundation significantly higher compared to the first survey conducted in 2015 in more than a dozen individual measures, including aspects of the Foundation’s impact, understanding, relationships, and processes. The results also identify areas where improvements can be made, to
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which the management team is turning their attention. Such feedback assists the Foundation in remaining an effective and impactful philanthropic foundation, supporting the efforts of our grantees and engaging further with those organisations we don’t fund but who do formally engage with us. In fiscal 2021, the Foundation awarded 65 grants totalling $26.1 million. Twenty-two grants were awarded in the Fair Pillar comprising 13 grants ($4.0 million) in the Community Wellbeing program and nine grants ($3.0 million) in the Early Childhood Development program. The majority of these were capacitybuilding grants to ensure existing partners could adapt or pivot their services to continue to serve their cohort. Ten Medical Research grants ($1.45 million) and six Public Health Research Project grants ($2.56 million) were funded via the Healthy Pillar, continuing the Foundation’s support of a range of targeted investments in this important area. Sixteen grants were awarded in the Vibrant Pillar ($5.1 million) supporting a range of arts organisations seeking to extend their impact in creating a vibrant and engaged cultural scene. In addition, $0.4m supported The Ian Potter Cultural Trust. The rapid rate of change to Australian ecosystems caused by climate change requires bold and innovative action. The need for systemic change in environmental sustainability is reflected in the projects supported in 2020–21 within the Sustainable Pillar. A little over $8 million was awarded in grants comprising one $5 million major grant and six program grants ($3.1 million) all focused on improving environmental knowledge and management practices.
The Ian Potter Foundation Annual Grants Report 2020–21
