NIDA Foundation Trust

The NIDA Foundation Trust (NFT) is very fortunate to have the generous support of a loyal group of donors and supporters who are committed to our vision of ensuring NIDA’s future as Australia’s preeminent performing arts educator. This commitment was highlighted during 2020 and the significant challenges that NIDA faced due to COVID-19. We are extremely grateful for the continued support that the NFT received during this tumultuous year. The funds provided are critical to NIDA’s ongoing sustainability and to assist our students in achieving their educational goals.

Financial statement

The net assets of the NFT stand at $11,856,601. The total comprehensive income for the financial year was a surplus of $30,533. Over the 2020 financial year the (NFT) disbursed $1,019,545 to NIDA to support students, fundraising, events and the Alexandria store transition in accordance with the NIDA-NFT Memorandum of Understanding. Bursaries and scholarships In 2020 the NFT contributed $385,377 in bursaries and scholarships. Scholarships are provided to enrolled students for much needed support for living expenses and to assist with national and international industry placements and attendance at festivals. The Future Students’ Scholarships initiative provides talented prospective students with funds in order to remove financial barriers to attending NIDA. NFT is committed to supporting a diverse community of students from a wide range of backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We are delighted that two new Future Students’ Scholarships were established to take effect in 2021, The YouTube Scholarship and The William Rubensohn Foundation Scholarship.

Production and other support In 2020 the NFT contributed $634,168 for production and other support.

Fundraising events Due to COVID-related social distancing restrictions that were in place during 2020, planned NFT fundraising events were unfortunately postponed. We were very pleased to be able to host a number of small donor lunches, and supporter events during the October Season of Student Productions. The Parade Committee was established in 2020 to assist with designing future fundraising events and to build NIDA’s community of supporters. NFT will launch our Behind the Scenes Annual Giving Program in 2021. Our donors and supporters are deeply invested in the advancement of arts and culture in Australia and the funds they provide are sincerely appreciated, enabling NIDA to respond to change and continue to be a future-focused organisation. I would like to acknowledge CEO Liz Hughes for her formidable leadership in navigating the challenges of 2020, Lisa Hamilton, Head of Development and Alumni, and the entire organisation for their collective effort in delivering NIDA’s programs in a very difficult year. We push forward with a strong vision for the future of NIDA and look forward to the challenge of bringing this to life. I am very appreciative of my fellow NFT directors – Andrew Banks, Garry McQuinn, Alex Pollak, Noel Staunton and Catherine West – for their time commitment, insights and expertise during 2020. After five years, Bruce Davey retired from the Board during the year and we thank him for his valued contribution to the NFT.

Finally, my thanks to all who continue to enthusiastically support NIDA and the Trust’s fundraising efforts. Peter Ivany AM Chairman NIDA Foundation Trust

Image, this page: Next to Normal (Photo: Phil Erbacher) Image, opposite page: And A Happy New Year (Photo: Phil Erbacher)