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.

Young Roots

Young refugees in the UK are shaping their care and support at youth-led ‘hubs’ in London.

The Torch

Supporting First Nations people experiencing incarceration to explore their cultural identity through the visual arts.

Koorie Academy

Bringing pride in culture to young Indigenous people via basketball.

Kent Refugee Action Network

Refugee youth voices are heard and acted on as part of a youth ambassador program in Kent, UK.

Tradeswomen Australia

Giving vulnerable women the opportunity to learn a trade and improving workplace cultures at the same time.

The Community Grocer

Four Melbourne markets are giving low-income families access to affordable, culturally appropriate food and building social cohesion.
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

Team Bennelong Participate in Run Melbourne 2018

A recap of the Bennelong Foundation community's participation in the annual Run Melbourne event, raising $8,700 for The Mirabel Foundation and Beyond Blue.
Jul 2018
1
min read

Ganbina Year 10 Leadership Program Visit to Bennelong House

A group of students from the Ganbina Year 10 leadership program visited Bennelong House to discuss career aspirations and share stories with the community.
Jul 2018
1
min read

Meet the Grantees Lunch Melbourne

Highlighting the impact of grant recipients supported by the Bennelong Foundation through presentations at Bennelong House.
Jul 2018
1
min read

Visit to Woorabinda with the Cathy Freeman Foundation

A firsthand account of our CEO's visit to the community in Woorabinda and the impactful work of the Cathy Freeman Foundation.
Jul 2018
1
min read

Sisterworks Visit

A heartwarming story of how Sisterworks Inc is empowering newly arrived Australian women through handmade Little Sister dolls.
Jul 2018
1
min read

Our latest article in Generosity Magazine - Taking a systems approach to teaching a person to fish

Exploring the concept of 'a hand up, not a hand out' in philanthropy and the importance of understanding the root causes of disadvantage before offering solutions.
Jul 2018
1
min read
"We are thrilled with the opportunities provided to our organisation and communities through becoming a Bennelong Foundation grant recipient. The partnership has given us a new platform to raise awareness of our work. This relationship is so much more than a financial transaction."

Georgie McGrillen

Partnership and Relationship Manager, Refugee Council of Australia

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.