Former Queensland Premier, Mike Ahern, was a man ahead of his time.
In 1983, as technology minister in the Bjelke-Petersen government, he bought a parcel of land at Eight-Mile Plains in Brisbane for technology start-ups. Later recalling many laughed at the idea. By 2017, the same piece of land was home to 400 technology companies.
That same forethought led to the establishment of the Queensland Community Foundation (QCF) in 1997.
With initial funding of $300,000 managed by the Public Trustee of Queensland, and with guidance from Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC), alongside support from corporate philanthropic partners, and rigorous governance provided by an esteemed voluntary board, the Foundation was established to create lasting impact for Queensland Communities.
At the heart of the Foundation was one simple promise, – what you give today, will last forever.
To date, Queensland Community Foundation, has delivered almost $57 million to hundreds of charities across the state – setting itself apart by providing funding for Queensland charities year on year, in perpetuity. These funds, received through philanthropic donations or bequests, are ministered through QCF’s action arm, Queensland Gives.
CEO of Queensland Gives, Tara Castle, said the long-term nature of the fund enables the Foundation to provide sustainable funding to Queensland charities every year.
“The way the Queensland Community Foundation trust is structured, our operating costs are supported by corporate partners – meaning every dollar donated goes directly into a perpetual fund and the returns of that investment provide ongoing funds to charities through 272 sub-funds and hundreds of charities through grant funding every year.
“In times where there are economic shocks, or instability, charities and not-for profit providers are often caught in a pinch-point where they have an uplift in service demand, but a shortfall in funding or charitable giving.
“Our ability to deliver annual revenue to charities, really offers a degree of financial stability for them to continue support our most vulnerable Queenslanders.”
Over the last seven years at the helm of Queensland Gives, Ms Castle and the team have worked to support charities across the state through annual grants as well as striving to promote philanthropy within Queensland.
“We know Queenslanders are passionate and parochial and have an incredible sense of community,” she said.
“It shows up in volunteers’ supporting remote communities in the far west or north through natural disasters, or business and corporations finding new ways to give back to support local projects or invest in medical research or environment projects.
“While many of the Queensland Community Foundation’s 272 sub-funds are dedicated to supporting specific causes ranging from medical research and support to environmental protection and community support services, others have been established with a view to directly benefit a specific community or geographic area.
Expanding into local communities.
The first Queensland Community Foundation regional sub-fund was established in 1997 on the Gold Coast by then Gold Coast Mayor Gary Baildon. Followed by Sunshine Coast Community Foundation in 1999, and more recently with Toowoomba establishing its own sub-fund.
The Bayside Community Fund is the latest to set up a regional fund, with the help of the state member for Lytton, Joan Pease MP alongside a passionate group of community leaders – a demonstration of the impact that can be created when government and community come together.
Brisbane’s Bayside is a tight knit community and that generosity is there in spades, Joan said.
“I was regularly hearing from local charities and community organisations seeking financial support to continue their valuable work. As the local Member, I’m very much a conduit in that I try and connect the good will of my community into tangible outcomes,” she said.
At the same time, one of the local Constituents approached Joan, wanting to leave a lasting legacy for the community but unsure how best to do it.
“I approached the Queensland Community Foundation to explore the possibility of creating a Bayside Community Fund…to create a lasting legacy for our community – there is enormous value in establishing an enduring fund that can provide ongoing support well into the future.”
Thanks to the support of a committed group of local leaders from the philanthropy, grants and business sectors, that vision was brought to life.
“People want to invest in the communities where they live, work and raise their families. It highlighted for me the important role that community foundations can play in connecting generosity with local need,” Joan said.
Brisbane City Councillor for Wynnum, Alex Givney, has also been supportive of the fund and sees great value anyhow it supports the local community, long-term.
“A perpetual fund creates long-term sustainability and allows communities to continue investing in local projects and organisations for generations to come,” he said.
“The Bayside is home to many incredible community groups, sporting clubs and not-for-profit organisations that would significantly benefit from ongoing financial support.
“These groups are often run by hardworking volunteers who are already giving so much of their time and energy to support others. Importantly, a perpetual fund also gives communities confidence and certainty.”
Feeling inspired? Stories like these speak to more than communities that care but partnerships that are built on collaboration, grounded in vision and purpose, and provide an ongoing pathway to support, fund and develop evolving communities. Community leaders. If you’re interested in learning more about local community foundations or how to support fellow Queenslanders, reach out to any one of our team.
