
Brophy Family and Youth Services
Education
A collaborative response to youth disengagement in regional Victoria
Helen Macpherson Smith Trust is an independent philanthropic trust established by Helen Macpherson Schutt (née Smith) in 1951. On her passing in 1951, Helen left £275,000, the majority of her wealth, to establish a perpetual philanthropic trust to benefit Victorian charitable institutions. Launched as the Helen M. Schutt Trust, the name was changed to the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust in 2001 to acknowledge the Macpherson and Smith families as the prime source of her legacy.
Since HMSTrust was established, over $130 million has been approved in grants to a wide range of Victorian charitable institutions and a diverse range of projects benefiting Victorians.
Our vision
A strong, just and sustainable Victoria.
Balit, noogee ba kangooeit biik. We proudly feature our vision in Woiwurrung language as a sign of respect.
Our purpose
HMSTrust works to advance equity of opportunity for all Victorians
Our values
Respect. Integrity. Stewardship. Collaboration. Accountability.
Our guiding principles
HMSTrust’s grantmaking is based on Helen’s Will which defines our legal remit and provides an insight into Helen’s legacy.
Helen’s philanthropy reflects a generous, determined and committed woman who sought no fuss or fanfare. Her choice in establishing a trust in perpetuity for the benefit of Victoria reflects a bold and visionary woman for her time.
Helen Macpherson Smith was a very private woman who left few insights into the type of person she was. Her close friends and relatives described her as thoughtful, kind and caring, and there would be little doubt that this spirit of generosity was central to her interest in philanthropy.
Helen’s vision continues to guide HMSTrust today. She was a life-long donor and supporter of organisations in Victoria including community service charities, children’s causes and medical institutions, and in her Will requested her Trustees consider ongoing support for “…such charitable institutions in the State of Victoria…”.
HMSTrust will honour the wishes of our benefactor in perpetuity. Our Trustees will also ensure the grants program remains relevant and effective in a rapidly changing world. The grants program is designed to meet current community needs and expectations, and also maximise the major social impacts and long-term benefits that can be delivered through strategic philanthropy.
HMSTrust acknowledges and pays respect to the traditional owners and custodians of the lands on which we work.
Education
A collaborative response to youth disengagement in regional Victoria
Community
Supporting the long term recovery of bushfire affected communities in Rural and Regional Victoria
Arts and Culture
Enabling artists to rebuild after natural disaster
Environment
Protecting endangered species and habitats across South Gippsland
Health
Building organisational capacity to enable sustainable growth