What Defines Us

Helen Macpherson Smith Trust is an independent philanthropic trust established by Helen Macpherson Schutt (née Smith) in 1951.

Since HMSTrust was established, $129 million has been distributed in grants to a wide range of Victorian charitable institutions to initiatives that address our purpose of equity of opportunity, and deliver on our vision for a strong, just and sustainable Victoria.

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.

The Trust’s legal remit is to fund charitable institutions and purposes in ‘Victoria only’.

The original corpus was largely built on the landholdings of Helen’s pioneering forebears, which is recognised by an ongoing commitment to rural and regional Victoria.

Our grantmaking is informed by Helen’s own philanthropy, which remained largely unchanged until her death in 1951. She was committed to relieving disadvantage through her annual support of: children’s health and wellbeing; disability; access to health care; welcoming strangers to our shores; animal welfare; and communities impacted by natural disasters.

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.