Howwegrant
Under the Will of Helen Macpherson Schutt (née Smith), the Trust supports charitable programs to contribute to meaningful improvement in the lives of Victorians.
The Trust provides grants to partner organisations working in Victoria. Guided by the organisation’s values and the principles of trust-based philanthropy, the Trust fosters strong relationships between donors, not-for-profits, and communities.
The Trusts takes a long-term view and commits to multi-year grants that are strategic in nature, fostering relationships with peer funders, and creating the most possible impact.
The Trust works to rebalance power by listening to those with expertise, collaborate respectfully, and use its influence to support organisations beyond funding. The approach is transparent, informed by data, and open to learning from mistakes.
Acknowledging one organisation cannot have all the answers, the Trust actively seeks to understand the systems and social contexts in which it operates.
The Trust supports organisations and programs in two focus areas:
How we grant
To avoid applicants investing time in proposals that are unlikely to proceed, we engage early with prospective grantees to confirm alignment with our funding priorities and strategic approach. This ensures only well-aligned organisations invest time in preparing application material for the Trust.
The Trust accepts applications by invitation only and does not consider unsolicited applications.
Organisations that meet our eligibility criteria will be invited to submit a grant enquiry. The steps to the right outline the prospective grantee process.
Check eligibility
If your organisation is a Victorian‑based charity working in areas aligned with the Trust’s strategic priorities, you are welcome to complete the eligibility quiz. Organisations that meet the eligibility criteria will be invited to submit a brief enquiry form.
Initial assessment
Organisations that demonstrate alignment with the Trust’s priorities may be invited to provide further information, usually through a brief phone call.
Invitation to apply
Where there is strong alignment with the Trust’s strategic priorities, organisations may be invited to submit a grant application.
