How we grant

Informed by a 70-year legacy of supporting Victorian communities, Helen Macpherson Smith Trust partners with organisations and peer funders to improve outcomes for Victorians.

Our vision
A strong, just and sustainable Victoria
Balit, noogee ba kangooeit biik

Our values
Respect & integrity; stewardship; collaboration; learning

Our values reflect our intention to acknowledge partners as the experts in the fields in which they work, taking a long-term view to foster relationships and prioritise learning together.

Our strategy
Under the Will of Helen Macpherson Smith, the Trust supports charitable programs to support Victorians.

The Trust’s support prioritises Victorian communities experiencing disadvantage. To address disadvantage, we support organisations and programs in two areas, being:

• Community – building connection, capacity and capability in communities
• Education – addressing educational disadvantage through community-based partnerships

How we grant
The Trust seeks to build long-term relationships with partners who deliver programs of sustained impact in Victoria. We support initiatives that align with our areas of focus and with organisations that align with our values.

To ensure that only organisations likely to receive support invest time in preparing applications, applications are accepted by invitation only. We discourage unsolicited applications.

Which organisations are considered for applications?
The Trust considers organisations working in Victoria in the areas of place-based education and community connection, capacity and capability. While we do not encourage unsolicited applications, you are welcome to contact us if you believe your organization meets the strategic objectives and eligibility of the Trust. Please refer to the Contact Us page for information on how to get in touch.

Eligibility
Support will be considered for organisations that are situated in Victoria and are undertaking projects in Victoria for the benefit of Victorians. Projects must have charitable purpose and meet the objectives of the funding program.