South West Community Foundation Funds
Our Funds: Creating Lasting Impact
The South West Community Foundation manages a range of funds that enable individuals, families, organisations and communities to support the causes and places they care about. From place-based and purpose-driven funds to hosted, auspiced and flow-through arrangements, our flexible fund structures provide a trusted way to turn philanthropy into lasting community impact.
Funds are established under one of three structures: the Public Fund (DGR 2), Open Fund (non-tax-deductible) or Community Charity Fund (DGR 1), depending on their purpose and the needs of the donor or community. All funds operate within the Foundation’s governance framework and relevant legal and regulatory requirements, with the Board maintaining overall responsibility for their stewardship and oversight.
Fund types:
Place-Based Funds
Support a particular geographic community, helping local philanthropy respond to local priorities. Current examples include the Colac Community Fund and Koroit and District Community Fund.
Purpose-Based Funds
Support a particular charitable purpose, cause or area of need. Current funds support organisations and causes including the Warrnambool Botanic Gardens, Warrnambool Multicultural Association, Warrnambool RSL and South West Conservatorium of Music.
Hosted Funds
Provide a trusted home for an existing organisation or initiative, allowing funds to be held and invested by the Foundation while retaining the fund’s established purpose and identity.
Flow-Through Funds
Enable funds received from an external entity to be directed to an agreed charitable purpose, project, recipient or beneficiaries.
Auspiced Funds
Provide a governance and charitable framework for organisations or initiatives that do not have their own charitable or deductible gift recipient status, while allowing them to remain responsible for delivering their agreed activities.
Named Funds
Allow individuals, families, organisations and other donors to establish a fund in their name, creating a lasting philanthropic legacy aligned with an agreed charitable purpose.