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About Us
The purpose of Western Australian Community Foundation is to give communities control over their own destiny through the growth and distribution of endowed funds and the development of community leadership capacity.
Over the past four years, Western Australian Community Foundation has grown from a simple idea to a centre of philanthropy, supporting the development of resilient communities for the future benefit of all Western Australians.
The first of its kind in the state, Western Australian Community Foundation provides a unique opportunity for communities to establish long-term sustainability. The Foundation exists to create and nurture philanthropic partnerships between those living and working within Western Australia.
The goals of the Foundation are to:
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Act as an independent catalyst to build, grow and distribute endowed funds for Western Australian communities.
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Facilitate education and learning opportunities that strengthen community self-reliance and build leadership capacity.
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Provide leadership, direction and resources to communities, interest groups and businesses seeking to contribute to and benefit from philanthropic activities.
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Promote and foster sustainable philanthropic community business partnerships across Western Australia.
The Journey
Following the extensive work completed by the Western Australian Community Foundation Steering Committee, and with the support of past Governor of WA, Lt General John Sanderson AC, the Foundation's inaugural Directors were appointed in July 2003.
The experience gained from consulting with community groups in WA and representatives from community foundations around the world has resulted in the Western Australian Community Foundation Board endorsing a specific direction for the future of the organisation.
The following unique factors have contributed to the Foundation’s success to date:
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Establishment of local advisory committees to encourage and facilitate grass-roots decision making.
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Support to ensure effective community partnerships.
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Access to communications and marketing expertise.
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Access to expertise to support the development of community engagement plans.
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Western Australian Community Foundation’s active role in promoting and encouraging philanthropy in WA.
The main principles that set Western Australian Community Foundation aside include:
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Western Australian Community Foundation, an independent organisation, is the Trustee with legal responsibility for all activities.
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A shared model approach that substantially reduces administration and management costs.
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A long term vision focusing on the sustainability, and perpetuity, of communities across WA.
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Driving community capacity building for the betterment of all Western Australians.
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Encourage the sharing of ideas across individuals, groups, organisations and government to identify and achieve mutual objectives.
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Local ownership with grass roots decision making.
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A small service fee for the provision of administration (legal and governance), fund management, advisory committee training, marketing and communication support, fund distribution and facilitation of community development initiatives.
Today, the Foundation has more than 30 donation funds and trust established in partnership with communities across Western Australia.
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