FY25 saw the TFFF distribute $8.096 million to 43 for-purpose organisations through values-based philanthropy. This included the commencement of three nine-year funding agreements in a new strategic partnership program – the terms of which may constitute a first for Australia’s arts sector – reflecting the Foundation’s belief that long-term, trust-based partnerships enable organisations to focus on their mission with clarity and stability.
The Connected funding stream strengthened social cohesion in communities through 30 project-based grants, most delivered in partnership with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal. In FY25, TFFF funding supported 51% of FRRR’s grantmaking in its Strengthening Regional Communities Program in Queensland and the Northern Territory.
The TFFF invested in building the Resilience of 34 not-for-profit organisations, with Trustees and Advisors approving 13 new agreements for multi-year general operating support totalling $6.05 million. A significant portion of this funding was co-administered through the Australian Cultural Fund’s Amplify initiative. These grants continue to provide vital flexibility and security for community-led organisations.
Under the Futureproof stream, the TFFF was pleased to expand our strategic initiatives grantmaking, including a $1 million grant supporting a major new collaborative place-based initiative: the Thriving Places Queensland Network. The TFFF is pleased to be partnering with the John Villiers Trust, The Bryan Foundation, Hand Heart Pocket, Dusseldorp Forum, CAGES Foundation, Equity Trustees, and RACQ Foundation to create a mechanism to share best-practice experience across Queensland.
Alongside that investment, the Brain Health in Queensland Schools (BHiQS) initiative continues to further demonstrate the impact of place-based partnerships, with visits to Mount Isa and Townsville this year confirming the value of the initiative to participating schools and communities. In total, Trustees and Advisors approved the distribution of $1.1 million across three initiatives in the FY25 Futureproof stream.
FY25 also saw continued investment in the TFFF’s Leadership funding stream, with six organisations supported and the third cohort of the TFFF Executive Leadership Program graduating in June. This year’s cohort brought together 16 leaders from across the for-purpose sector to build capability, connection, and confidence through an intensive development experience delivered in partnership with the University of Queensland Business School Executive Education team.
Across the year, TFFF Trustees, Advisors, and staff undertook 14 site visits, engaging with our partners and making time to listen and learn from those who know their communities best. Trustees and staff attended the Philanthropy Australia Conference in Adelaide; met with Brother to Another in Darwin; visited Laidley and Dalby to connect with the Thriving Lockyer and Western Downs place initiatives; spent time in Mount Isa, Townsville, Alice Springs, St George, and attended the Asia Pacific Triennial Kids at QAGOMA in Brisbane.
We extend our sincere thanks to TFFF Trustees Gina Fairfax AC and Jim Peterson, and Advisors Sarah O’Brien, Lucy Coulson, Fiona Poschelk, and Prue Pateras for their commitment to the work of the Foundation. Above all, we thank the for-purpose sector leaders, staff, and volunteers who give their time, energy, and passion to build stronger, happier, healthier, and more inclusive communities. Your work inspires ours.
| Tim Fairfax AC Founder and Chair | Dr Neal Harvey CEO |
Photos by Thomas Oliver for Atmosphere Photography
