What does the Sisters of Charity Foundation do?
- Grants funds to hundreds of small organisations nationally that provide valuable community services to break down social isolation and alleviate the impact of poverty on individuals and families.
- Provides a unique Tertiary Scholarship Program specifically for young people who have lived in out-of-home-care arrangements such as foster care or group homes, and are financially disadvantaged. It is the only scholarship in Australia that targets this growing group of young people, now estimated to be more than 40,000 nationally.
- Invested in the purchase and renovation of a residential building, now known as Providence House, that provides a safe place for displaced asylum seekers until they can access more formal channels of assistance. The home also provides food, basic health care, help learning English and employment opportunities (for those allowed to work). The Foundation takes care of the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of Providence House.
How does the Sisters of Charity Foundation raise funds?
The Sisters of Charity Foundation relies on the generous support of its donors. One-off donations – as well as partnerships with individuals, families and organisations who donate on a regular basis – enables the Foundation to deliver its many life-changing programs.
The Foundation also welcomes bequests and workplace giving commitments to help better plan for the future. With guaranteed funds in place the Foundation can expand its programs and develop its charitable activities with confidence.
Donations of two dollars or more to the Sisters of Charity Foundation are tax deductible. For more information and to donate visit here.
What percentage of donated funds are used by the Sisters of Charity Foundation for its administration and operational costs?
Zero per cent of funds donated go towards our administration and operational costs. We guarantee that 100% of every dollar you donate goes directly towards the program you intended it for – our Community Grants Program, Tertiary Scholarship Program, or Asylum Seeker Housing Program.
How does the Sisters of Charity Foundation fund its administration and operational costs?
There are costs associated with running an organisation effectively. However, thanks to a grant provided by the Sisters of Charity of Australia when the Foundation was launched, the Sisters of Charity Foundation is able to self-fund its own low administration costs in perpetuity. This means we are able to direct 100% of every donation to the project it was intended for.
We guarantee that 100% of every dollar you donate goes directly to helping people in need.
What due diligence is done to ensure funds are directed wisely and appropriately?
The Sisters of Charity Foundation provides financial support for community projects that are selected according to strict funding guidelines. All Community Grant Program applications go through a due diligence process which confirms the organisation's ABN, ITE and DGR Item 1 status, levels of other funding received and the reputation of the applicant organisation.
Once financial support is given, the Sisters of Charity Foundation maintains a regular dialogue with the Community Grant Program recipient; undertakes site visits; and receives regular progress reports, testimonials and photos to ensure funds are used as designated and that positive results are achieved.
Who does the Sisters of Charity Foundation help?
- Our Community Grants Program helps community service organisations that are unlikely to receive adequate funding from other sources but still offer invaluable, hands-on support to kids and young people at risk, people suffering from poverty or disadvantage, people with a lived experience of disability, elderly Australians, Indigenous Australians, refugees and asylum seekers, people experiencing homelessness, people suffering from substance abuse and addiction, or people with a lived experience of incarceration.
- Our Tertiary Scholarship Program helps young people with an out-of-home-care background, such as time spent living in foster care or group homes.
- Our Asylum Seekers Housing Program helps asylum seekers who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
- Our Anti-Slavery Housing Program helps survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking who are ready to move into transitional housing.
Does the Sisters of Charity Foundation only grant funds and scholarships to Catholic applicants?
Every year the Sisters of Charity Foundation is able to make a difference to thousands of people across the country with funds generously donated by compassionate Australians. We support initiatives that benefit the disadvantaged, marginalised and socially isolated people in our community, no matter their gender, ethnicity, age or ability.
Eligibility for the Community Grants Program and Tertiary Scholarship Program is not determined by religion.
Every person deserves dignity and hope – and to believe that their life matters, because simply put, it does.
Who started the Sisters of Charity Foundation?
The Sisters of Charity Foundation was founded in March 2000 by the Sisters of Charity of Australia Congregation to promote their mission, specifically in the service of the poor and those who have ‘fallen through the cracks’. Today, with its partners, the Sisters of Charity Foundation endeavours to respond as the founder of the Sisters of Charity, Mary Aikenhead, did to the emerging needs of the poor and marginalised.
What is the role of the Sisters of Charity Foundation Board?
The Sisters of Charity Foundation Board of Trustees is responsible for proper governance of the Foundation, making sure it is achieving what it was set up to do.
Who sits on the Sisters of Charity Foundation Board?
The Board is comprised of 10 experienced men and women who are passionate about the Foundation's vision for society, who volunteer their time and skill to the organisation. For more information on each current member of the Sisters of Charity Foundation Board, please see Governance.