The following stories illustrate the effectiveness of giving through a Community Foundation

Peter Griffin and Melbourne Community Foundation - Giving Simple, Efficient and Cost Effective

In 2001, after almost four decades as a highly successful investment banker and funds manager, Peter Griffin wanted to establish a charitable foundation. He chose to set up a fund with Melbourne Community Foundation (MCF).

The Ballandry Fund was established with $750,000. Today that has grown to over $1.5 million and has distributed over $100,000 in income to a wide range of causes and charitable projects. After closely analysing his charitable options, Peter Griffin chose MCF, describing it as a one-stop shop for his philanthropic needs.

Peter found a fund offered him all the benefits of a PPF and much, much more. Peter was sold on the simplicity, efficiency and cost effectiveness, plus the added services provided, including high level research and advice on community issues and causes. The Board and its Executive offered an extensive knowledge hub and he found himself among like-minded people.

Usha and Umesh Gulati and Triangle Community Foundation - Giving Wealth, Connecting and Belonging

Usha and her husband Umesh have been sharing with others since they emigrated from New Delhi, India forty-one years ago. Considering advice, they traded in their charitable account with Fidelity for a donor-advised fund with Triangle Community Foundation. “Triangle Community Foundation has been the best thing that has happened for us here. Through the Foundation, you can’t help but get involved.”

“I am so pleased that because of our Fund at the Foundation I was able to learn about the great things that organisations are doing” says Usha. “Being a part of the collaborative gave me a good sense of belonging— it made me feel connected to the community.”

Through their fund at the Foundation, Usha and Umesh Gulati feel like they’re doing so much more than giving money to causes, but sharing their wealth of knowledge and resources with their community. They hope that they can inspire others with their story, others who may feel the need to educate, learn about, and share with their communities.

The Community Foundation, Hawkes Bay - Giving Creatively, Investing in Life

A Hastings man’s search for a way to make a contribution to the region he lives in has produced a $73,000 bequest to The Community Foundation (HB). The man, who does not want to be named, is in his mid-thirties. A month ago, as he looked forward to the arrival of his fifth child, the man reviewed and changed his personal insurance.

As part of doing this he added $73,000 to his policy, tagged to go to The Community Foundation Hawkes Bay upon his demise. The family man is paying for it at the rate of $15 a month – from money he is saving by giving up smoking. “Of course I do have to die for the money to be of any use, but I saw it as an excellent way of helping set up a good base for the future of Hawke’s Bay. It’s my down payment, my contribution, for the next generation,” the man told the foundation’s chairman.