Frequently asked questions

Our granting philosophy reflects a preference for the following:

1. Organisations that recognise the value of rigour, alongside well-informed local knowledge and instinct. We recognize that in many situations, evidence about ‘what works’ may be limited. But nonetheless we want to work with organisations that have the rigour to engage with the evidence that does exist, and seek to apply that to their own situations; and who can explain the connections between their work and systemic change.

2. Situations where there is potential to change. We want to support where there is hope not simply maintenance.

3. While we will contribute funding that alleviates distress, our preference is to contribute to positive system changes that improve conditions across the board.

4. While Coolaroo Foundation has grant-making capability, we are more than money – we also have capacity to bring to the table expertise, knowledge, influence, and voice for the benefit of grantee organisations.

5. We prefer working on issues where we have a proximity or access to information or communities - that gives increased competence to make decisions and to see change over time.

6. We look to work with people we trust and with whom we share values.

7. We aim to remain agile enough to allow for quick responses to emergency situations within our cause areas.

Our pillars of care are structured around supporting initiatives that Care for People, and Care for Places and the intersection between:

Care for People

• Safety for Women, Children and Families

• Strengthening Futures for Regional Children and Young People

Care for Places

• Protecting Biodiversity and Habitat

Care for People and Place

• Food for People and Planet

For our Caring for People focus areas, we adopt a place-based approach, concentrating on relevant organisations in the Shoalhaven region of New South Wales, Australia, where we are based. However, we also support selected causes in regional and rural Australia.

For our Caring for Places pillar, our focus is on Australia, nationally.

For exceptional and aligned causes, some international organisations may aslo be considered.

To ensure all funds are invested with maximum community benefit, the Coolaroo Foundation is structured, conscientious and rigorous in its funding decisions, focusing on smaller organisations, aligned with our focus areas, where our contribution can be meaningful.

We prefer a long term and strategic approach to project support, where we seek to partner with groups with which we are strongly aligned both in terms of shared vision and values.

Upon receipt of your grant enquiry, an initial review will be conducted.

If we think there is partnership potential between our organisations, we will contact you and your application will ultimately be reviewed by our Board.

The Coolaroo Foundation is committed to adding value to every project it supports, extending its impact far beyond financial assistance.

We are a small, yet growing foundation, so our grant size is relatively modest.

Our average ticket size is between $25-55k. We know that for smaller organisations, a grant of this size can make the world of difference.

In line with our strategic funding approach, at present the Coolaroo Foundation is not actively requesting grant applications.

We do, however, welcome introductions from organisations that feel they align with the care pillars and goals.

We therefore welcome you to tell us about your organisation via the form on our grant enquiries page.

We give preference to grantees that meet the following criteria:

• Aligns with our mission

• Aligns with one of our Care Pillars and Focus Areas

• Work takes place in a regional, rural or remote area, with special priority given to the Shoalhaven, LGA in NSW.

We then evaluate grant proposals against three key areas:

1. Quality if the Idea, including evidence base, cost effectiveness and neglect.

2. Ability of the Team, including shared values, how rigourously they engage with evidence and data and the competence of the organisation.

3. Execution, including a demonstrated understanding of the issue/sector/local community, whether the organisation is open to growth, learning and improvement and the organisations track record.

Finally, we consider if the organisation is a good fit for us, by considering:

• if there is capacity for partnership and added value.

• if we have proximity & subject matter expertise

• if there is potential for co-funding or scalability

• existing donors and funding gap

In addition to demonstrating a clear fit within our strategic Care Pillars, grantee recipients must be:

• Eligible DGRs as defined in our Deed (ie. DGR1)

• Holders of an ABN.

Note that Coolaroo Foundation will check ACNC registration and ATO DGR Eligibility Notice as part of the review process.

Compliance Notice

As a Private Ancillary Fund, Coolaroo Foundation is regulated by the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) and the Australian Tax Office (ATO).

In addition to the limitations that our grants can only be made to Item 1 DGRs, we have an obligation to annually distribute an amount not less than 6% of the market value of our fund's net assets (as at the end of the previous financial year).

The best way is to follow us on LinkedIn, where we are most active

Our website is also a great source of up-to-date news.