Partnering for a thriving Canberra

Together, Stronger

In 2022-23, the significance of forging partnerships remained at the forefront as we navigated the evolving landscape of post-pandemic recovery. Our network has continued to grow in numbers and strength, enabling us to effectively respond to the challenges faced by our community. The spirit of collaboration, resource leverage, and mutual support has proven to be instrumental in amplifying the reach and effectiveness of philanthropic efforts for the betterment of our most disadvantaged community members.

Recognising that no single entity can tackle the complexities of social change and recovery alone, our focus in 2022-23 has been on cultivating genuine and stronger partnerships. We have sought creative avenues to combine resources and foster collaboration among government entities, businesses, donors, and nonprofits. Our Canberra Foundations Collaborative with peer foundations the Snow Foundation, John James Foundation and the Aspen Foundation as well as the Sue Salthouse Leadership Fund scholarships and the Chief Minister’s Charitable Fund which includes the involvement of ACT Government, community and other stakeholders are great examples of multiple entities coming together for deeper impact. By pooling our collective expertise and resources, we aim to generate sustainable solutions that address the root causes of societal challenges and foster lasting positive change.

As we embark on this journey of partnership building in 2023-24, we remain committed to the ideals of collaboration, resilience and community engagement. We thank our many supporters who have newly joined our network and who have been with us from the start. Together, we can create a more inclusive, prosperous, and compassionate Canberra, where the transformative power of collective action propels us toward a brighter future.

We particularly acknowledge the work of our 369 charity partners. It is they who do the real work, looking after so many people and families. They make sure no one goes hungry, children are cared for in the hardest of times and that vulnerable members of our community get the support they need. We also applaud the many charities who have stepped up to support Canberrans impacted by the housing crisis.

Core business partnerships

Several business partnerships are crucial to our organisation’s success and we are very grateful for their unwavering support.

• Charterpoint is a valued long-term partner, providing accounting support as well as financial management and advisory services.
• Agency 9 has been integral to making every campaign, event and story a success.
• JB Were continues to provide expert advice by managing our investment portfolio.
• Ernst & Young, Meyer Vandenberg and Sneddon Hall & Gallop Lawyers provide professional services.
• Swell is an integral part of the HAC family and supports all our website aspirations.
• RD consulting came onboard as a valuable support at the ground level in the organising and delivery of the 2022 Charity Lunch.
• A+P Leemhuis and Asset Construction Hire have become an integral partner of Hands Across Canberra’s fundraising efforts – hosting a grand dinner gala in 2022 that benefitted many of our organisations, co-funding a relief grant round and coming on board as a naming partner for the Canberra Day Appeal.
• Australian Communities Foundation and Foundant have provided invaluable support and training.
• PwC is our business planning partner.
• Instant Colour Press Printing and Centre Red IT have been extremely supportive keep our IT systems running and deliver us valuable resources across each event.

Media

• Our media partners are integral to helping us raise awareness locally. We thank Region Media, ABC Canberra Radio, Canberra Weekly, CityNews, Canberra FM and WIN who amplify the great work of the charities we support.

Industry

• Industry associations — including the ACT Master Builders’ Association, the Australian Information Industry Association and the Canberra Business Chamber — help Hands Across Canberra to network with the Canberra business community.
• The ACT Master Builders’ Association and its members have long provided in-kind support for charity, including the remarkable Strathnairn Charity House. The home was designed and predominantly built by women with almost $1 million of materials and labour donated by Master Builders ACT members.
• Kane Constructions and the Ginnindery consortium are two businesses that really walk the talk when it comes to give where you live – the success of the Strathnairn House is a testament to their generosity. They have also been active supporters in other ways such as the Charity Cricket event which involved the many contractors that worked on the charity house and raised over $20,000 for the Canberra Day Appeal.
• The real estate and construction sectors continues to support us with in-kind, awareness raising and financial contributions. We thank Zango, Blackshaw, Independent, Luton properties, Maloney’s, PBS Building ACT and Hindmarsh.

Peer Foundations

• We have wonderful relationships with our peer community foundations and are very grateful for their support, advice and shared resources.
• The Snow Foundation and Hands Across Canberra have a longstanding partnership, through which each seeks to address the needs of those experiencing disadvantage in our community. The Snow Foundation has been a supporter and collaborator with Hands Across Canberra from our inception in 2010 and a key partner in the Vital Signs.
• We also enjoy a strong partnership with the Aspen Foundation, the John James Foundation, the Chappell Foundation and the Australian Communities Foundation.

Government

• Hands Across Canberra recognises the considerable support it enjoys in our relationship with the ACT Government, particularly with the Community Services Directorate; with the Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate; and with our partners at the Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs and at the Office of LGBTIQ+ Affairs.

“We envision a future where the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders can collectively surpass what any one entity could achieve individually. By aligning our visions, resources, and expertise, we can unlock new possibilities and create innovative approaches to uplift and empower our community.”