Impact Report 2021–22
Giving and Granting
Hands Across Canberra & The Chief Minister’s Charitable Fund
Amplifying philanthropy, leveraging community assets for good
Hands Across Canberra has a long-standing commitment to improving quality of life for all who live and work in Canberra. In 2021-22, our communities were emerging from the pandemic and needed support, so we partnered with more individuals, families, charity partners, businesses, and local government than ever before – to assist our charity sector navigate the pandemic recovery phase.
Hands Across Canberra relies on donations to fund the initiatives it will tackle in our community and combines it with innovative strategies for improved social outcomes. Our donors maximize the impact of their giving because of our knowledge of the community we live in. As a grantmaking institution, we also continuously seek to improve our practice of philanthropy so that we can be more equitable and inclusive in our practices, leading to greater effectiveness in our giving. Since 2018, HAC granting has evolved to incorporate a ‘theory of change’ into our systems, which has improved our understanding of the root causes of the issues impacting Canberra.
In 2021-22, Hands Across Canberra supported organisations in a time of need, through two rapid relief grant rounds during lockdowns distributing $180,000 to relief projects.
Canberra Foundations Collaborative – Together with the Chief Minister’s Charitable Fund, The Snow Foundation, the John James Foundation and Aspen Foundation we are building a collaborative funding community. After a decade of funding efforts, we have come to learn that the most successful outcomes of community improvement are those that involve multiple parties working together for common goals. In 2022, we joined forces to deliver a single collaborative grant round and distribute over $1,500,000 to local non-profit organisations, in the largest funding collaboration ever seen in Canberra. Partnering with other philanthropic foundations has allowed us to expand our reach, increase our support and make decisions on a shared understanding of the greatest need in our community. 33 projects in the grant round were funded by Hands Across Canberra and the Chief Minister’s Charitable Fund. This in conjunction with local foundation partners in the Snow Foundation, John James Foundation, Aspen Foundation and Aspen Medical, we were able to increase the Autumn 2022 grant round conducted through the Chief Minister’s Charitable Fund from $333,000 to $1,518,000.
Overall during the 2021/22 Financial Year the Hands Across Canberra Group provided direct funding to charities of $2.04m and mobilized a further $1.18m from partner foundation to provide a total of over $3m.
The ‘Named Funds’ initiative designed to build our perpetual Fund corpus has continued to grow with receipts in 2021/22 expanding by $664,155. We also welcomed our first ‘Giving Circle’ through the Canberra Women’s Giving Circle targeting to help vulnerable people access renewables technology.
Examples of successful giving campaigns in 2021–22 include:
- IKEA
- Canberra Day Appeal
- Clare Holland House
- Zango Christmas Appeal
- End of Financial Year Appeal
Our impact is best described in the words of those individuals and organisations with which we engage, through our grants, our convenings and our collaborations.
Accessible and accountable: We will work to make your philanthropy rewarding and ensure you know how your donations are being used.
Flexible donating: You have the choice to donate to any of 300+ organisations supporting a variety of causes in the Canberra region.
Community expertise: From mental-health to homelessness, youth and Indigenous services support, Hands Across Canberra has the local knowledge and community networks to make your charitable giving hits the mark.
Legacy planning: By electing a Named Fund, you can ensure the issues you feel most committed to are being addressed through your ongoing gift. You may wish to specify the cause your philanthropy supports for many generations in the future.
Tax benefits: Donations over $2 to Hands Across Canberra are tax deductible.
Featured Grants
Making a difference to the Canberra community through grants
Named Funds – A legacy of giving
Hands Across Canberra has been able to harness the generosity of a broad range of donors to collectively address current and emerging needs and support ongoing community-building initiatives. As part of this initiative, in June 2021 Hands Across Canberra launched our Named Funds initiative, which is another step in establishing our perpetual fund.
A ‘Named Fund’ is a charitable sub-fund you can set up within Hands Across Canberra’s Public Ancillary Trust Fund, which allows you to support causes close to your heart, in perpetuity. All funds are invested by Hands Across Canberra to earn interest and income.
You can:
- make donations to the fund at any time
- invite others to donate if you wish
- work with us to make grants from the fund to charities and projects you care about.
The ‘Named Funds’ initiative has continued to grow with receipts in 2021/22 expanding by $664,155. The number of Named Funds have doubled from the previous year. We also welcomed our first ‘Giving Circle’ through the Canberra Women’s Giving Circle targeting to help vulnerable people access renewables technology.
Dr. Boden and Dr. Moulding are integral members of the Narrabundah Family Medical Practice. In 2021, they approached Hands Across Canberra to explore the setting-up one of a Named Fund: The Narrabundah Fund. We asked them a few questions about their journey.
Why did you establish a Named Fund? And why the Narrabundah Fund? And why did you choose Hands Across Canberra?
Like many people, we are grateful to be as fortunate as we are. And like many, we have seen a lot of hardship along the way for others. A lot of this comes down to bad luck. An illness, accident or a lost job can create hardship quickly. While we have our favourite organisations to support, you don’t know what you don’t know so Hands Across Canberra opens us to new needs and organisations. Hands Across Canberra works our donation because the interest is donated. The initial investment continues to give. We have regular and reinvested contributions to international charities but Hands Across Canberra keeps it local. And to make it really local, what better than to name our fund after the suburb where we work and feel at home – our own grass roots.
Why would you encourage others to establish a fund or get involved with Hands Across Canberra?
Hands Across Canberra is flexible in that they can allocate for you or you can select areas for support. The ‘hands’ behind the scenes are friendly, experienced and balance compassion with ethical financial management.
What value does Hands Across Canberra bring to our region in your opinion?
‘Charity’ begins everywhere. You can care about the solar system and your neighbour at the same time. Covid 19 has shown us that streets, suburbs and cities can initiate change and support. ‘Think global and act local’ might be a slogan from the 70s but will be even more relevant in 2070, so supporting Hands Across Canberra is old and new at the same time.
Four easy steps to leave a lasting legacy:
1. Consider your charitable interests
What are you passionate about? Helping children? Youth Homelessness? Support for victims of domestic violence?
When you establish a Donor Advised Fund at Hands Across Canberra, you will have the flexibility to support the charities and causes you care about most.
2. Establish your fund
With a gift of $10,000, a Named Fund can be set up in just a day or two. The fund’s capital will be invested to generate income for annual granting.
3. Grant from your fund
With a Named Fund, you can have as little or as much involvement as you want. You can support eligible charities or our Focus Areas and leave the decision-making to our experts and advisors, who will evaluate hundreds of projects on your behalf.
4. Plan for the future
Planning for the future is important, because your Donor Advised Fund is a lasting legacy that will continue to support the community for generations. You can either appoint a trusted friend or family member as your successor fund advisor, or ask Hands Across Canberra to carry out your wishes in perpetuity.
Bring forward the pleasure of giving by starting a Named Fund with us: get in touch with our CEO, Peter Gordon, by email at gjacobs@handsacrosscanberra.org.au
Our New Donor-Advised Funds include:
Together, we are Canberra – thank you!
Organisation |
Grant Purpose |
Amount |
| ACT Council of Social Service | Leading Social Change online modules |
$20,000 |
| ACT Down Syndrome | Training for effective digital presentations | $6,648 |
| Advocacy for Inclusion | App development to empower people with disabilities | $2,500 |
| Assisting Drug Dependents [Directions ACT] |
Healthy Food Healthy Me extension project | $10,000 |
| Asthma Foundation of ACT | Develop an education & treatment program with refugees | $6,000 |
| Beryl Women | Interpreting services to women suffering abuse | $5,000 |
| Domestic Violence Crisis Start Up packs | $9,900 | |
| Computor upgrades | $4,996 | |
| Boundless Children’s Playground | Benefit from the 2016 Charity House Project | $1,133,000 |
| C3 Church Monash | Expansion of Free Community Lunch Program | $9,738 |
| Essential technology | $2,500 | |
| Canberra City Care | Harvest kitchen in Charnwood | $20,000 |
| Canberra Community Law | Essential technology | $3,036 |
| Evaluation of the Aboriginal Human Rights Program | $10,000 | |
| Canberra Men’s Centre | Pilot, early intervention in domestic violence (Connect 24) | $5,000 |
| Canberra PCYC | Assistance for the establishment of the Canberra PCYC Foundation | $5,000 |
| PCYC Play for Change – Tuggeranong | $10,000 | |
| PCYC Play for Change – Belconnen | $10,000 | |
| Healthy Relationships program | $10,000 | |
| Canberra Rape Crisis Centre | Information management | $9,000 |
| Care Inc | Connecting Care through the Cloud program | $9,984 |
| CARHU (with CFMEU Trust) | Build a children’s outdoor playground | $50,000 |
| Cerebral Palsy Alliance | Early intervention sensory inclusion package | $5,743 |
| Communities@Work | Assist with establishing the community kitchen program | $10,000 |
| Connections ACT | Fathering after separation program | $10,000 |
| Survival packs for sole father families | $10,000 | |
| Council on the Ageing (COTA) ACT | COTA Connects programme | $10,000 |
| CREATE Foundation | Create Your Future – building confidence through empowerment | $8,874 |
| Dancing Goddesses | Professional services to incorporate organisation | $680 |
| Directions Health Services | Training for people working with the impact of drugs | $9,984 |
| Domestic Violence Crisis Service | Growing Strong’ Support Group program | $4,974 |
| EveryMan Australia | Domestic violence intervention | $9,600 |
| Benefit from the 2016 Charity House Project | $34,333 | |
| Community order breach support service | $9,400 | |
| Focus Supported Living Foundation | Stay Safe program | $5,400 |
| Friends of Brain In jured Children ACT | KICKSTART: Early intervention program for families of young children with brain injury | $5,000 |
| Bring two specialists to Canberra twice this year for treatment of patients | $4,600 | |
| Galilee Foster Care | Sleeping bags and t-shirts for youth foster camp | $5,000 |
| Getaboutable | Accessible Canberra | $10,000 |
| Gungahlin Uniting Church and Community Centre | Establish a food pantry | $5,000 |
| Hartley Lifecare | Seed funding to establish a specialist information & advocacy service for people with brain injury | $5,000 |
| Improved management systems | $7,920 | |
| Benefit from the 2016 Charity House Project | $309,000 | |
| Holy Cross Tuckerbox | Development of a permanent kitchen area | $8,360 |
| Karinya House for Mothers & Babies | Domestic violence liasion worker | $10,000 |
| Provide outreach services to clients | $5,000 | |
| Karralika Programs | Children’s outdoor playground at treatment house | $5,000 |
| Kookaburra Kids | Respite and psycho-education for ACT children living in families affected by mental illness | $10,000 |
| LifeLine Canberra | Crisis support training | $9,520 |
| Mental health ambassadors | $10,000 | |
| Applied suicide intervention skills training | $10,000 | |
| 3 Youth Networx (LyNX) workshops at 3 schools to instil mental health, suicide awareness & resilience skills | $10,000 | |
| Marymead | Individual items for children in care to empower them to create their own space | $5,000 |
| Essential technology upgrade | $5,000 | |
| Grow the grandparenting program | $10,000 | |
| Menslink | Double the capacity of the mentoring program | $9,200 |
| Early intervention for young men and domestic violence | $9,800 | |
| Mental Health Foundation | Re-vamp website | $5,350 |
| Technology creating access | $4,701 | |
| Mental Illness Education ACT | Bullying prevention program | $9,939 |
| National Heart Foundation (ACT) | Pilot, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander cardiac rehabilitation in the ACT | $5,000 |
| Newborn Intensive Care Foundation | Kill welfare for the disadvantaged at birth | $1,000 |
| No Sweat Fashions | Repair of 14 sewing machines to allow participants to complete qualifications and to develop products | $5,000 |
| OzHarvest Canberra | Community cooking @ CC Cares | $5,000 |
| Ozhelp | Benefit from the 2016 Charity House Project | $34,333 |
| Paperworks Inc. | Paper Bridges project to assist vulnerable young people to reconnect with their families | $9,648 |
| Prisoners Aid | Family support | $2,500 |
| Riding for the Disabled of ACT (PEGASUS) | Equine facilitated learning | $6,300 |
| Safe Shelter | Homelessness support | $5,000 |
| Salvation Army | Benefit from the 2016 Charity House Project | $34,333 |
| St Benedicts Community Centre, Queanbeyan | Kitchen support project | $2,000 |
| St John’s Care | Christmas lunch support | $2,000 |
| St Vincent De Paul Society | Benefit from the 2016 Charity House Project | $34,333 |
| VINES: Vinnies, Inspiration, Network, Education, Support | $10,000 | |
| VINES Youth Group Pilot | $10,000 | |
| Tandem Respite Care | Outdoor shade structures and equipment for respite house | $5,000 |
| Technical Aid to the Disabled ACT (TADACT) | Capacity building and improving capability at TADACT | $4,948 |
| Assistance with capital equipment | $10,000 | |
| The Deaf Society | Building healthy relationships | $3,000 |
| The Right Direction | Mengineering program | $10,000 |
| The Shepherd Centre | A Sound Start to School program | $9,500 |
| Confident Kids- Social Skills program for children with hearing loss | $9,490 | |
| The Smith Family | An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls intervention project | $6,440 |
| The Tongan Association of Canberra & Queanbeyan | Empowering women – Home Away from Home project | $10,000 |
| The Yellow Van | Commercial dishwasher | $6,000 |
| This Is My Brave | This is my Brave Australia / Kanangra Community Garden refurbishment | $5,000 |
| Tjillari Justice Aboriginal Corporation | Galambany Circle sentencing support | $10,000 |
| Uniting Care | Benefit from the 2016 Charity House Project | $34,333 |
| Uniting Care Canberra City, Early Morning Centre | Commercial freezer to store donated food, host Christmas lunch and hampers for shutdown period | $5,000 |
| Support hosting of Christmas lunch for guests | $2,000 | |
| Operate shower facilities and provide hygiene products for guests | $2,000 | |
| Computer access and literacy | $4,150 | |
| Essential infrastructure – a fridge | $1,798 | |
| Benefit from the 2016 Charity House Project | $34,333 | |
| Uniting Care Kippax | Rock, Rhythm and Roll, and Drop-In Playgroup project | $9,410 |
| Rock, Rhythm and Roll, and Drop-In Playgroup project | $7,950 | |
| Playgroup for the disadvantaged | $9,640 | |
| Kippax Connections program | $10,000 | |
| Volunteering and Contact ACT | Volunteering program for migrants | $10,000 |
| Women With Disabilities ACT | Access to a circus program and documentary | $5,000 |
| Women’s Centre for Health Matters | Assistance Beyond Crisis | $10,000 |
| Yeddung Mura Aboriginal Corporation | Dhurrawang community outreach program |
$10,000 |
| YouthCARE Canberra | YouthCARE lifeskills camp | $10,000 |
| Assistance with the ‘tool up’ costs to increase outreach capability | $10,000 | |
| YWCA Canberra | A high tech digital studio where Tuggeranong youth collaborate with industry mentors |
$10,000 |
| Richardson Primary School Computer Clubhouse |
$10,000 |
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