What we do

As a foundation, we pool the charitable gifts and bequests of donors into a permanent, income-earning endowment that benefits the people of the southern highlands in perpetuity. We also make grants from the earnings of these funds to support a range of initiatives from health, education and social services to arts, culture and the environment.

Watch our video from our recent community forum to find out more about our approach.

How we help

The Foundation also offers advice and support to individuals and organisations making philanthropic decisions and we foster leadership by bringing people together from all sectors to identify and address issues and to leverage opportunities in the region.

Providing support 

We also support projects that promote self-sufficiency and long-term sustainability. As an independent charitable organisation, we are limited only by the will and imagination of our donors. We believe in the power of individuals and organisations working together to effect positive change in our community.

Fire Aid

We are delighted to share the news that we have been entrusted with the funds from the recent FireAid concert organised by highlands locals John and Zoe Waters, Leo Sayer and their wonderful team.

Due to the success and generosity of the community, over $300 000 was raised. This money has been transferred to the Southern Highlands Foundation so that we can manage the distribution of the funds to ensure that it goes directly to the southern highlands community in the most effective ways to assist with the recovery process from the recent bushfires.

We have arranged for an EFTPOS card with a pre-approved amount to be distributed throughout the southern highlands for those families that lost their homes during the recent bushfires. The card can be used at designated southern highlands businesses, in this way we can keep the business local which will also benefit our community.

Working together

“Working with the team from FireAid has been very rewarding. Where there is an opportunity to work together as a community, we see the very best of humanity, new engagement, empowerment and a growing sense of goodwill. The end effect is a more cohesive and caring community.” Shelley Boyce Chair SHF

To date the relief fund is distributing approx $180,000.00 for the FireAid Card. Funds have also been gazetted for local RFS brigades and Wildlife recovery has received approx. $50,000. There will be a residual of approx. $80,000 for ongoing FireAid emergency relief and mental health assistance.

For further information please contact the Southern Highlands Foundation: admin@southernhighlandsfoundation.com.au or call: 0401 004 013