The Pillars on which to build a resilient society.
Priority will be given to programs that demonstrate need and align with one or more of these focus areas.
Education
"Give a child a fish and they eat for a day; teach a child to fish and they eat for a lifetime."
Why it matters
Education is the lifeblood of every community and a guarantee of its continuity. A child who learns can teach others, share knowledge across families and communities, and help break the cycle of disadvantage.
Power of opportunity
Education gives children the chance to imagine, participate and contribute. It develops thinkers, dreamers, artists, musicians, tradespeople, professionals and leaders. It builds our cities, helps to see the everyday in new and unimagined ways, moves us from place to place, and drives the discoveries that improve and save lives.
The Benjamins Foundation commitment
Education sits at the core of our work. We aim to support children reach their full potential by improving access to learning and creating opportunities without which their future potential will be frustrated.
Engagement
People need connection. Community engagement builds tolerance, friendship, empathy, and trust.
Why it matters
Without connection, isolation and mistrust can deepen, increasing division and leaving people disconnected from the support around them.
Building pathways to belonging
Programs for sporting teams, book clubs, outreach initiatives, and community forums create practical ways for people to participate, form relationships, and feel included. This is especially important for children and young people, as isolation and loneliness can increase vulnerability to harm, disengagement, addiction, and crime.
Strengthening local communities
Historically, families, schools, sporting teams, and local community groups provided a sense of connection and belonging. Rebuilding those pathways means investing in strong local partnerships and supporting community organisations that already reach people who may otherwise remain isolated or unseen.
Economic empowerment
Economic empowerment gives people the means to live with security, dignity, and choice.
Why it matters
For many, food and housing security can feel like a given, but too many families still face difficult questions: is there enough to eat, a safe place to sleep, or enough spare income for simple experiences such as a movie, a football game, a ballet class, or a meal out? Let alone simple but important things like personal and medical care. Too often, the answer is no.
How do we address this?
The Benjamins Foundation believes that an effective way to respond is to create practical pathways to greater stability and independence. This can include social enterprise, employment pathways, entrepreneurship, and business development - each helping people build capability, generate income, and participate more fully in their communities.
What is The Benjamins Foundation difference?
The Foundation is wholly self-sufficient financially. We don't look for or accept donations from any source, be it government, public or private foundations or individual donors. We are not constrained in how we realise our vision through our giving strategy. We believe in the fundamental decency of humanity, and that too often the sins of 'groupthink' and 'political correctness' become impediments to supporting people and families in need.
Submit an application.
If your program aligns with one or more of these pillars, we invite you to apply for funding.
Go to application