Perpetual distributes $9.1m in funding, urges Not-For-Profits to be clearer on outcomes

This year, more than 1,100 NFPs applied for funding from charitable trusts managed by Perpetual, and were assessed against the parameters of strategy, outcomes, capability and leadership. Successful recipients varied in size, from local organisations with $30,000 annual revenue, through to multi-million dollar national community groups.

Andrew Thomas, General Manager of Philanthropy at Perpetual, says competition for funding is growing consistently.

"The organisations that are successful in receiving philanthropic funds are the ones able to outline a business case based on outcomes, rather than relying on emotional appeal."

"Funding applications are not about writing a donor appeal letter; they need to be tailored and link the money invested to defined community outcomes," said Mr Thomas.

According to Mr Thomas, the NFP sectors most able to strongly articulate community outcomes in Perpetual's 2011 funding round were arts/culture and environment.

"It may be that the arts/culture and environment sectors are experienced in pitching for corporate sponsorship, and presenting a proposition using hard facts and clear deliverables. These same factors determine our funding decisions," he said.

Mr Thomas said NFPs that applied to Perpetual were good at outlining their niche and plans for collaboration, but often struggled to demonstrate their efficiency, effectiveness and risk management.

"This doesn't necessarily mean that these organisations aren't efficient or effective, they just aren't good at communicating it on paper. To successfully compete for funding, NFPs need to become more business-minded in their applications."

Perpetual said Bush Heritage is a good example of an organisation that has received funding from the charitable trusts that Perpetual manages. An NFP in the conservation and environment sector, Bush Heritage buys or acquires land of high conservation value to protect Australia's unique biodiversity. Another example is the Beacon Foundation, which received funding to extend its program of providing young people with information on career pathways in regional Victoria and Far North Queensland.

"Bush Heritage and The Beacon Foundation are two very different examples of NFPs that have a consistently good approach to funding applications and are able to communicate their story in a way that speaks directly to business-minded philanthropists."

Overall, Perpetual's 2011 Funding Round delivered $9.1 million in funding to 166 organisations across Australia in areas such as arts and culture, health, conservation and environment, social welfare, education and medical research.

Information on applications for Perpetual's 2012 funding round will be available in late 2011. Organisations can also register to receive updates at this address.

About Perpetual Philanthropic Services
Perpetual is one of the largest managers of private charitable foundations in Australia, with over $1.2 billion in funds under management (as at 31 December 2010). Perpetual is trustee to more than 450 charitable trusts which help medical, social, environmental, religious, cultural and educational causes.

Perpetual Philanthropic Services is part of Perpetual Private Clients which advises clients on over $8.8 billion of investments (as at 31 December 2010). The Perpetual Private Clients team of experts offer tailored advice and services and can help clients fulfill their charitable intentions.