Benchmarking Operational Resources of Trusts & Foundations

Philanthropy Australia has commissioned a landmark project to benchmark the operational resources of Trusts and Foundations across Australia and New Zealand.

The peak philanthropy organisation has contracted research consultancy Effective Philanthropy to carry out what has been described as the first study of its kind in Australia.

“Funders want to better understand how to structure the operations of their trusts and foundations, and be able to compare what they are doing and the costs that they are incurring against those of their peers,” Effective Philanthropy Director, Regina Hill said.

“While there are benchmarking studies of overseas trusts and foundations, there is no Australian equivalent.

“The project will deliver a report which will provide practical and relevant information for Philanthropy Australia’s Members and other funders.”

Hill said the research would provide comparative information on topics such as staff numbers and costs, external service/advice provision and costs, grants management and CRM software and costs, and investment management costs.

“We hope to obtain a large and broad sample of philanthropic organisations including individual, family, and corporate organisations as well as the community-based foundations,” she said.

“All data collected through this survey will be treated as confidential, and the raw data collected will only be viewed by Effective Philanthropy staff, the researchers commissioned by Philanthropy Australia to undertake this project.”

The survey takes around 30-45 minutes to complete and can be accessed here. It will close on Friday 1 May 2015. The results are expected to be available in July 2015.

Watch this video of David Gonski, where he speaks about why he believes the survey is important, and why his foundation will be completing it.

For information about the survey contact Effective Philanthropy Director, Regina Hill at reginahill@effectivephilanthropy.com.au.