Buckland Fund Opens $6.5M Grants Program

One of Victoria’s largest sources of philanthropic funds, the William Buckland Foundation, has launched a new $6.5 million grants program with the aim of supporting education, homelessness, employment, health and agriculture.

The foundation is calling for Expressions of Interest (EOI’s) in the first of the four areas  – the Enabling Education Program – from 20 June 2016.

Not for Profits can apply for funding for initiatives which support Victorian children and young people, especially those experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage, to attain better educational outcomes.

“We have worked hard to redevelop the structure of our giving program to have the greatest impact, and make a real difference in improving the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged Victorians,” foundation chairman Sandy Clark said.

“In doing this well, we properly honour the legacy of William Lionel Buckland, who died in 1964 leaving a Trust of £4 million. Since then, the Trust has given in excess of $90 million.”

Clark said $1.5 million would be available in the first grant round for Enabling Education, with expression of interest set to close on 20 July 2016. He said calls for EOIs in the other three focus areas would be scheduled over the course of the next 18 months.

“We have taken a new approach in the hope that it will give clear guidance to those seeking a grant from the foundation. We are committed to supporting real change, and to achieve this we are keen to work with other philanthropic funders,” Clark said.

William Buckland Foundation program manager, Natalie Elliott, said priority outcomes for the Enabling Education granting program included improving engagement for students, families and communities in children’s education, supporting inclusive cultures in schools, high-quality teaching and leadership, and accessible pathways to training and higher education.

“We are looking for initiatives that can measure their impact, that are innovative and holistic,” Elliott said.

“We want to support passionate teachers to inspire and create love of learning, promote early childhood centres and schools as hubs in local communities and build more positive connections between teachers, students and community support services – these are just some of the approaches we know are working, but there are many other great programs out there and we want to hear from them.”

Program inquiries should be directed to Natalie Elliott on 0428 947 989.