Family Philanthropy
Left to right: VFFF Directors Ruth Armytage AM, Annabel White, Angus White, Joseph O’Brien, Andrew Fairfax, Suzanne Cridge, Rosemary Vilgan, Tim Fairfax AC, James Millar AM
Vision
In honouring our founders’ beliefs and intentions, VFFF seeks opportunities to benefit and care for Australians and our country.
Mission
Backing Young People with innovative opportunities that advance their independence, social purpose and future security
We are proud of the result and the enthusiasm for the next five years shown by the Board, VFFF Members and team. From 1 July 2021 VFFF’s new granting will be focused on supporting initiatives in the areas of decent work, the environment, Christian faith and values and contributing to society that seeks to benefit young people ranging in age from 15 to 24 years. Focusing on young people is well-aligned to the history, values and grant making experience of VFFF. Learn more about how VFFF landed on Backing Young People in this report.
While FY21 started nervously, VFFF stepped up and exceeded its gifting target committing $9.9m to beneficiaries. Legacy grants rounded off the Thriving People and Places strategy. Alongside White Box Enterprises, VFFF found an opportunity to grant and invest in a mission-aligned way to encourage employment. A gift to the Centre for Media Transition and The Guardian is a once only opportunity to support journalism in rural and regional NSW, acknowledging the strong media pedigree of the Fairfax family.
We focused on initiatives to build capacity in the system for organisations and individuals. We were excited by the response to the introduction of Social Impact Leadership Australia. We supported external research with our peer foundations to develop our understanding of the value placed on funding that supports the building of capacity.
We strive to be a thriving multi-generational family foundation for many generations to come. Each of Sir Vincent and Lady Nancy’s children are represented on the Board. Since 2012, the Grants Committee has brought family members together to participate in grant making for VFFF gifts up to $50,000. Three quarters of Sir Vincent and Lady Nancy’s grandchildren have participated as Committee members, gaining practical experience in grants assessment and governance. The Grants Committee is a unique way of maintaining connection among cousins as the family spreads geographically.
When family members turn 18, they are invited to become VFFF members. This year we welcomed Alexander White, Charlotte Dulhunty and Severin Fairfax as the newest VFFF members. Nine members of the fourth generation are involved in the Foundation’s work. This “Rising Generation” plays an increasingly active role, bringing important youth voices to our decision making.
Third and fourth generation family members at Weave Youth and Community Services, Waterloo
Vincent Fairfax Ethics in Leadership Foundation (VFELF)
The Vincent Fairfax Fellowship (VFF) was established in 1994 to honour Sir Vincent’s express desire to encourage the development of ethical leadership in Australia.
Delivered in partnership with the Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership, the VFF is a year-long fellowship for senior executives from diverse professional sectors looking to put ethical change into action within their organisations. Through a series of residential modules and individual coaching, Fellows explore the moral challenges that arise in their leadership roles and develop an ethically focused project to embed in their organisation.
During the year, we welcomed Dr Matt Beard as the new Vincent Fairfax Fellowship Program Director. Dr Beard has had an extensive career as a moral philosopher and ethicist, including as a Fellow with the Ethics Centre. He brings a breadth of knowledge, experience, focused energy and innovative thinking to this role.
The 2021 graduation of the 25th cohort was a milestone to celebrate amidst the disruption arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. These graduates join an alumni of more than 350 Fellows from across the nation.
The balance between obligation and personal enthusiasm is a very positive characteristic of VFFF family activities. Everyone is there due to a level of personal enthusiasm, coupled with a sense of obligation stemming from our admiration for the Founders.”
Family member, third generation.