Family Philanthropy
Left to right: the late Bruce Macarthur, Ruth Armytage AM, Sally White OAM, Geoffrey White OAM, Gina Fairfax AC, Tim Fairfax AC, Libby Fairfax, John B Fairfax AO.
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
In 1962, Sir Vincent Fairfax established a charitable trust that is now the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation (VFFF). Lady Nancy Fairfax was a Founding Trustee of the Foundation where she served with dedication for nearly 40 years. Lady Fairfax bequeathed a large amount of her estate to the Foundation in 2007, transforming VFFF’s potential to benefit many generations of Australians.
Today, VFFF is a thriving, multi-generational family foundation with three generations of family members involved in our work, having distributed over $220m to Australian communities since inception.
VFFF member Bruce Macarthur, much loved partner for thirty years of Ruth Armytage, passed away in September. Bruce was a true gentleman, always seeking ways to help his community. Bruce’s interest in VFFF’s work and support of the team will be missed.
Leading a Philanthropic Legacy
VFFF plays an important role in continuing the history of giving in the Fairfax family. The families of each of Sir Vincent and Lady Nancy’s four children are represented on the VFFF Board. In 2024 the first of their great-grandchildren, William White, will join the Board as will their granddaughter Emilia Kefford. William and Emilia are following their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents who continue the family legacy of generosity and accepting meaningful leadership philanthropic roles.
Sally White, VFFF Director from May 1994 to November 2015 and Geoffrey White, former CEO and VFFF Trustee Emeritus support a range of organisations including Outward Bound and Bush Heritage and remain deeply engaged with the work of VFFF. John B. Fairfax was a VFFF Trustee from May 1973 to October 2002 and supports a range of organisations, including as a founding member of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation. Alongside his wife Libby, John is Trustee of the Jibb Foundation.
Tim Fairfax joined the VFFF Board in October 2002 and was Chairman from November 2009 to March 2017. Along with his wife Gina, Tim is Trustee of the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation which has given more than $76m over 12 years. Tim and Gina’s contribution to philanthropy was recognised by Creative Partnerships Australia for philanthropic leadership in 2018 and Tim was named Leading Philanthropist in 2021 by Philanthropy Australia. Ruth Armytage joined the VFFF board in November 2014 and is actively engaged in a number of organisations she supports, including serving on the Board of The Girls and Boys Brigade, an organisation which was founded by Sir James Fairfax in 1882. Ruth served on the board of Mission Australia.
The grandchildren of Sir Vincent and Lady Nancy have taken on philanthropic leadership roles serving on the VFFF Board, Grants Committee and non-profit organisations including Mater Foundation, The Girls and Boys Brigade, Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, Milk Crate Theatre, Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal and Centennial Parklands Foundation.
From a young age Fairfax family members experience VFFF’s work by hearing stories of the family’s shared history of giving as well as considering and visiting grantees. This year Fairfax family members visited The Girls and Boys Brigade and Youth Enterprise Trust and Ruth Armytage hosted a dinner of fourth generation members of VFFF to share stories about her parents and the way they contributed to the philanthropic landscape.
Vincent Fairfax Fellowship
In April 2019, the Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership (CCEL) was appointed to deliver the Vincent Fairfax Fellowship (VFF). In February 2023, an alumnus of the VFF program, Matt Finnis, commenced as CEO of CCEL and 2024 marks the first full year under Matt's leadership.
Next year, 30 years of the VFF will be celebrated. Matt is well placed to appreciate the significance of this milestone and the impact the program has had on 429 past Fellows and those who have benefited from their wisdom and ethical leadership.
The VFF was established to honour Sir Vincent, in recognition of his belief system and commitment to ethical decision-making. At a time when leaders are facing complex changes, anchoring them in a moral decision framework has never been more important.
This year, Fairfax family members enjoyed engaging with Program Director, Matt Beard, and two cohorts of Fellows at the Cohort 27 graduation and welcoming 22 leaders in Cohort 28.
Under the leadership of Matt Finnis and Matt Beard, the reputational build of the VFF continues, and the Fairfax family members look forward to reflecting on 30 years of its impact.
