Family Philanthropy
Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation Annual Report 2021
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
Strategic Lenses
Family
As the family tradition of generosity continues, the views and interests of Sir Vincent's descendants are paramount to our work
Courageous yet responsible
We support ideas and organisations at critical times of development or transition
Collaboration
We understand impact is maximised when we work together with both our grant partners and philanthropic peers
Participation for all
As the family tradition of generosity continues, the views and interests of Sir Vincent's descendants are paramount to our work
Leadership
Australia is strengthened by its "little" leaders as much as its eminent leaders and we value and nurture leadership at all levels
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 and she 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 vibrant, multi-generational family foundation, with Sir Vincent and Lady Nancy’s children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren building on their philanthropic legacy. Over 64 years, VFFF has distributed more than $230 million to communities across Australia.
We actively engage VFFF actively engages members of the fourth generation of the Fairfax family (known as the “Rising Gen”) in the life of the foundation, recognising the importance of intergenerational knowledge sharing.
In June 2026, Geoffrey White OAM, VFFF’s Trustee Emeritus, inaugural CEO, and son-in-law of Sir Vincent and Lady Nancy, joined us as special guest speaker at our Rising Gen Signature Dinner. Geoffrey generously shared reflections from his close work with Sir Vincent and Lady Nancy, along with key learnings from his 20 years leading the Foundation.
“In the years ahead, one hopes that the stewards of the VFFF will continue to have the depth and understanding to ensure that the Foundation remains a good example of a sound organisation for the benefit of the Australian community.”
Geoffrey White OAM
We also provide opportunities for the Rising Gen to build their philanthropic muscles. In September 2025, the Brisbane-based Rising Gen spent the day working with TRACTION to build bicycles for the young people that the organisation supports. Additionally, in December 2025, some of the younger members of the Fairfax family and their parents and grandparents, along with VFFF team members, attended a morning of festive-themed volunteering with Kids in Philanthropy (KiP) in Sydney. During the sessions, we learnt about giving and explored social issues affecting Sydney’s local communities, before doing some fun activities including making Christmas-themed items for Addie Road and Early Bird.
The enduring strength of VFFF comes from both the generosity of our Founders and the ongoing connections between generations. By creating opportunities for knowledge sharing and active involvement in philanthropy, VFFF is supporting the next generation to be connected to the Foundation and steward it forward, while remaining grounded in the legacy of Sir Vincent and Lady Nancy.
