Knowledge hub

Changing to a positive, evidence-based narrative about the benefits of a fair and fast climate transition is an opportunity for philanthropy.

The For Purpose Impact Accelerator Hub by Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation is a new space within Melbourne’s Innovation precinct where for purpose organisations can come together to make great things happen.

June is a special month for the Foundation’s centenary. It is the month our office first opened to accept donations from the public and it is the month we have won the Melbourne Achiever Award.

"Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation has played a more significant role within Melbourne’s philanthropy since 1923 than many people may realise. We are in a sense one of Melbourne’s best kept secrets and we hope that this centenary year will be an opportunity to share our history and impact more widely," writes CEO Dr Catherine Brown OAM.

As the community continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation is no longer operating in a context that is stable and where issues can be tackled in silos. More and more of the Foundation’s projects are addressing more than one outcome and many issues are interrelated.

The end of the year lies in sight. What a journey it has been with challenges and big wins!

Philanthropy has a special role in the climate transition, supporting people facing disadvantage and funding innovative programs & policy. Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation will be working on climate change until a just transition is achieved.

Melbourne, and Australia more broadly, has been the fortunate beneficiary of many bequests from individuals who wanted to contribute to a better world – even though they would not see the impact of their gift.

Increasing the supply of affordable housing is part of the solution to our homelessness challenge. Especially when we can find new ways of unlocking underutilised land in well located positions to provide high quality, sustainable, well-designed housing. One project is showing what is possible when we work together.