Perpetual has distributed $12.5 million in funding for not-for-profit organisations during its annual funding round, which allocates money from its discretionary trusts to charitable organisations. This allocation is up from $9.1 million in 2011, demonstrating that despite the current economic environment, trusts are still able to provide a vital source of consistent funding.

This growth is due, in part, to an increase in the number of philanthropic trusts established with Perpetual as sole or co-trustee, which has led to an increase in distributable income. Perpetual’s prudent financial management has also played a role in ensuring reliable returns, which allows these trusts to continue funding the causes that philanthropists are passionate about.

Social welfare organisations received $4.6 million in funding, comprising 36.7 per cent of all distributions. The education sector received the biggest increase in distributions, up by over 200 per cent, to $1.7 million.

The marked increase in funding to the education sector reflects an increasing recognition of education as an ‘enabler’. Education can be a circuit-breaker in a cycle of poverty and contributes to making a long-term difference in people’s lives. Philanthropists are increasingly looking at issues from this strategic perspective to see how their funds can have the biggest impact.

The funding provided to charities during Perpetual’s annual funding yielded distributions from $4,000 to $200,000, with an average distribution of $58,000. While this is a large range, not-for-profit organisations are selected for funding based on their ability to deliver real outcomes that have a measureable impact. The philanthropists Perpetual works with are most concerned with understanding the difference that their donation can make, rather than the amount requested.

Overall, the $12.5 million from Perpetual’s 2012 Funding Round was distributed to 187 organisations for activities across Australia and internationally, in the areas of health and medical research, social welfare and education, environment, arts and culture, and animal welfare.

Information about applications for Perpetual’s 2013 funding round will be available in November 2012 at www.perpetual.com.au/fundinground. Organisations can also register to receive updates at this address.