Types of philanthropy
- Author: Creative Australia
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The 3 types of philanthropy
The 3 types of philanthropy in the arts and cultural sector are:
- gifts from individuals or families
- grants from trusts or foundations
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bequests or legacy gifts in a person’s will.
1. Gifts from individuals or families
Individual giving is the largest source of philanthropic giving in Australia.
Research shows individuals are critical to the sector
In Australia, individuals provide over 90 per cent of private support to the sector. This was a finding in the 2023 Giving Attitude 2.5 Private Sector Support Survey by Creative Partnerships Australia.
Private individuals or families have different motivations for supporting the sector. But often it’s because they:
- value the arts and culture
- understand how important arts and culture is for everyone.
Financial gifts can be small or large, one-off or ongoing. Individual giving also includes volunteering, the gift of time or skills.
How to develop a giving program
Not sure how to connect with individuals and families? Learn some strategies to get you started.
2. Grants from trusts or foundations
Gifts from trusts or foundations are known as grants.
In Australia, trusts and foundations are legal structures. They’re set up to manage assets and distribute funds, often over the long term. They can take many forms, including:
- family or private foundations
- corporate foundations
- community foundations
- public and private giving funds.
Trusts and foundations have different purposes. Some are set up to make meaningful change, giving grants that support their priorities or impact goals.
Before approaching a trust or foundation, make sure your goals align with what they want to achieve.
3. Bequests or legacy gifts in a person’s will
A bequest, or legacy gift, is a gift a donor leaves you after they die.
Often donors leave a bequest because they had a long-term connection to a cause, artist or organisation.
Asking a donor to leave a bequest may feel uncomfortable. But there are strategies to help start the conversation.
Gifts in wills resources collection
Secure bequests to support your creative work
Watch webinars to learn how to encourage bequests and manage a bequest giving program.
Gifts in wills are a type of philanthropy in the arts and cultural sector. They’re commonly known as bequests. This webinar will show you how to ask donors to leave a bequest.
Bequests are gifts a donor leaves in their will. It's a type of philanthropy. But many arts and cultural organisations simply hope for bequests rather than actively work to secure them.
Understand donor motivations
Learn why philanthropic donors give so you can better connect and attract donations.
