We are delighted to welcome several new Sub Funds to Sydney Community Foundation this year. Each Fund reflects the deeply personal commitment of Sydney donors to create a fairer, more connected city. To support one of these Funds, visit our Ways to Give page.
NASH Opportunity Fund
Nurturing the ability to be secure and happy
The Nash Sub Fund supports women, children and families facing disadvantage, helping them feel safe, supported and ready to thrive. Guided by its purpose – Nurturing the Ability to be Secure and Happy (NASH) – the Fund invests in programs that build confidence and independence through education, employment pathways, and life-skills training. It also backs initiatives that improve health, wellbeing and access to support for people with disability. With a strong focus on creating opportunity, the Nash Sub Fund empowers individuals and families to thrive in Sydney.
Ryan Family Fund
Supporting Sydney’s most vulnerable women and families
The Ryan Family Fund is committed to breaking the cycle of disadvantage for Sydney’s most vulnerable communities. With a strong focus on women, families and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, the fund champions initiatives that foster social inclusion, equity and justice. From education and employment pathways to community development and essential family support, the fund invests in practical, long-term solutions that create opportunity, dignity and lasting change.
Stokes and Tate Fund
Building a family legacy for Sydney
Long-time supporters of Sydney Community Foundation, the founders of the Stokes and Tate Sub Fund have taken the next step in their giving journey – establishing a Fund to support grassroots projects across Sydney that align with their values. With plans to grow the Fund’s corpus over the next 10–15 years, the Sub Fund will make intermittent grants to causes that resonate at the time. Looking ahead to the future, the fund also serves as a vehicle to involve younger generations in purposeful philanthropy, helping build a lasting family legacy of community investment.
Performl Impact Fund
Creating fairer outcomes for all
The Performl Impact Fund is dedicated to addressing the root causes of preventable disadvantage across the community. With a focus on social inclusion, equity and justice, the fund supports initiatives that create fairer outcomes and greater opportunity for all. Backing systemic change as well as grassroots action, the Performl Sub Fund seeks to make an impact across the broader population.
Explore Fund
Opening doors to creativity and discovery
The Explore Sub Fund is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and young people by supporting access to arts, culture and science-based activities. With a focus on those who may otherwise miss out, the fund helps cover the costs of things like music lessons, instruments, art materials, club memberships, and holiday or outreach programs. Whether it’s creative expression or scientific exploration, the Explore Sub Fund is all about opening doors to joy, learning and possibility.
Mind Café Fund
The Mind Café is a community-focused social enterprise with a strong emphasis on mental wellbeing, inclusion, and connection. Founded by Guy Morel, whose own lived experience of mental illness inspired the café’s creation in 2021, The Mind Café provides a safe, welcoming space for everyone. It offers job and volunteer opportunities for people living with disabilities, and works closely with local suicide prevention organisation MoWaNa to deliver non-clinical mental health support. Through its companion program, volunteer network, and everyday human connection, The Mind Café is building a safety net for emotional, social and mental wellbeing in the community.
Sydney Women’s Fund Sub Funds
If you are passionate about increasing gender equity and opportunity for women and families across Greater Sydney, the Sydney Women’s Fund is the perfect place to start your Sub Fund.
The Aunties Fund (A Sub Fund of Sydney Women’s Fund)
Mobilising South Asian communities for change
The Aunties Sub Fund is Australia’s first permanent fund dedicated to supporting South Asian women and families in Sydney impacted by domestic and family violence. Founded by a collective of passionate South Asian women, the fund harnesses the power of community giving, aiming to raise $100,000 to $1 million annually to back culturally appropriate services and interventions. With a focus on raising awareness, shifting attitudes, and reaching 5000 community members, the Aunties Sub Fund is building a movement for safety, dignity and lasting change.
Jennie’s Fund (A Sub Fund of Sydney Women’s Fund)
Honouring a life through compassionate action
Established in the name of a beloved mother, Jennie’s Fund supports the work of Sydney Women’s Fund, with a deep commitment to social justice, inclusion and the wellbeing of women and families. The fund supports organisations assisting women affected by domestic violence and sexual assault; critical services for refugees and asylum seekers, including the Ukrainian Helping Hand Project; and the Keeping Women Out of Prison (KWOOP) Coalition. Jennie’s Fund is a lasting tribute rooted in care, dignity and the belief in a fairer future for all.
Clara and Catia Fund (A Sub Fund of Sydney Women’s Fund)
Supporting women and children in need
The Clara and Catia Fund is dedicated to helping women facing challenges and hardship – particularly those caring for young children. With a strong focus on practical support and services for women and families, the fund aims to ease immediate pressures and help build a more secure future. Grounded in compassion and care, the Clara and Catia Fund aims to provide a lifeline for those who need it most.
Wendy McCarthy Fund (A Sub Fund of Sydney Women’s Fund)
Helping women and families thrive
Wendy McCarthy AC, Co‑Founder and Patron of the Sydney Women’s Fund, has recently launched a Sub Fund under to support women and families across Greater Sydney. Drawing on her decades-long legacy as a tireless advocate for gender equality and social justice, Wendy’s Fund aims to provide vital resources and support to grassroots projects that respond to the unique challenges women and families face today.
For more information about starting a Sub Fund with Sydney Community Foundation click here or call our team on 02 8030 7050.
