Our vision is to see all Australians living a fair, healthy and fulfilling life
Our vision is to see all Australians living a fair, healthy and fulfilling life
Established in 1873, the Colonial Foundation has evolved from its origins as a mutual life insurance society into an independent philanthropic foundation serving Australian communities.
Our purpose
We are committed to driving positive social change in Australia by partnering with organisations that empower Australians to achieve the most out of life and develop a healthy, fair and innovative society.
Distinctive approach
Drive significant impact through a very limited number of high value grants that extend over multiple years providing sustained support in building the capacity of the recipient organisation.
From mutual roots to philanthropy
The Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society Ltd (CMLA) was established in 1873 by Thomas Jacques Martin to provide insurance protection for the widows and children of miners working in the Victorian gold rush.
After more than one hundred years as a mutual life insurance society, CMLA demutualised and, in 1997, was listed on the Australian Stock Exchange as “Colonial Limited”. As part of the demutualisation and to reflect in some way its origin as a mutual society, formed to provide a service to its members and the communities it served, the Colonial Foundation Trust was created. Colonial Foundation Limited was formed to act as Trustee of the Trust. Colonial Foundation Trust (“Colonial Foundation”) now operates as an independent philanthropic foundation and no longer has any business relationship with Colonial Limited.
Strategic Themes
Strategic Themes
To achieve our vision and purpose,
our grant-making will focus on three current priorities:
