Introduction
The Gandel Foundation is one of Australia’s largest independent family philanthropic foundations, supporting charitable organisations, community initiatives and long-term social impact programs across Australia and Israel.
Established in 1978 as the Gandel Charitable Foundation, the organisation has become a major source of philanthropic funding for initiatives in areas such as:
- Arts and culture.
- Health.
- Education.
- Jewish community life.
- Community development.
- Social inclusion.
- First Nations-led initiatives.
- Poverty and disadvantage.
- Youth development.
- Medical research.
- Food security.
- Social cohesion.
The Foundation is closely associated with philanthropists John Gandel AC and Pauline Gandel AC, who remain actively involved in its work alongside members of the next generations of the Gandel family.
Over the decades, the Foundation has distributed more than $250 million to charitable organisations and community causes.
Its current vision is to help build stronger, resilient, vibrant and inclusive communities, while its purpose is to create positive and lasting change by supporting programs that improve quality of life in Australia and Israel.
For more information, visit the official Gandel Foundation website.
History and Background
The Gandel Foundation was established in 1978 as the Gandel Charitable Foundation.
It was created as the principal philanthropic vehicle for the extended Gandel family and has since developed into one of Australia’s most significant independent family foundations.
The Foundation reflects the long-standing charitable commitment of John and Pauline Gandel, whose giving has supported both Jewish and broader Australian community causes.
Over time, Gandel Foundation expanded from traditional charitable giving into a more strategic model of philanthropy focused on:
- Community need.
- Long-term social outcomes.
- Prevention and early intervention.
- Innovation.
- Organisational effectiveness.
- Partnerships.
- Sustainability.
- Transformational impact.
The Foundation has supported thousands of activities and organisations ranging from major national cultural institutions to small community organisations.
Its philanthropic interests have also evolved in response to changing community needs.
Historically, Gandel Foundation has provided substantial support for:
- Museums and galleries.
- Hospitals.
- Medical research.
- Social services.
- Jewish cultural organisations.
- Education initiatives.
- Youth programs.
- First Nations organisations.
- Poverty reduction.
- Food relief.
- Social enterprises.
- Community infrastructure.
By 2026, Gandel Foundation had adopted a new 2026–2029 Strategy designed to sharpen its priorities while building on nearly five decades of family philanthropy.
Vision and Purpose
The Foundation’s current vision is:
Stronger, resilient, vibrant and inclusive communities.
Its stated purpose is to create a positive and lasting difference by supporting the delivery of programs and activities that improve quality of life in Australia and Israel.
The Foundation seeks to support initiatives that:
- Empower people to improve their wellbeing.
- Improve future prospects.
- Strengthen communities.
- Encourage participation.
- Promote community values.
- Foster community spirit.
- Generate long-term transformative impact.
The Foundation places particular emphasis on supporting vulnerable and marginalised people.
Its grantmaking philosophy is designed to balance immediate needs with longer-term structural change.
Philanthropic Approach
Gandel Foundation applies several principles when deciding which organisations and initiatives to support.
These include:
Community need: Projects should respond to genuine and clearly identified social or community needs.
Prevention and early intervention: The Foundation prefers programs that address underlying causes before problems become more serious.
Innovation and sustainability: Supported initiatives should demonstrate creative thinking and the potential for lasting impact.
Leverage: The Foundation encourages collaboration between organisations and stakeholders to increase reach and effectiveness.
Excellence: Funding is directed toward organisations with strong governance, good leadership, sound operations and proven capacity to deliver.
Long-term impact: The Foundation looks for initiatives capable of creating benefits beyond the immediate funding period.
Governance and Structure
Gandel Foundation is a family-based philanthropic organisation with a formal Board of Directors.
The Foundation’s leadership includes members of the Gandel family as well as experienced external directors.
The Board includes:
- John Gandel AC – Chairman
- Graham Goldsmith AO – Deputy Chairman
- Pauline Gandel AC
- Lisa Thurin
- Steven Gandel
- Barry Fradkin OAM
John and Pauline Gandel remain closely involved in the Foundation’s philanthropic direction.
Members of the next two generations of the family are also actively engaged in its work.
The Board is responsible for:
- Strategic oversight.
- Grantmaking direction.
- Philanthropic priorities.
- Major funding decisions.
- Governance.
- Financial stewardship.
- Long-term strategy.
The Foundation is also supported by professional staff responsible for grant assessment, partnerships, impact monitoring and community engagement.
Family Philanthropy Model
Gandel Foundation operates as a family philanthropy, meaning that several generations of the family participate in shaping its priorities.
This model allows the Foundation to combine:
- Long-term family values.
- Professional grantmaking.
- Strategic partnerships.
- Community consultation.
- Evidence-based funding.
- Multi-generational involvement.
Its family-led structure also allows it to support initiatives over long periods when appropriate.
This is particularly relevant for large-scale cultural, health and community projects that may require multi-year funding.
Funding and Grants
Gandel Foundation provides grants to eligible charitable organisations serving:
- The wider Australian community.
- Jewish communities.
- Selected projects in Israel.
The Foundation provides funding through three primary grant levels:
- Community Grants.
- Major Grants.
- Flagship Grants.
Each category is designed for different levels of funding and impact.
Community Grants
Community Grants support smaller-scale initiatives and community organisations.
These grants are generally:
- Up to $40,000.
- Designed as one-off grants.
- Used for defined programs or projects.
- Available through proactive grantmaking or targeted open rounds.
Community Grants may support both immediate needs and emerging community priorities.
The Foundation periodically runs open grant rounds focused on specific groups or issues.
Major Grants
Major Grants provide more substantial support to nonprofit organisations.
These grants may be:
- One-off contributions.
- Multi-year grants.
- Program-specific.
- General operating support in selected cases.
Major Grants are primarily made through a proactive and invitation-based approach.
The Foundation identifies organisations and initiatives that align strongly with its strategy and demonstrates the potential to generate lasting results.
Flagship Grants
Flagship Grants are the Foundation’s largest and most strategic grants.
They support ambitious initiatives capable of generating transformative change.
Flagship Grants are typically:
- Multi-year.
- Strategically selected.
- Large-scale.
- Partnership-based.
- Focused on long-term impact.
The Foundation makes only a limited number of Flagship Grants.
These are generally developed proactively with organisations identified by the Foundation rather than through unsolicited applications.
Annual Open Grant Program
In addition to its proactive funding, Gandel Foundation operates an Annual Open Grant Program.
The 2026 grant round focuses on young adults aged 16 to 24, particularly those experiencing multiple forms of disadvantage.
Grants of up to $50,000 for up to one year are available under this program.
The funding round prioritises young people experiencing challenges such as:
- Poverty.
- Homelessness.
- Trauma.
- Substance use.
- Health challenges.
- Leaving out-of-home care.
- Exiting the justice system.
- Transitioning out of formal education.
- Moving into employment.
The program seeks projects that help young adults navigate major transition points and build pathways toward greater independence, wellbeing and economic participation.
Eligibility for Grants
Gandel Foundation generally funds eligible charitable organisations.
Applicants normally need to:
- Be charitable at law.
- Be registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission where applicable.
- Hold Deductible Gift Recipient Item 1 status.
- Meet relevant tax concession requirements.
- Align with Foundation funding priorities.
For the 2026 Annual Open Grant Program, organisations must be:
- Registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.
- Approved as DGR Item 1 entities.
The Foundation generally prefers organisations operating in Victoria, although eligible charitable organisations from elsewhere in Australia may also receive funding.
Application Process
Most Gandel Foundation funding is proactive and invitation-based.
For Major and Flagship Grants, organisations are usually invited to apply.
Open programs use a structured competitive process.
The 2026 Annual Open Grant Program uses a two-stage application model:
- Stage 1: Expression of Interest.
- Stage 2: Full application for shortlisted organisations.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review:
- Funding guidelines.
- Eligibility requirements.
- Funding exclusions.
- Foundation strategy.
- Grant priorities.
The Foundation also conducts information sessions for selected open rounds.
Funding Priorities Under the 2026–2029 Strategy
The Foundation’s current strategy is organised around five major issue areas.
These are:
- Celebrating Arts and Culture.
- Promoting Health.
- Strengthening Jewish Life.
- Empowering People.
- Fostering Community.
These priorities provide the framework for Gandel Foundation’s grantmaking from 2026 to 2029.
Celebrating Arts and Culture
The Foundation considers arts and culture essential to vibrant and connected communities.
It has a long history of supporting:
- Museums.
- Galleries.
- Performing arts.
- Cultural institutions.
- Jewish cultural heritage.
- Public exhibitions.
- Music.
- Arts education.
Major partners have included some of Australia’s best-known cultural institutions.
National Gallery of Victoria
Gandel Foundation has provided major support to the National Gallery of Victoria.
Its current funding includes a long-term commitment supporting the development of:
- Gandel Hall.
- Gandel Pavilion.
- Broader NGV development.
This support forms part of a multi-year Flagship Grant.
The Foundation’s involvement reflects its long-standing interest in strengthening Melbourne’s cultural institutions.
Museums Victoria and Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery
One of the Foundation’s signature arts and education projects is the Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery at Museums Victoria.
The gallery was designed to create immersive learning experiences for young children and their families.
It combines:
The project has received recognition for innovation in museum-based education.
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
The Foundation supports the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra through community-focused programming.
In 2025/26, funding supported the MSO+ Community Program.
This initiative seeks to increase access to music and engage broader audiences through community participation and outreach.
Promoting Health
Health is another major funding priority.
The Foundation supports organisations working in:
- Medical research.
- Mental health.
- Public health.
- Disability.
- Youth wellbeing.
- Aged care.
- Emergency healthcare.
- Health advocacy.
Major health partners have included hospitals, research institutes and community health organisations.
Health and Medical Research Examples
Recent health-related grants have supported organisations such as:
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.
- Breakthrough T1D.
- St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research.
- Cabrini Health.
- Butterfly Foundation.
- Youth Live4Life.
- Australians for Mental Health.
- Autism Spectrum Australia.
Projects have addressed:
- Type 1 diabetes.
- Mental health.
- Youth suicide prevention.
- Autism.
- Women’s health.
- Medical research.
- Eating disorders.
- Child health.
Gandel Rehabilitation Centre
Gandel Foundation has provided long-term support to Hadassah for the development of the Gandel Rehabilitation Centre in Israel.
The initiative is designed to expand rehabilitation services and healthcare infrastructure.
Funding has been provided through a multi-year grant arrangement.
Strengthening Jewish Life
Supporting Jewish communities has been a core part of Gandel family philanthropy for decades.
The Foundation supports initiatives that strengthen:
- Jewish identity.
- Education.
- Leadership.
- Community resilience.
- Cultural heritage.
- Holocaust education.
- Social cohesion.
- Community institutions.
Recent recipients include:
- Jewish Museum of Australia.
- Melbourne Holocaust Museum.
- Australian Foundation for Yad Vashem.
- Monash University.
- Zionism Victoria.
- Sydney Jewish Community Centre.
- Pathways Melbourne.
Gandel Holocaust Studies Program
The Gandel Holocaust Studies Program is one of the Foundation’s best-known education initiatives.
Delivered in partnership with Yad Vashem, the program provides professional development for Australian educators teaching about the Holocaust.
The initiative aims to improve the quality of Holocaust education while strengthening understanding of:
- Antisemitism.
- Human rights.
- History.
- Social responsibility.
- Tolerance.
Empowering People
The Foundation supports programs that help individuals improve their lives and future opportunities.
This includes initiatives focused on:
- Employment.
- Education.
- Housing.
- Social enterprise.
- Youth development.
- Justice transition.
- First Nations communities.
- Skills training.
Recent partners have included:
- STREAT.
- Ganbina.
- Anglicare Victoria.
- DeadlyScience.
- Melbourne City Mission.
- Social Traders.
STREAT – Justice to Jobs
Gandel Foundation has supported STREAT through a program designed to help young people transition from custody into education, training and employment.
The initiative combines:
- Skills development.
- Employment pathways.
- Mentoring.
- Social enterprise.
- Personal support.
It reflects the Foundation’s focus on helping vulnerable young people build sustainable futures.
Ganbina Jobs4U2
Gandel Foundation also supports Ganbina’s Jobs4U2 program.
The program assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to improve educational and employment outcomes.
Support includes:
- Career development.
- Education assistance.
- Mentoring.
- Employment readiness.
- Training.
DeadlyScience
The Foundation supports DeadlyScience, an Indigenous-led organisation working to improve STEM access and educational opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Recent funding has supported STEM education in Victorian schools.
Fostering Community
The Foundation supports initiatives designed to strengthen community resilience, participation and social connection.
Funding may address:
- Food security.
- Digital inclusion.
- Social cohesion.
- Community infrastructure.
- Emergency relief.
- Refugee support.
- Volunteer organisations.
- Capacity building.
Food Relief and Food Security
Food security has been a significant area of Foundation support.
Recent partners include:
- C Care.
- SecondBite.
- FareShare.
- Eat Up.
- FoodFilled.
Funding has supported:
- Pantry programs.
- Food packing.
- Meal preparation.
- Food distribution.
- Equipment.
- School food programs.
These projects assist people experiencing food insecurity and disadvantage.
Infoxchange Digital Futures
Gandel Foundation supports Infoxchange through its Digital Futures initiative.
The program seeks to strengthen digital inclusion and help disadvantaged people access technology, skills and online services.
Digital inclusion is increasingly important for:
- Employment.
- Education.
- Government services.
- Health.
- Communication.
- Social participation.
First Nations-Led Programs
Gandel Foundation has increasingly prioritised Indigenous-led initiatives.
Recent grant recipients have included:
- Children’s Ground.
- Ganbina.
- Nova Peris Foundation.
- Karrkad-Kanjdji Trust.
- DeadlyScience.
- Koorie Heritage Trust.
Projects have supported:
- Education.
- Employment.
- Cultural heritage.
- Community leadership.
- STEM learning.
- Social enterprise.
- Early childhood development.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
Gandel Foundation’s impact extends across thousands of charitable initiatives supported over nearly five decades.
The Foundation has distributed more than $250 million to community organisations and causes.
Its impact is visible across:
- Health.
- Culture.
- Education.
- Social services.
- Indigenous-led programs.
- Jewish community initiatives.
- Poverty reduction.
- Youth development.
- Food security.
- Employment.
- Community infrastructure.
Examples of 2024/25 Funding
During 2024/25, Gandel Foundation funded a wide range of organisations.
Major and Flagship Grants included support for:
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.
- Hadassah.
- National Gallery of Victoria.
- Children’s Ground.
- Ganbina.
- Youth Live4Life.
- Australian mental health initiatives.
- Melbourne City Mission.
Community Grants supported organisations such as:
- Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.
- Eat Up.
- Thread Together.
- Australian Youth Orchestra.
- Cabrini Health.
- Butterfly Foundation.
- Jewish International Film Festival.
Examples of 2025/26 Funding
In 2025/26, Gandel Foundation continued supporting major initiatives across its five strategic areas.
Examples include:
- National Gallery of Victoria development.
- Melbourne Symphony Orchestra community programming.
- Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery.
- Anglicare Victoria’s Home Stretch.
- STREAT Justice to Jobs.
- Ganbina Jobs4U2.
- DeadlyScience.
- SecondBite and FareShare.
- Infoxchange Digital Futures.
- Jewish Museum of Australia.
- Melbourne Holocaust Museum.
- Monash University.
These examples illustrate the Foundation’s mix of:
- Large institutional grants.
- Multi-year support.
- Community grants.
- Capacity building.
- Program funding.
Long-Term Partnerships
One of Gandel Foundation’s distinguishing characteristics is its willingness to form long-term relationships with organisations.
Major and Flagship Grants may extend across multiple years.
This allows organisations to:
- Plan more effectively.
- Build organisational capacity.
- Develop new programs.
- Test innovative approaches.
- Scale successful initiatives.
- Strengthen sustainability.
Long-term funding can be especially valuable for complex social challenges that cannot be addressed within a single year.
General Operating Support
Unlike some philanthropic foundations that fund only defined projects, Gandel Foundation may provide general operating support in selected circumstances.
This can help organisations strengthen:
- Staff capacity.
- Governance.
- Systems.
- Fundraising.
- Program delivery.
- Organisational resilience.
The Foundation states that general operating support is limited and organisations should seek the type of support most critical to their needs.
Prevention and Early Intervention
Prevention and early intervention are central to the Foundation’s funding philosophy.
Rather than only responding after problems escalate, Gandel Foundation seeks initiatives that address underlying causes.
Examples may include:
- Supporting at-risk youth before homelessness becomes entrenched.
- Improving early mental health support.
- Strengthening education pathways.
- Reducing food insecurity.
- Helping young people transition from justice settings.
- Preventing social isolation.
This approach can create better long-term outcomes and reduce future social costs.
Innovation and Sustainability
The Foundation also values innovative solutions.
Programs are more likely to align with its approach when they:
- Test new ideas.
- Demonstrate creativity.
- Respond to unmet needs.
- Use evidence.
- Have potential to scale.
- Build long-term sustainability.
Innovation does not necessarily mean technology.
It can also involve new service models, partnerships or approaches to community engagement.
Partnerships and Collaboration
Gandel Foundation frequently works with:
- Charities.
- Universities.
- Cultural institutions.
- Hospitals.
- Research institutes.
- Community organisations.
- Social enterprises.
- Indigenous organisations.
- Jewish organisations.
The Foundation encourages collaboration because partnerships can:
- Increase reach.
- Reduce duplication.
- Improve coordination.
- Share expertise.
- Strengthen impact.
Measuring Impact
The Foundation’s funding decisions are increasingly evidence-based.
Organisations receiving support are expected to demonstrate:
- Clear objectives.
- Defined outcomes.
- Effective governance.
- Appropriate use of funds.
- Community relevance.
- Organisational capability.
Major grants may also involve longer-term evaluation and reporting.
The Foundation publishes annual reviews outlining recent activities, priorities and grant recipients.
Why Gandel Foundation Matters
Gandel Foundation is significant within Australian philanthropy because of its combination of:
- Large-scale giving.
- Long-term family involvement.
- Strategic grantmaking.
- Multi-year funding.
- Community grants.
- Support for major institutions.
- Investment in vulnerable communities.
Its approach demonstrates how family philanthropy can operate at multiple levels.
A single Foundation may simultaneously support:
- National cultural institutions.
- Local charities.
- Medical research.
- Youth programs.
- Indigenous-led organisations.
- Community food programs.
- Jewish education.
- Social enterprises.
This breadth allows Gandel Foundation to respond to immediate needs while also investing in long-term structural improvements.
Conclusion
The Gandel Foundation is one of Australia’s leading independent family philanthropic organisations, with a history dating back to 1978.
Established as the Gandel Charitable Foundation, it has become the principal philanthropic vehicle of the Gandel family and has distributed more than $250 million to charitable organisations and community causes.
Its current vision is to build stronger, resilient, vibrant and inclusive communities, while its purpose is to create lasting improvements in quality of life across Australia and Israel.
Through Community Grants, Major Grants and Flagship Grants, the Foundation supports initiatives across five strategic areas:
- Celebrating Arts and Culture.
- Promoting Health.
- Strengthening Jewish Life.
- Empowering People.
- Fostering Community.
Its funding has supported major institutions such as the National Gallery of Victoria and Museums Victoria as well as community organisations working in food security, youth development, health, education, First Nations empowerment, social inclusion and employment.
The Foundation’s emphasis on prevention, innovation, collaboration, sustainability and long-term impact makes it an important contributor to Australian philanthropy.
For more information, visit here.
