THE WA Community
Foundation will close its
doors this month due to a
lack of external funding for its
operational costs.
Since 2004, the foundation
has made a significant
impact throughout Western
Australia, distributing 268
grants to WA communities.
It currently has trusts and
donation accounts covering
43 communities across
WA with the majority of
community funds under
management earmarked to
benefit regional communities.
Western Australian
Community Foundation
chairman Michael Anderson
said organisation would
close, despite its successes,
due to rapid growth in
regional and indigenous
philanthropy during the past
12 months.
“This has increased the
need for the governance
and support that the WACF
provides to communities
across the state,” Mr
Anderson said.
“The knock-on effect has
been that the level of
demand for our services has
significantly impacted our
operational resources.
“We are still seeing an
increase in the financial
contributions being made
by the corporate sector
to establish funds in
communities aligned with
their business.
“However, despite the best
efforts of the board and
management, securing
funding to support the
operating costs of our
business, while also servicing
community funds, in a post-
GFC environment, has been
a significant challenge for the
foundation.”