Crown Resorts Foundation and the Packer Family Foundation Announce a $200 Million National Philanthropic Fund

The Chair of the Packer Family Foundation, Gretel Packer, today announced a $200 million National Philanthropic Fund, which marks a commitment over ten years by the Crown Resorts Foundation and the Packer Family Foundation.

Ms Packer said: “I am delighted to launch the National Philanthropic Fund. This exciting collaboration between Crown Resorts and our family creates a platform from which to contribute towards strengthening communities in Australia and developing our artistic future.”

The $200 million National Philanthropic Fund will be structured as follows:

• $100 million will be donated to eligible charities which promote the arts (the National Arts Fund); and
• $100 million will be donated to eligible charities which support the broader community and, in particular, Indigenous education (the Community Partnerships and Indigenous Education Fund).

The National Arts Fund aims to promote both access to and the development of the Arts across Australia. It will support projects and organisations that encourage excellence, innovation and creativity in the Arts.

The Community Partnerships and Indigenous Education Fund aims to strengthen communities by providing assistance where it is needed with a particular focus on Indigenous education. It is envisaged that the Crown Resorts Foundation and Packer Family Foundation will work together to identify and support community projects that are innovative, well-run and that will drive lasting social change.

Speaking of the $200 million National Philanthropic Fund, Crown Resorts' Chairman James Packer said:

“Today's announcement commits us to another decade of financial support for organisations which work tirelessly to deliver services, assistance and opportunities for people from disadvantaged backgrounds. I would like to congratulate and thank my sister Gretel for being the driving force behind the establishment of this Fund.”

The previously announced $60 million Sydney Arts Fund will fall within the National Arts Fund. The $200 million National Philanthropic Fund will be administered jointly by the Crown Resorts Foundation Board, chaired by The Hon. Helen Coonan, and the Packer Family Foundation Board, chaired by Ms Gretel Packer. Both Boards offer extensive philanthropic experience with other members including Mrs Roslyn Packer AO, Mr Harold Mitchell AC and Mrs Lucy Turnbull AO.

The Crown Resorts Foundation Board is further supported by an Advisory Board which provides recommendations on the merits of eligible projects.