This allocation is up from $9.1 million in 2011, demonstrating that despite the current economic environment, trusts are still providing a source of funding for not-for-profit (NFP) organisations.

This year, funding was distributed to 187 organisations for activities across Australia and internationally in the areas of health and medical research, social welfare and education, environment, arts and culture, and animal welfare.

Social welfare organisations received $4.6 million in funding, while the education sector received $1.7 million and charities yielded distributions ranging from $4,000 to $200,000, with an average distribution of $58,000.

Perpetual’s General Manager of Philanthropy Andrew Thomas says the philanthropists they work with are focused on understanding the difference their contribution will make as opposed to the amount requested.

“NFP organisations are selected for funding based on their ability to deliver real outcomes that have a measureable impact,” he says.