Curious? We’ve got answers.

On giving circles

  • ‘Giving circles’ are a form of collective giving that has been gaining momentum in globally over the past few years.

    It’s a way to make a bigger impact by giving together rather than alone.

  • This participatory model involves donors making a specific contribution– ranging anywhere from $100 up to $10,000 per annum – into a pooled fund, then educating themselves about community issues through social events and other activities.

    Membership fees are then given to charities that are selected and voted upon by members.

    • You amplify your impact by pooling resources with others.

    • You learn more about philanthropy, nonprofits, and social issues.

    • You connect with like-minded people who care about giving.

    • You get involved in decision-making about where funds go.

  • Many giving circles welcome non-financial contributions, such as volunteering time, sharing expertise, or helping with in-kind services. It’s about participation, not just donations.

    If you’re interested in contributing to The Purpose Fund in any way, reach out to us.

On The Purpose Fund

  • The Purpose Fund is a giving circle and giving fund (sub-fund) of the Australian Philanthropic Services Foundation (ABN 38 981 887 768).  

    Australian Philanthropic Services Foundation (APS Foundation) is a public ancillary fund with DGR Item 2 status and is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. 

    Learn more about our structure and governance here.

  • Yes, it is 100% tax deductible.

    A receipt will be issued to you by Australian Philanthropic Services Foundation.

  • Giving circles are a great way to enable your dollar to go further. So while an individual may not have $50,000 to give to a charity to facilitate a new initiative, they can contribute to the initiative's success with a smaller amount. 

    Becoming a member of a giving circle will also enable you to join a community of givers and likeminded peers, attend events and learn from subject matter experts on various social issues. All membership fees and donations are 100% tax deductible

    Appropriate due diligence will be conducted for each grant partner by the Grant Committee, so you can trust that each grant partner is eligible to receive funding from TPF and that they're making a positive impact in your community.

  • 100% of membership fees/donations are pooled and used to fund initiatives and organisations selected by members.

  • Yes!

    Email us at hello@thepurposefund.com.

    One-off gifts will be pooled into the sub-fund and invested in the Australian Philanthropic Services Foundation's Focused Portfolio, to be grown into perpetuity to ensure sustainability of the fund. As required by all sub-funds in Australia, 4% of the income that is generated from the portfolio will be donated to the selected charities in addition to the donations made by memberships.

    Learn More

  • Australian Philanthropic Services Foundation has generously provided the use of a sub-fund within their Public Ancillary Fund and all other time and resources are provided in kind by volunteers. 

  • Charities must have DGR item 1 status and be registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. They must also have alignment to one of the three strategic focus areas.

    Learn more about submitting an EOI for a grant here.

  • Once we have finalised our first grant round, we will publish all outcomes to members, donors and subscribers.