Frequently Asked Questions
The Foundation has been set up to accept donations and bequests from
members of the community. Donations will be pooled and the accumulating
funds will be professionally invested in a combination of fixed
interest deposits, shares and eventually property.The beauty of the
concept is that it is the income of the wisely invested funds that is
distributed as community grants to local non-profit organisations.
The Foundation made its first ever grants in September 2008. With
the funds held in trust already exceeding $250,000, the Foundation
Board is excited about reaching this milestone of being in a position
to make its first grants.
The Foundation is also concentrating on raising the community's
awareness and understanding of the Foundation, and on encouraging
support in the form of donations and bequests.
The community's needs will continue to change. Therefore it is
important that planned areas of expenditure aren't too specific at this
early stage. Initially grants will be made to Buderim organizations and
projects under six broad categories (examples have been included to
help clarify the kind of projects that could be supported):
- Protecting and preserving our natural environment - for example,
Martins Creek regeneration, improvements to Foote Sanctuary or The
Bushland Botanical Gardens. - Assisting people in need to live healthy and fulfilling lives - for
example, support for a new library, expanded transport options for
seniors or Bloomhill Cancer Help. - Adding richness and diversity to local artistic and cultural
endeavours - for example, new staging equipment for amateur theatre or
support for singing and music groups like the Ozmaze youth musicians. - Increasing learning opportunities across all age groups - for
example, grants for school literacy projects, University facilities,
funding for University of the Third Age (U3A) venues, or improved
computer and internet access to close the digital divide. - Celebrating and showcasing our heritage and local history - for
example, new computers for the Historical Society or restoration
materials for the Tramway group. - Encouraging and supporting those with recreational interests - for
example, a major purchase for Craft Cottage, bike or walking tracks or
new lighting for sporting clubs.
Using only the income from the investments means your actual donation
is never spent. It keeps working forever for the benefit of the Buderim
community. What an excellent concept! What a legacy!
The Foundation has established a number of committees that co-ordinate key functions. Committee members are as follows:
- Fund Development Committee: Chair - Simon Whittle, Sarah Bird, Sheila Bhola, Michael Bloyce, John Burgess, Gary Dillon, Mike Milne, Ann Morris
- Grants Committee: Chair - Leanne Evans, Gus Guthrie, Eric Moes, Ken O'Flaherty, Margaret Welshe
- Marketing Committee: Chair - Marg Thursby, John Devers, Ross Eason, Rohan Jackson, Simon Whittle, Alex Sweet
- Investment Committee: Chair - Ken Waddington, Sarah Bird, Mark Davidson, Bruce Scriven, Avril Staniland,
- Youth Committee: Chair - Sarah Bird, Leanne Evans, Steve Gould, Simon Whittle
- BWMCA Liaison Committee Members: Ken Waddington, Margaret Welshe, Simon Whittle
- Public Officer: Margaret Welshe
- Minutes Secretary:Rachel O'Brien
- Treasurer: Tim Mylne
The Directors are accountable to the Buderim community via a group
of people called the members who were selected by the BWMCA to
represent broad community interests. The Foundation Directors report to
these members at least once a year at the Foundation's Annual General
Meeting.
The members are:
- Melvin McMichael, Chair
- Robert Armstrong
- Jenny Cant
- David Edwards
- Robyn Edwards
- Graeme Ensoll
- Maureen Sheargold
The BWMCA is the peak community body in Buderim with a unique history dating back to 1945. Its primary roles are managing the community buildings owned by the Association, running community events, building community spirit and cooperation and welcoming new residents.
The Foundation was set up by the BWMCA in 2004 and the Association has a level of control over the Foundation, via its constitution. The BWMCA appoints the Members of the Foundation who, in turn, appoint the Directors of the Board.
The Foundation’s role is about money – inviting and celebrating donations and bequests. These funds are invested for growth and income, and this income is then returned to the community in the form of grants for a range of projects and groups – including the BWMCA. The capital remains untouched to provide income in perpetuity.
The Foundation has created a special BWMCA account to which potential benefactors can elect to direct donations to the BWMCA, which ensures all income derived from those donations will be channelled directly back to the Association.
The Foundation and the BWMCA, while each carrying out their different roles, have regular liaison meetings and work closely together to create a better community for the people of Buderim.
