How will donations be managed?

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.

When will the Buderim Foundation start to make grants?

The Foundation will make grants by September 2008. With the funds held in trust already exceeding $250,000, the Foundation Board is excited about reaching the 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.

What kinds of projects will the Foundation support?

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.

Why is the Foundation only going to use the income to make grants?

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!

Who else is involved apart from the Directors?

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, Gary Dillon, Mike Milne, Ann Morris
• Grants Committee: Chair - Leanne Evans, Gus Guthrie, Eric Moes, Margaret Welshe
• Marketing Committee: Chair - Marg Thursby, Michael Bloyce, John Devers, Ross Eason, Maree Evans, Rohan Jackson, Simon Whittle, Alex Sweet
• Investment Committee: Chair: Sarah Bird, Mark Davidson, Bruce Scriven, Avril Staniland, Ken Waddington
• BWMCA Liaison Committee Members: Gary Hopkins, Margaret Welshe, Simon Whittle
• Public Officer: Gary Hopkins
• Minutes Secretary: Maree Evans
• Treasurer: Tim Mylne

Who are the Directors accountable to?

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
• Maureen Sheargold