How we invest
The Phillips Foundation directs its resources – financial, time and expertise – through three investment streams.
More information on our discretionary grants program, strategic funding program and systems change investment can be found below.
To learn more about the types of programs, projects and organisations we work with, please review our current partner profile.


Discretionary Grants
Eligible charities (endorsed as DGR1 status) can apply for up to $50,000 for one year funding. Projects are typically assessed on their impact and service delivery outcomes.
- Discretionary Grants Expressions of Interest (EoIs) open from 1 February to 31 March each year.
- Shortlisted EOIs will be invited to submit a grant application.
- We also consider applications in response to disaster relief and respond to EoIs out of cycle in these circumstances.
Strategic Grants
The Phillips Foundation works closely with a portfolio of strategic funding partners whose programs and projects are mission aligned with our strategic focus areas outlined below. Applications are via invitation only.


Systems Change
The Living Ripples initiatve that seeks to improve the resilience and self-confidence in the children at your school. Partnership opportunities should be directed to the Living Ripples team.
How we monitor, evaluate and learn from our partnerships
Our MEL framework is designed to ensure we are working collaboratively with partners, and remain outcome focussed. We also want to share partnership learnings to inspire others to support children and young people feel hopeful about their future and be empowered to achieve their full potential.
MEL Workshop
Initial workshop to benchmark and assess program impact.
Annual Survey(s)
Online survey on the annual anniversary of the execution of the grant agreement to monitor program progress.
Final Report
At the conclusion of our partnership's term, we will request additional information regarding the program, incorporating outcome questions relating to the client's experience.
Evaluation data capture
We work with you to identify how to evaluate partnership outcomes, where possible utilising the Childhood Hope Scale.
Partner annual check in
A member of the Foundation Team will check in following the completion of the annual survey.
Site Visit
Where possible a Foundation representative will try to make an annual site visit to understand partner outcomes, progress and meet with participants and community.
Learning Forum
The Phillips Foundation conducts an annual forum in February which convenes strategic partners and other sector stakeholders to discuss a theme relating to strategic focus areas. The Annual Forum is held in Melbourne each February.
Case Studies
The Phillips Foundation seeks to profile it partnerships through case studies. These case studies are promoted by our website.