STRATEGY

2026-29

Vision & Purpose

Vision

Stronger, resilient, vibrant, and inclusive communities

Purpose

To create a positive and lasting difference by powering the delivery of programs and activities that improve quality of life in Australia and Israel

Gandel Foundation’s Approach

Gandel Foundation is a proud family‑based organisation with the founders, John Gandel AC and Pauline Gandel AC along with members of the next two generations of their family, actively involved.

Our approach to philanthropy
We support initiatives that:
  1. empower people to improve their wellbeing and future prospects
  2. promote community values and foster community spirit
  3. have a long-term transformative impact
We prioritise support for the most vulnerable and marginalised groups

Five Issue Areas

Celebrating Arts & Culture

A vibrant and creative arts sector is essential for a thriving society. The Gandel family has a proud history of supporting the arts through championing Melbourne and Australia’s world class institutions, nurturing Jewish arts and cultural heritage, and recognising the role of arts in building strong communities

Promoting Health

Philanthropic grantmaking in the health and medical field is crucial for advancing knowledge, developing new treatments, and improving public health, both mental and physical. Gandel Foundation partners with leading hospitals, institutions, and health organisations to advance health outcomes

Strengthening Jewish Life

Gandel Foundation aspires to elevate Jewish life in Melbourne and beyond through investing in initiatives that promote Jewish identity, nurture leadership, and strengthen the resilience and vibrancy of the community

Empowering People

Gandel Foundation is committed to helping individuals and cohorts access opportunities to improve their lives and those of others around them, especially from the most disadvantaged sectors of society

Fostering Community

Gandel Foundation invests in initiatives that promote tolerance and understanding, combat the root causes of hate, and foster connections. We are proud of our long‑standing dedication to educating on the lessons of the Holocaust, combatting modern antisemitism and hate, and building cohesion in Australia

Grant Levels

Gandel Foundation has three levels of grant giving that apply to all our issue areas:

Flagship Grants

Leadership-type grants that support ambitious efforts to deliver transformative impact. Gandel Foundation makes a limited number of Flagship Grants through proactively identifying the projects and partners who can help make lasting change in priority areas. Flagship Grants are typically funded over extended periods.

Major Grants

Grants that reflect Gandel Foundation’s wish to provide substantial and meaningful support to our not-for-profit partners. These grants can be allocated as a single, one-off contribution or through multi-year support. Major Grants are made proactively and our decisions are evidence‑based to ensure we support initiatives that deliver defined outcomes and lasting benefits.

Community Grants

Grants that enable Gandel Foundation to support a range of partners across our five issue areas. Community Grants are typically allocated up to a maximum amount of $40,000 and envisaged as one‑off grants aimed at providing support for a defined program or smaller community organisations. Community Grants are implemented through proactive granting and targeted open grants rounds.

Top