Community foundation Spotlight · Quarter 1
Queensland Community Foundation
Established in 1997 by The Honourable Mike Ahern AO, Queensland Community Foundation (QCF) is Queensland’s trusted community foundation and charitable trust. With more than $170 million under stewardship, QCF exists to safeguard and grow philanthropy so it can deliver lasting benefit to communities across the state – now and for generations to come.
QCF comprises a General Fund and more than 272 sub-funds created by individuals, families, organisations and government agencies. They ensure donors’ giving reflects what they care about most, and that their intent is honoured over the long term.
QCF’s distinctive model of perpetual giving turns generosity into an enduring legacy. Donations are invested into the Australian Foundation for Charitable Trust of which QIC is the Investment Manager. The income generated is distributed annually to Queensland charities, creating a reliable, recurring funding stream that strengthens communities statewide. In 2026, QCF will distribute more than $7.2 million to over 300 Queensland charities.
As Trustee, Queensland Public Trustee (QPT) holds the fiducial obligations for the Trust and provides governance and compliance, supporting the confidence donors place in QCF as a stable, well-governed vehicle for their giving.
QCF makes it easy to establish a cost-effective philanthropic fund that keeps giving.
Impact Snapshot
Established in 1997
Established in 1997 by The Honourable Mike Ahern AO.
More than $170 million under stewardship
With more than $170 million under stewardship, QCF exists to safeguard and grow philanthropy.
More than 272 sub-funds
QCF comprises a General Fund and more than 272 sub‑funds created by individuals, families, organisations and government agencies.
Perpetual giving model
QCF’s distinctive model of perpetual giving turns generosity into an enduring legacy.
Queensland Gives Ltd
Queensland Gives Ltd (QGL) is a separate entity to QCF and operates as a company limited by guarantee. Established in 2010 by QCF’s then Founding Sponsors – QIC, Anglo American and the Queensland Public Trustee – Queensland Gives was created to deliver administrative support to QCF, including grants administration, financial distributions, donor stewardship, fundraising, as well as media, events and marketing.
QGL administration costs are offset through the support of our Founding Sponsor QIC and foundation sponsor Minderoo, meaning more of every gift can go toward creating lasting impact for Queenslanders.
Queensland Gives and Queensland Community Foundation share one philanthropic mission and jointly allocate grants to Queensland charities. Queensland Gives inspires, nurtures and activates generosity and philanthropy across the state, while QCF safeguards, grows and distributes the funds to deliver lasting community impact for Queenslanders.
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About the Queensland Community Photo Challenge
So much of what makes Queensland unique is our character – our sense of identity, community and generosity of spirit. It’s there in the way we show up for one another, especially when it really matters.
The 2026 Queensland Community Photo Challenge is now open, proudly supported by RACQ.
They’re looking for photos that capture community in action across Queensland – moments of giving, kindness and compassion.
This year Queensland Gives is teaming up with RACQ to award the winning entry $1,000 individual prize money and a $3,000 donation to their favourite Queensland charity.
What are the judges looking for?
Images that authentically capture:
- Philanthropy in action
A moment where giving changes a life – big or small. A volunteer serving meals, a community fundraiser, someone donating supplies to a local cause. - Kindness
An unexpected act that made someone’s day. A simple moment of care, connection, or encouragement. - Generosity
Giving time, care or resources with no expectation in return – mentoring, volunteering, raising funds, supporting a community project. - Compassion in action
Being there when someone needs it most – supporting people affected by hardship, advocating for others, offering reassurance. - Thoughtfulness
A quiet gesture that speaks volumes – inclusion, care, small acts that strengthen a community. - Giving
Showing up. Working bees. Local clubs rallying together. Communities rebuilding and improving shared spaces.
You don’t need to be a professional photographer. You simply need to recognise the moment.
One photo can tell a powerful story about Queensland at its best.
Entries close Midnight 13 March 2026.
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