The Chessed Foundation

About

The Chessed Foundation is a small corporate foundation based in Victoria, Australia, that focuses on supporting Jewish community organisations and charitable causes aligned with Jewish values. The name 'Chessed' (also spelled 'Chesed') is a Hebrew word meaning loving-kindness or compassionate charity, reflecting the foundation's ethos of tikkun olam (repairing the world) through tzedakah (charity). The foundation operates as a corporate giving vehicle, distributing approximately $500,000 annually to eligible recipient organisations.

Giving Philosophy

Chessed (lovingkindness) is one of the highest values in Jewish tradition, and the foundation appears to operate within a framework of gemilut chasadim (acts of lovingkindness). The foundation likely prioritises organisations that serve the Jewish community and promote Jewish continuity, social welfare, education, and communal support. Given its corporate foundation structure and the thematic focus on Jewish communal life, it likely supports a mix of direct service delivery, community infrastructure, and educational institutions.

Tips for Applicants

As a small corporate foundation focused on the Jewish community, prospective applicants should demonstrate a clear connection to Jewish communal life, education, or social welfare. Given the limited public information available, contacting the foundation directly via its website (www.chessed.org.au) before applying is strongly recommended. Applications should emphasise how the proposed activity aligns with Jewish values of chessed and community support. The foundation is likely to have established relationships with recipient organisations, so building awareness within the Victorian Jewish communal network is important.

Financial History (6 years)