Paul Ramsay Foundation Limited
About
Australia's largest private foundation by distributions (M in FY25, .476B cumulative since 2016). Four 'off-ramps' from cycles of disadvantage: Transitions to Employment, A Chance to Learn, Criminal Justice, and Thriving Communities. Since May 2024 strategy refresh, local/place-based funding doubled from 12% to 24%. Just Futures program (M via ACF partnership with Thirriwirri) funds 11 orgs for incarceration prevention. .1M in justice reinvestment grants since 2021. Key partners: JustReinvest NSW, Maranguka Bourke, Change the Record.
Tips for Applicants
Align proposals with PRF's three-pillar approach (invest, build, influence) and demonstrate evidence-informed strategies with clear outcome measurement. Emphasise collaboration, systemic change potential, and how your work addresses root causes of disadvantage rather than symptoms alone.
Giving Philosophy
Systems change through four off-ramps from disadvantage. Long-term patient capital for structural reform. Place-based approaches with community governance. Justice reinvestment: shift spending from incarceration to prevention and early intervention.
ACNC Financial History
| Year | Grants Given | Revenue | Total Assets | Net Assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2023 | $183.7M | $104.3M | $3.0B | $2.6B |
| FY2022 | $106.7M | $126.5M | $3.7B | $3.3B |
| FY2019 | $41.0M | $133.0M | $127.9M | $91.7M |
| 3yr total | $331.4M | Source: ACNC Annual Information Statements | ||
Programs & Opportunities (3)
Experimental Evaluation Open Grant Round
Grants for evaluations of social impact programs with ethical experimental components. Max $300,000 each. Now closed.
Program Related Investments (Impact Investing EOI)
Impact-first catalytic investments for organisations contributing to strategic impact areas: thriving children, employment, justice and safety.
PRF Fellowship Program
Supports innovative research addressing key knowledge and practice gaps. Fellows explore questions that drive Australia forward and support communities to thrive. 11 current fellows including Anne Summers AO, Rachel Perkins, Leslie Loble, and others.