Origin Foundation

Our Foundation is funded by the interest income from a $50 million corpus provided by Origin. Origin also funds all of the Foundation’s running costs, ensuring that all of the Foundation’s investment income goes to community programs.

In creating a foundation, Origin is bringing into alignment its social and economic objectives. Companies maximise shareholder value when they acknowledge and deliver on their responsibilities to all their stakeholders, and recognise that they operate with the permission of society.

While the Foundation does not serve the commercial interests of Origin, it will continue to have strong ties to the organisation. The Foundation will complement the community investment work carried out by the Origin business in the communities where it operates both in Australia and internationally.

Our Foundation will serve the community, but “belongs” to the people of Origin. Early on, our people determined that education should be our focus. Education changes lives. It provides equal access to employment and economic advantage. It underpins individual happiness and social cohesion. Education is also a dominant driver of sustainable economic growth.

In recognising that education is a broad canvas, we have tried to focus on innovative approaches and the areas where government does not yet participate. We are prepared to provide seed funding and also multiyear support, to provide organisations with a clear development path.

In sifting through the multitude of worthy causes, we employ a disciplined process. Our Head of Foundation brings concepts to the board which he thinks are worthy of discussion. Following this process, successful applicants are asked to submit a two-page paper on who they are, why they need funding, what it is to be used for, how this will be measured, and how it aligns with Origin, the Foundation and our strategy. These applicants are given 15- 20 minutes each to argue their case before the Foundation Board. This is a small but experienced Board of people with both a distinguished record in the education sector, and in international business. To date, and in our first year of operation we have made 12 grants to organisations distributing $4million.

In addition to our grant giving we provide the opportunity for Origin people to volunteer with these organisations, matching needs with skills. The Foundation also matches any donations that Origin employees make to charitable organisations.

It is early days yet, and the Foundation is in its infancy. But we have an exciting mandate, a committed board, and wonderful Foundation team, and worthy cause.

Together we can make a difference.

Gordon Cairns
Origin Foundation Chairman

www.originfoundation.com.au