JCA announces modernisation of its governance structure

JCA has announced plans to modernise its governance structure by transitioning to a corporate trustee model, strengthening compliance, improving efficiency and future proofing the organisation to better serve the Jewish community across NSW and the ACT.

The new model ensures compliance with current legal requirements for public ancillary funds while aligning JCA with best practice in governance and risk management for large philanthropic organisations. It will streamline operations, enhance accountability and ensure agility as community needs evolve. Changes include the corporate trustee, a new company limited by guarantee that will serve as the sole trustee of the JCA Trust, replacing the 23 individual trustees. The 23 JCA member organisations will become organisational members, retaining full control over allocations decisions. Honorary life governors will become individual members, continuing their oversight role.

The corporate trustee will be governed by a new nine-member board – six elected directors, the JCA president, a JCA presidential nominee, and a representative from the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies. Two new beneficiary categories will enable JCA to support emerging grassroots charities and donor-directed giving without affecting the core allocations pool.

Nominations for directors will open shortly, with appointments confirmed in February 2026.

JCA president Ian Sandler said the change represents a significant milestone in the organisation’s evolution. “Our community expects JCA to lead with integrity, transparency and professionalism,” he said. “Moving to a corporate trustee model ensures we meet those expectations, comply with legal obligations, and remain well-positioned to deliver sustainable impact and strong communal leadership.”