Gandel Foundation

Many, varied causes receive funding

Through Gandel Foundation, over the years the couple have channelled over $150 million dollars towards supporting various charitable organisations and causes in the community.

John and Pauline Gandel. Photo supplied
John and Pauline Gandel. Photo supplied

Gandel Foundation, one of Australia’s largest independent family philanthropic funds, was established in 1978.

John Gandel AC and Pauline Gandel AC are actively engaged in the philanthropic work and are universally recognised for their generosity and commitment to both Jewish and general causes.

Through Gandel Foundation, over the years the couple have channelled over $150 million dollars towards supporting various charitable organisations and causes in the community.

Outgoing CEO Vedran Drakulic said, “Probably more important and impactful has been the partnerships and relationships with the charities and not-for-profit organisations who work at the coal face.

“They are the true heroes in all this, and I salute them all.”

While Gandel Foundation is known in the community for its support of Jewish organisations in Australia and Israel, it collaborates with the broader Australian community, way beyond arts and culture.

The diversity of the recipients the foundation supports is extensive and touches small community one-off events, research programs, homelessness, education support and many more.

The Little Food Festival is a free community event that promotes health, wellbeing and sustainability education, focused on the food system.

Founder Dr Sandro Demaio said, “The Little Food Festival is an opportunity to re-write what the future will look like for our kids and our planet.

“Working together with our partners such as Gandel Foundation, we are raising awareness of important focus areas related to food systems such as health and wellbeing, nutrition and sustainability, all in the context of prevention and early intervention.”

Ending Loneliness Together (ELT) is the national Australian organisation working to raise awareness and reduce the negative effects of loneliness and social isolation in society through evidence-based solutions and advocacy.

Loneliness is a critical issue of modern times and has been recognised as a public health priority for many countries.

After supporting ELT with a community grant in 2023, Gandel Foundation again joined forces in 2024, this time with a major grant targeted towards assisting ELT to ensure representation and inclusion of culturally and linguistically diverse communities, by engaging them in the program and by “speaking” to them in their own languages.

State Schools’ Relief (SSR) is a unique Victorian organisation, providing uniforms, shoes and other essential educational resources to students affected by the impact of material disadvantage.

Sue Karzis, CEO at SSR said, “We believe in removing barriers to education.

“With the generous support of Gandel Foundation and Bank First, providing iPads for non-verbal children in specialist schools is one way that we can ensure that no child or young person is left behind.”

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