Sidney Myer Fund (SMF) and The Myer Foundation (TMF) are two separate philanthropic entities of Myer family philanthropy. They have distinct authorising environments but complementary philanthropic activities, a joint mission and a shared strategic approach managed by a single team.

From 1 July 2023, a new five-year strategic period (FY24–28) comes into effect for both SMF and TMF. This new strategy builds upon the successes of the previous one and a legacy of bold, progressive thinking. The strategy provides a clear framework and horizon for grantmaking across all our programs.

Mission

As two key entities of Myer family philanthropy, we engage with the community to promote a just, creative, enlightened, caring and sustainable Australia.

Lenses

Climate change and inequality are the strategy’s overarching themes. This means that they are lenses applied to all our grantmaking programs.

Pillars

Our strategic pillars set out our methods. Underpinning these pillars is the bedrock of the Myer family. From Sidney Myer through to his great grandchildren and beyond, the Myer family’s engagement will always be foundational to SMF and TMF – to their nature, operation and governance.

Supporting people

We invest in talented, courageous people with big ideas. We develop leaders and support innovators. We give artists the time and space to grow our nation’s culture.

Enabling organisations

We support organisations with untied, multi-year funding to make them resilient and effective. We place our trust in them so that they can stay focused on achieving their mission and delivering benefit to our community.

Impact beyond grantmaking

    We support public policy dialogue and advocacy. We bring people together to explore new solutions and find common ground on society’s most challenging issues.

    Funding areas

    Each of our funding areas has a distinct focus area set for the duration of the strategic period:

    • Arts & Culture – championing individual artists, creators and cultural leaders to be bold and ambitious
    • Inclusion & Equality – supporting low income families to thrive in secure housing.
    • Sustainability & Environment – supporting climate action that accelerates an equitable, net-zero aligned transition in Australia
    • Mental Health – empowering people with lived experience and community-based organisations to improve mental health outcomes
    • Human, Civil & Legal Rights – including reproductive health rights, LGBTIQ+ rights, refugee law, the right to protest, access to justice, First Nations self determination, and support for the pillars of democracy
    • Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships – supporting breakthrough solutions to Australia’s most pressing social and environmental challenges.