1. Themes
  2. A to Z
  3. Search

Myer Foundation

A philanthropic foundation established in 1959 by Ken and Baillieu Myer, the Myer Foundation consolidated the family reputation for philanthropy established by the Sidney Myer Fund, which had been making regular distributions since the death of the Myer Emporium Founder in 1934. Advocating socially progressive rather than ameliorative giving, it sought to professionalise philanthropic practice. A bequest of more than $20 million, following the 1992 death of Ken Myer, brought the Foundation's resources closer to those of the original Fund. Its annual allocation of approximately $2 million funds projects in the areas of science, technology, education, arts, culture and the humanities, and Australia's relationship with Asia.

Shurlee Swain

References
Liffman, Michael, A tradition of giving: Seventy-five years of Myer family philanthropy, Melbourne University Publishing, Melbourne, 2004. Details