Structured giving allows families to turn generosity into a long-term plan for social impact. In this APS client story, Mel Caffrey shares how their giving is shaped by gratitude, empowerment and a desire to involve the next generation in meaningful philanthropy.

What drives you to give?

Financial success brings a responsibility to create opportunities for others. We feel lucky to be in a position to do that, and the more of us who do, the more we can shift together.

Personally, growing up in Ireland shaped my views on giving. Plenty of families gave even when they had very little themselves, because there was always a sense that someone had it worse. That mindset stays with you – it creates a deep sense of gratitude and perspective. Ireland consistently ranks among the most generous countries in the world, sometimes topping the Charities Aid Foundation’s global index.

Choosing causes : poverty, empowerment and long-term opportunity

What causes are important to you? How have you determined which charities and programs to support?

Our foundation is still evolving, but our main focus today is on poverty and creating real pathways out of it.

Two lenses guide most of our decisions. The first is empowerment – we continually ask whether a charity is helping people build more independent, successful and fulfilling lives, rather than simply addressing short-term symptoms. The second is leverage – whether our contribution can unlock more than just its dollar value. Backing operating costs through the 100% model is a good example: every dollar we put toward overheads helps a charity bring in more public donors, and every one of their dollars then goes straight to the work. So, a public donor’s money is multiplied in impact because zero funds are lost to overhead, and a core donor’s dollar makes more donations possible. It’s a double whammy of leverage.

A big focus for us is making philanthropy intergenerational. We want our children involved in the process of learning about causes, supporting organisations and understanding the responsibility that comes with privilege. Hopefully, that creates a cycle of giving that continues well beyond our generation.

Examples of impact : supporting charities that create practical change

A key focus is period poverty, a major issue that receives very little attention. For many girls in developing communities, menstruation becomes a barrier to education and opportunity at a critical stage of life.

We support The Cova Project, which distributes menstrual cups and health education through local partners to girls and women. The model is what makes it work. For the price of a coffee, around $7, a girl can receive a medical-grade silicone menstrual cup that lasts up to 10 years. It’s a practical, preventative solution that empowers girls and women to be active participants in all aspects of life, breaking the cycle of poverty.

Forever Projects in Tanzania works upstream of the orphan crisis, supporting vulnerable mothers before families are separated. Their 12-month program combines nutrition, crisis care, weekly training and business capital with community care through the hardest stage of early motherhood. The aim is to help each woman generate her own income so her family can achieve financial independence and stay together.

Among Equals champions the women of Papua New Guinea, giving them a sustainable income through their own ancient craft of Bilum weaving. PNG is our closest neighbour yet sits among the most disadvantaged countries in our region. We’ve been big supporters and watched the platform grow from a grassroots idea into a global one, with over 4,000 Bilum bags now sold across 12 countries. It fits our empowerment lens by putting economic power directly in women’s hands through a craft that’s been theirs for centuries.

Across all three, women reinvest a far greater share of their income back into their families and communities, so the impact extends well beyond the individual.

In Australia, we’ve found some excellent Indigenous-focused organisations. Food Ladder runs hydroponic greenhouses in schools in remote communities – there are now 50 of them, and more than 11,200 kids have grown over 106,000 servings of vegetables through the program. By 2030, they’re aiming to reach over a million students and contribute to 25+ million meals. It tackles food security, nutrition and education in one go plus builds local resilience and employment along the way.

A newer one for us is Wilya Janta, working on housing in remote Aboriginal communities. Overcrowding in these communities drives infectious disease, rheumatic heart disease, poor sleep and low school attendance, and most existing houses simply weren’t built for 40-degree heat. Wilya Janta designs homes with the communities themselves, built for the actual conditions, using solar and climate-responsive design. With significant public money now going into remote housing, they’re trying to shape a smarter, community-led model for how it’s spent.

What ties most of these organisations together is the people behind them. They were started by founders with deep personal connection to the cause and the communities they serve – and that conviction is ultimately what we are backing.

What giving has taught our family

What have you learned from your giving? How has giving benefited you and/or your family?

The clearest lesson is that real change happens when people are given the tools to change their own trajectory – whether that’s a girl staying in school, a mother into employment, or a family in a home that allows them to stay healthy and show up for life.

This is also where the trust piece comes in. One of the biggest barriers to giving is people worrying their money won’t end up where the charity says. That’s why we’re proud to be among the core donors to the Cova Project and Forever Projects. Together, core donors cover operating costs, so every public dollar goes directly to the work. Our hope is that with the overheads handled, more people feel comfortable giving. That’s how trust builds and how change scales.

The other lesson is that philanthropy isn’t only about funding outcomes – it’s about what gets passed on. We want our children to understand how fortunate they are and to feel some responsibility because of it. Hopefully, it becomes something they carry into conversations with their own kids one day.

How APS supports structured giving

How has APS supported you?

APS has been very useful, especially early on. They helped us think more strategically and take a longer view. They also ran a session with our kids when they were younger, which was great. Having those conversations led by someone external landed differently than if they had come from us.

Practically, APS handles governance, compliance, and reporting, which means our time goes to the organisations and causes rather than admin, thankfully!

Frequently asked questions about family philanthropy

What is structured giving?

Structured giving is a planned approach to charitable giving that helps individuals and families make donations thoughtfully overtime. In Australia, this often involves giving structures such as private ancillary funds or giving funds within a public ancillary fund.

Why involve children in philanthropy?

Involving children in philanthropy can help families pass on values, build financial and social awareness and create a shared send of purpose across generations.

How can APS help with charitable giving?

Australian Philanthropic Services supports individuals, families and advisers with the establishment, governance, compliance and administration of giving structures, so donors can focus on the causes and charities that matter most to them.

This article was prepared by Australian Philanthropic Services, drawing on our experience supporting families with structured giving and family philanthropy in Australia.

8 September 2026