The Macquarie Group Foundation

One of the beliefs around which Macquarie formed its philosophy was that, as a company is a member of the society in which it operates, it follows that one of its duties is to work in different ways for the betterment of that society. This thought drove Macquarie’s early community support programmes, which were formalised in 1984 when the Macquarie Group Foundation was established. Today, the Foundation reflects the drive, commitment and entrepreneurial spirit that characterises Macquarie. The Macquarie Group Foundation is one of Australia’s oldest and largest corporate foundations, contributing $A12.6 million (approximately £5.2 million) to 500 community organisations in the year to 31 March 2007. In addition, Macquarie staff raised $A4.1 million (approximately £1.7 million) for community organisations.

The Macquarie Group Foundation focuses its resources in five core areas: education, the arts, health, welfare and the environment. We look for opportunities that are innovative, that are genuinely responsive to the community’s needs and that enable us to utilise Macquarie’s unique approach in a manner that will make a difference.

In Europe Macquarie seeks to support community programmes that provide an opportunity for staff involvement and relate to our areas of business activity. The Foundation’s European Advisory Committee assesses opportunities and seeks to build partnerships with community organisations that reflect these objectives.

The Prince's Trust

In the UK, the Macquarie Group Foundation has established a partnership with The Prince’s Trust Business Programme to provide support for young business entrepreneurs to overcome barriers and get their lives working. This is achieved through practical support including training, mentoring and financial assistance for 14 to 30-year-olds, to help them realise their potential. Efforts focus on those who’ve struggled at school, been in care, been in trouble with the law, or are long-term unemployed.

“The Prince’s Trust does invaluable work in helping young people to pursue their ambitions and aspirations. Without the financial support of The Trust, these young people would have few opportunities to make something of their lives.” Sir David Garrard, a member of The Prince’s Trust Development Board.

For more information on the The Prince's Trust, click here

East London Business Alliance / Hackney Schools Mentoring Programme

Macquarie is a member of the East London Business Alliance (ELBA) which acts as a channel for business skills and experience to contribute to the social regeneration of East London. As part of this membership, Macquarie is actively involved with the Hackney Schools Mentoring Programme (HSMP) providing 40 mentors to the programme in 2006-07. The programme links 14 and     15-year-old Year 10 school pupils in Hackney with working adults. The main objectives are to increase the students’ self-confidence, give them experience of the working world, improve their academic performance and raise aspirations.

“I have always felt privileged in being given, through family and education, the opportunity and the tools to pursue my goals. I see mentoring as a great way to help young people to get a better start.” Executive Director Arthur Rakowski, member of the Hackney Schools Mentoring Programme. 

For more information about ELBA, click here
For more information about HSMP, click here

The London Children’s Film Festival 2007

Macquarie is about to embark on a new relationship with London’s Barbican Centre by becoming a Festival Partner of the London Children’s Film Festival (LCFF) for 2007. In its third year, the LCFF is establishing itself as a key player on the international festival stage and offers cinema from all over the globe and in many languages.

One of the most important features about showcasing the best of world cinema is the opportunity for children in London to glimpse the lives of their peers in other countries. The experience of watching these films is education in itself, and learning opportunities inspiring creativity and critical thinking are central to the festival. This is achieved through numerous workshops in schools, in communities and for families and young people.

For more information about the Barbican, click here
For more information about the London Children's Film Festival, click here

Business in the Community

Business in the Community inspires, engages, supports and challenges companies to continually improve the impact they have on society, translating corporate values and commitment into mainstream practices. 

Through the networks, knowledge and experience of its members, including Macquarie, Business in the Community works collaboratively to tackle key social issues in many deprived communities and to help inspire and integrate responsible business practices to improve the impact companies have on their community, environment, marketplace and workplace.

For more information about Business in the Community, click here

British Institute of International and Comparative Law

The Macquarie Group Foundation, in conjunction with Macquarie’s infrastructure funds management business, supports the British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL). In particular, Macquarie is supporting a comprehensive research project on damages in international law. The project’s major purpose is to provide an up-to-date publication on damages that reports on principles of international law, the application of those principles and how damages can be sought under international law, focusing specifically on protection of
investments and on human rights.

For more information on the BIICL, click here

The London Transport Museum

Macquarie support’s London’s Transport Museum as a Museum Partner. The Museum attracts over 255,000 visitors each year and its education department works with over 100,000 participants per year at the Museum, in schools and on the transport network. Re-opening in autumn 2007 after a major refurbishment project, the new Museum will, among other improvements, provide expanded and improved dedicated learning areas that will enable far more people from a wide range of communities to use the Museum as an educational resource.

For more information about The London Transport Museum, click here

London Philharmonic Orchestra

The Macquarie Group Foundation supports the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s Adopt-a-class programme. Through a series of workshops, Adopt-a-class gives children with disabilities the opportunity to explore live music-making. The Foundation’s support of this programme complements a broader partnership between Macquarie and the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

For more information on the London Philharmonic Orchestra, click here

For more information about the Macquarie Group Foundation, click here