Distribution Policy

Funds are disbursed annually to charities operating within the region, usually in October or November.

Applications are invited from charities with Deductible Gift Recipient status granted by the Australian Taxation Office. Applications are assessed by a committee which recommends to the trustees which charities and projects get funding.

Trinity Families should not be seen as a source of recurrent funds and so all programs/projects must be applied for annually.

All applications must be on the approved form .

Distribution Policy

In determining the allocation of funds from Trinity Families, the committee assessing applications for recommendation to the Catholic Bishop of Sale, must ensure that decisions taken are:

  • In conformity with the statutory compliance provisions of the Trust Deed;
  • Consistent with the philosophy and objectives of Trinity Families, and have a principal focus on the family;
  • Based on the merit of applications submitted and completely free of discrimination of any kind, be it religious, political or otherwise.

Principles governing application of funds

The priority order of distributing the annual operating surplus will be:

  • Payment to the Diocese of Sale of the charge levied by it for provision of administrative secretarial and financial services;
  • Amount set aside to preserve the real value of the capital base;
  • Distribution to approved organisations or programs permitted by the Trust Deed and agreed between the assessment committee and Bishop.
  • Ensuring the fund allocates a minimum 5% of its value each year in accordance with Australian Taxation Office requirements.

Assessment guidelines

In assessing the relative merit of applications for donations, the committee will have due regard to the following guidelines:

  • The legal requirements under the Trust Deed
  • The ideal of Trinity Families and its focus on supporting families;
  • Ensure that the project/program for which support is sought is within the region of operation, which Trinity Families has defined as being within the municipalities of Casey, Cardinia, Baw Baw, Latrobe, Wellington, East Gippsland, South Gippsland and Bass Coast.
  • Be cognisant of the major community needs/issues at the time;
  • Establish credibility of prospective recipients, proof of their DGR status, and credibility of the proposed project;
  • Demonstrated need and number and kind of beneficiaries;
  • Demonstrated local commitment and support for the project;
  • Availability of other potential sources of donations/funds;
  • How the success or otherwise of the project will be evaluated by the applicant;
  • Ensure that over a period of years, funding is available to projects across the widest possible area of Greater Gippsland;
  • Honor the basis of contributions made to Trinity Families, to the extent possible;
  • Whether applicants have been previous recipients of funding from Trinity Families and how they have reported back to Trinity Families on use of those funds and the overall success or otherwise of the program.