The Reichstein Foundation
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Contents |
Mission
Change not charity
History
The Reichstein Foundation was established in 1970 by Lance Reichstein. Lance Reichstein was an engineer, industrialist, entrepreneur, civic leader and quiet philanthropist.
Upon Lance's death in 1979, the Foundation inherited a significant proportion of his wealth. Since that time the Foundation has established a strong record as a progressive and strategic grant maker, fostering social and structural change.
Philosophy
The Reichstein Foundation supports projects which effect structural change to redress the disadvantage experienced by particular communities. We believe that social change philanthropy is characterised by its insistence on addressing the root causes of problems rather than the alleviation of their symptoms. Social change philanthropy supports people to work towards environmental sustainability, peace, justice, equality and democratic participation. Social change is not based on ideology but is the heart felt desire for all to be treated with dignity and respect.
Our grantmaking programs support community organisations in Victoria that empower people to challenge the policies, institutions and attitudes fostering inequality and inequity. Guided by the mission of change not charity, our grant programs work for long term social change - more equitable distribution of resources and the elimination of barriers that prevent people from participating more fully in society.
The Foundation provides grants to community groups who: 1. Actively work towards the pursuit of human rights and social justice for disadvantaged members of the community. 2. Involve consumers in the management and decision making structures of the group. 3. Use community development processes to address issues.
Structural change projects are our priority.
Our Grant Making
We believe that social change philanthropy is characterised by its insistence on addressing the causes of problems rather than the alleviation of their symptoms.
The Foundation directs resources to break down barriers based on race, class, age, disability, sexual orientation and culture.
We work in partnership with community organisations and other donors to improve, maintain or restore human rights and social justice.
Current Priorities
The Reichstein Foundation's current priority is to support:
- indigenous people
- people with a disability (in particular, mental illness)
- newly arrived communities
And projects that address:
- human rights
- justice and corrections issues
- the environment
- the western metropolitan region of Melbourne, in recognition of Lance Reichstein's involvement in this area.