The Snow Foundation
The Snow Foundation is an Australian family philanthropic foundation established in 1991 that deploys endowed capital through grants, fellowships and collaborative funding, serving 550+ community organisations and 1,062+ individuals across Canberra, Greater Sydney and the NSW South Coast.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1991
- HeadquartersDarlinghurst, Australia
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What The Snow Foundation does
The Snow Foundation is a family philanthropic foundation established in 1991 by Terry Snow AM and headquartered in Canberra, Australia, with a secondary office in Sydney. The foundation's stated purpose is to create lasting social change by building strong communities and forging fair systems, operating across three primary places: the Australian Capital Territory, Greater Sydney, and the NSW South Coast, with selected national reach through fellowships, scholarships and social impact investments. Its core activity is grant-making delivered through a portfolio of channels including direct regional grants (Canberra and Sydney/NSW South Coast), the multi-funder Canberra Foundations Collaborative, the Snow Entrepreneur Fellowships, individual hardship grants, and the University of Canberra Snow Scholarships. In 2024 the foundation deployed over $13M across 167 organisations, taking cumulative giving to $110M since establishment across 550+ organisations and 1,062+ individuals.
The foundation's grantee portfolio spans community services, disability, housing, health, First Nations self-determination, youth, gender equality, LGBTIQ+ advocacy, and social enterprise, with notable investments including NACCHO (First Nations health), Equality Australia (LGBTIQ+ legal advocacy), Global Sisters (women's economic participation), Good360 (goods redistribution), and the Uluru Statement from the Heart campaign. Alongside grant-making, the foundation provides capacity-building support (leadership, marketing and grant-writing seminars) and co-funds systemic research through universities including the University of Canberra, UTS and RMIT. Its underlying technology is a standard philanthropy and grant-making platform; the foundation does not build or sell software products, charge fees, or generate commercial revenue — its impact model is the deployment of endowed capital.
A new five-year strategy announced in June 2026 sharpens focus across five themes — Gender, First Nations, Youth, LGBTIQ+ and Community — underpinned by an ecosystem approach. The foundation is led by CEO Georgina Byron AM following the passing of founder Terry Snow AM in August 2024, with Scarlett Gaffey as Executive Director. The Snow Medical foundation (launched 2019) is a related entity focused on medical research but operates separately.
The Snow Foundation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Snow Foundation
- Legal name
- The Snow Foundation Limited as trustee for The Snow Foundation
- Website
- https://snowfoundation.org.au
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1991
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The Snow Foundation is an Australian family philanthropic foundation established in 1991 that deploys endowed capital through grants, fellowships and collaborative funding, serving 550+ community organisations and 1,062+ individuals across Canberra, Greater Sydney and the NSW South Coast.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Snow Foundation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Philanthropic Foundation
- NAICS
- Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Voluntary Health Organizations (813212)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Community Foundations (BPAGAKAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Social Justice & Human Rights Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAN), Research & Science Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAI)
Keywords
Where The Snow Foundation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Darlinghurst
- HQ country
- Australia
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices2 records
Markets served
The Snow Foundation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Philanthropic Giving: As a family philanthropic foundation, The Snow Foundation generates impact through strategic giving, not revenue generation. They provide grants to organisations and individuals, with total giving of $110M as stated on their website.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels8 records
The Snow Foundation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Snow Foundation is an Australian family philanthropic foundation that distributes grants, fellowships, scholarships, and capacity-building support to not-for-profit community organisations, social entrepreneurs, and individuals across the ACT, Greater Sydney, NSW South Coast, and nationally. Its core activity is place-based strategic giving focused on five pillars — Gender, First Nations, Youth, LGBTIQ+, and Community — supported through collaborative funding models including the Canberra Foundations Collaborative.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Canberra Direct Grants for Organisations
- Sydney & NSW South Coast Direct Grants
- Snow Entrepreneur Fellowships
- Individual Grants
- University of Canberra Snow Scholarships
Quantifiable outcome
- 550+ organisations assisted since 1991
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use The Snow Foundation
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
The Snow Foundation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
The Snow Foundation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
52 partnerships are on record, tiered secondary and core.
- Aspen Medical FoundationsecondaryContributing partner to the Canberra Foundations Collaborative 2026 grant round, joining other foundations in supporting local community initiatives.
- Davencare FoundationsecondaryContributing partner to the Canberra Foundations Collaborative 2026 grant round supporting community projects.
- University of CanberracoreSnow Scholarships for students from Canberra and regional/rural NSW facing barriers. Provides funding for living expenses, academic support, wellbeing care, and personal development.
- University of Technology SydneysecondaryPartnership with Dr Anne Summers AO and UTS Business School to develop Longitudinal Study on Intimate Partner Violence with Indigenous-led survey component.
- The Continuum ProjectsecondaryAddressing harmful sexual behaviour and promoting respectful relationships in Australian schools through research and co-designed frameworks with RMIT.
- Wilya JantacoreAboriginal-led organisation developing community-led solution to remote housing challenge in Northern Territory. First modular home co-designed with Warumungu people using termite-mound mud bricks.
- Tender Funerals Canberra RegionsecondaryNot-for-profit community-led social enterprise providing compassionate and affordable funeral services. Supported over 140 families in first year with at-cost funerals.
- Right to WorksecondarySupports young adults with complex disabilities in Goulburn to build confidence and develop skills through microbusiness pop-ups and employer placements.
- Capital Airport GroupsecondaryProvided office space for Yes23 campaign team coordinating 1000+ Canberra-based volunteers for Voice to Parliament campaign, joined with Snow Foundation to support Constitutional Recognition.
- Hands Across CanberracoreFounding partner of the Canberra Foundations Collaborative (CFC), working together with other foundations to provide pooled funding for community organisations through a single application process. CFC has invested $8.5 million in 310+ community initiatives since 2022.
- John James FoundationcoreFounding partner of the Canberra Foundations Collaborative (CFC), supporting community giving in Canberra region through collaborative grant-making.
- Sober in the CountrysecondaryGrassroots organisation changing lives through straight talk, peer support, social inclusion for rural communities. Founded by Shanna Whan, 2022 Australian of the Year Local Hero.
- Rainbow Giving AustraliasecondaryNational LGBTQIA+ community foundation supporting community-led solutions by mobilising funding, growing skills, and expanding knowledge about sector funding needs.
- NACCHOcoreNational Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation representing 148 ACCHOs across Australia with 550+ sites providing 3.6 million episodes of care annually. Partnership focused on Aboriginal leadership to address RHD.
- The Men's TablesecondaryFunding Tables in Canberra region and NSW South Coast to help men build meaningful friendships through monthly meals. Men report improved mental health and better relationships.
- Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)coreFive-year partnership delivering the Investing in Rural Community Futures (IRCF) program in Nowra, Ulladulla and Batemans Bay with $2.65 million commitment. 103 grants awarded totalling $1.9 million, with $6.6 million leveraged by local organisations.
- YWCA ClubhousesecondaryOut-of-school learning hub providing 400+ young people aged 10-18 with access to technology, mentoring and STEAM skill development in Tuggeranong region.
- NORTH FoundationcorePartnership to support the Tick-Borne Disease Research Program. The Snow Foundation has been directly impacted by this disease and this unique study aims to build crucial evidence about diagnosis and treatment for chronic tick-borne illnesses.
- ManniferasecondaryCollective of Australian funders supporting a fairer democracy and economy. Launched by values-aligned funders working together to invest in civil society organisations.
- Snow MedicalcoreRelated foundation focused on medical research, launched in December 2019 to complement Snow Foundation's community work.
- Uluru Statement from the Heartcore$1M commitment to support the Uluru Statement from the Heart and campaign for First Nations Voice protected in Australian Constitution. First $500K distributed to Indigenous Law Centre at UNSW and From the Heart.
- ACOSSsecondaryPartnership supporting Raise the Rate campaign to increase Newstart Allowance, working with group of philanthropists on grassroots advocacy.
- Equality AustraliacoreCornerstone supporter of Marriage Equality campaign from the beginning. Co-founded Australia's first national legal advocacy organisation for LGBTIQ+ people. Continues to provide core funding for vital advocacy work.
- Orange Sky AustraliacoreInitial funding for third laundry/shower van in Australia for Canberra community. Later pivoted to support Orange Sky NT to establish vans in remote communities, with first van successfully launched in Maningrida.
- The Funding NetworksecondaryHelped bring TFN to Canberra in 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2024, co-hosting live-crowd fundraising events. Also funded development of white-label events service and Giving Heroes program for children.
- Project IndependencesecondaryEmpowers people with intellectual disabilities bridging transition from family support to independent living. Supports 25+ residents across three homes in Canberra, expanding interstate.
- Mental Illness Education ACT (MIEACT)secondarySupporting 'Thriving Minds Program' for adolescent mental wellbeing. Partnership focused on creating supportive environment for mental health awareness and education.
- Good360coreFounding funder of Good360, which connects brand new goods with charities and disadvantaged schools. Led a philanthropic collaboration with shared due diligence to secure their first three years operational budget. Impact: $301.69M worth of goods donated.
- Philanthropy AustraliasecondarySupports Philanthropy Australia's vital advocacy work to inspire more and better philanthropy. CEO Georgina Byron was Chair of Family Foundation Network for eight years, finishing in 2021, and joined Board in 2024.
- MenslinksecondaryFunding for 'Silence is Deadly' Program encouraging discussions around men's mental health in schools and sports clubs. Menslink has transformed lives of countless young men since 2013.
- Global SisterscoreFounding funder of Global Sisters in 2012, which enables women to make a living by running their own businesses. Now has 5,500+ women in community, with 72% generating their own income and 43% exiting welfare.
- The Violet InitiativesecondaryNational not-for-profit providing information, resources and support for people navigating last stage of life and grief. Helped more than 12,000 people through tailored support.
- One DiseasesecondarySupported Founder Dr Sam Prince from the beginning - first giving outside Canberra region and start of dedicated journey in Indigenous health. Worked toward elimination of Crusted Scabies as public health concern. Successfully wound down in 2023.
- RHDAustralia / Deadly Heart TrekcoreSince 2011 working with communities on rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and crusted scabies. Co-founded the Deadly Heart Trek providing education, early diagnosis and treatment. 5.1% of children screened in Katherine region had RHD.
- HOME in QueanbeyancoreLong-term supported accommodation for 20 men and women with mental illness in self-contained apartments. Largest grant at time, which helped catalyse further funding.
- MND Medical ResearchsecondaryInitial funding for Motor Neurone Disease research at ANZAC Institute, later at Macquarie University. Research uses zebrafish to understand MND and test potential therapeutics.
- Communities at Work Galilee SchoolcoreSpecial assistance school for young people in Years 7-12 who have disengaged from mainstream education. Partnership approaching 20 years with holistic model combining academic, vocational and wellbeing support.
- The Y Canberra RegionsecondarySupporting children and young people across ACT through early learning, recreation, youth empowerment and inclusive sport programs including RAID Basketball.
- Karinya Housecore24/7 service for women pregnant or with young babies in Canberra region - the only service of its kind specifically for this cohort. Partnership began in 2022 and continues.
- St John's CaresecondaryDrop-in emergency relief centre providing food, transport, prescription aid, bedding and clothing, plus case management and referrals to specialised services.
- The Farm In GalongsecondaryPlace of restoration for women and children affected by substance abuse, aiming to reunite families and provide foundation for long-term recovery. Funding enabled restoration and construction of family pods.
- Canberra PCYCsecondarySupporting at-risk youth and families in ACT since 1957, with nearly 500 young people annually through evidence-based programs and pathways to employment.
- No to ViolencesecondaryAustralia's national peak body for organisations working with men who use family and domestic violence. Specialises in evidence-informed engagement with focus on women and children's safety.
- Hotel EticosecondaryInclusive employment initiative supporting young adults with disability through real-world hospitality experience. Operating as employment academy within functioning hotel.
- Sydney Community FoundationcoreSydney's only independent foundation. Significant partner with relationship supporting both operations and programs for community impact.
- Sydney Women's FundcoreSub-fund of Sydney Community Foundation supporting women and families through 100+ partner charities, education, advocacy, and research.
- Capital Region Community Services (CRCS)secondarySupports people across Belconnen and wider region through early childhood education, youth services, disability supports, family assistance, and community development.
- Woden and Northside Community ServicessecondaryTwo of Canberra's longest-standing community organisations working together under shared leadership, providing childcare, youth services, mental health and aged care programs.
- Head Start HomessecondaryCreates pathways to home ownership for people excluded from traditional housing system including lower-income renters, single parents and First Nations families.
- The Smith FamilysecondaryLet's Read program - national evidence-based early literacy program promoting reading with children from birth to five years through local families and community groups.
- Raw PotentialsecondaryYouth outreach program for young people 12-25 experiencing or at risk of homelessness, meeting young people where they are across ACT.
- Goods. by A Curious TractorsecondaryReimagining everyday essentials for remote communities through deep Aboriginal co-design. Develops durable products including lightweight washable beds to support healthier living.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
The Snow Foundation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Besen Foundation: Australian family philanthropic foundation supporting arts, education, and Jewish community causes. Comparable as a family foundation of similar age and scale making strategic, multi-cause grants domestically.
- Paul Ramsay Foundation: Major Australian philanthropic foundation established from the Ramsay Health estate, focused on social justice, equity, and place-based giving across regional Australia. Highly comparable in mission framing, focus on disadvantage, and multi-topic grantmaking strategy.
- Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation: Australian family philanthropic foundation focused on community resilience, leadership, and social innovation. Directly comparable as a family foundation with similar multi-decade horizon and place-based community emphasis.
- Sydney Community Foundation: Sydney's only independent community foundation and an existing Snow Foundation partner. Comparable as a place-based community foundation serving metropolitan disadvantage and enabling local giving vehicles (e.g., Sydney Women's Fund).
- Minderoo Foundation: Large Australian family philanthropic foundation established by Andrew and Nicola Forrest, operating across multiple program areas with national and global reach. Directly comparable to Snow as a major Australian family foundation with thematic priorities, multi-decade ambitions, and significant annual disbursement capacity.
- Ian Potter Foundation: One of Australia's largest private grantmaking foundations, making substantial grants across education, the arts, environment, and medical research. Comparable scale, longevity, and breadth of grantmaking to Snow's multi-pillar approach.
- Scanlon Foundation: Australian philanthropic foundation focused on social cohesion, multiculturalism, and research-backed policy. Comparable as a research- and evidence-driven foundation working across community issues with national scope and policy influence.
- Hands Across Canberra: Canberra community foundation and joint founding partner in the Canberra Foundations Collaborative alongside Snow. Closely comparable in scope, geography, and operating model, while also serving as a co-funder to Snow's grantees.
Broad incumbents
- Philanthropy Australia: Peak body for the Australian philanthropic sector, of which Snow Foundation CEO Georgina Byron is a former Chair. Comparable as the relevant sectoral infrastructure and thought-leadership organisation, while serving a distinct membership-driven mandate.
- Myer Foundation: Long-established Australian philanthropic foundation focused on arts, education, and the natural environment. While more arts-oriented, it is a broad incumbent family foundation serving as a comparable Australian operating model and benchmark for multi-generational philanthropy.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The Snow Foundation social profiles
Digital presenceThe Snow Foundation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Snow Foundation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
The Snow Foundation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
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The Snow Foundation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments1 record
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Frequently asked questions about The Snow Foundation
What does The Snow Foundation do?
The Snow Foundation is an Australian family philanthropic foundation that distributes grants, fellowships, scholarships, and capacity-building support to not-for-profit community organisations, social entrepreneurs, and individuals across the ACT, Greater Sydney, NSW South Coast, and nationally. Its core activity is place-based strategic giving focused on five pillars — Gender, First Nations, Youth, LGBTIQ+, and Community — supported through collaborative funding models including the Canberra Foundations Collaborative.
Is The Snow Foundation a public or private company?
The Snow Foundation is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was The Snow Foundation founded?
The Snow Foundation was founded in 1991. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is The Snow Foundation based?
The Snow Foundation is headquartered in Darlinghurst, Australia, in the Oceania region.
How does The Snow Foundation make money?
One revenue line is on record: philanthropic Giving.
Who are The Snow Foundation's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Besen Foundation, Paul Ramsay Foundation, Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation, Sydney Community Foundation, Minderoo Foundation, Ian Potter Foundation, Scanlon Foundation and Hands Across Canberra. Broad incumbents are Philanthropy Australia and Myer Foundation.
Does The Snow Foundation have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Snow Foundation.
What industry is The Snow Foundation in?
The Snow Foundation's product category is Philanthropic Foundation. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAKAB, Community Foundations, with a secondary code of BPAGAKAN, Social Justice & Human Rights Grantmaking Foundations. Its NAICS code is 813211 and its SIC code is 8300.