The Forde Foundation and its trust fund
The Forde Foundation is a perpetual and independent charitable trust established in August 2000 by the Queensland Government.
The Foundation was established in response to Recommendation 39 of the final report of the Commission of Inquiry into Abuse of Children in Queensland Institutions.
The name of the Foundation was derived from the original appointment of the Honourable Ms Leneen Forde AC to Chair the Commission of Inquiry. The Commission of Inquiry subsequently became known as The Forde Inquiry and the final report known as The Forde Report.
Given its direct link to Recommendation 39 of the Forde report, the Foundation and its associated trust fund became known as the Forde Foundation.
The Queensland Government has contributed $4.15 million to the Foundation’s trust fund.
Learn about Ms Leneen Forde AC
Our grants program
As the trustee for the fund, the Queensland Public Trustee generates income from this capital which is then distributed to individuals through a small grants program.
The Forde Foundation does not regard the grants as compensation. The grants represent an acknowledgement of the disadvantages that many former child residents of Queensland Institutions and former children in State care experienced with respect to:
- education
- employment
- health
- general wellbeing.
Our Board of Advice
The Queensland Public Trustee uses trust funds to pay for the goods and services required for eligible people. To do this, the public trustee relies on individual recommendations from a Board of Advice specifically established for this purpose.
Established in 2000, the board and the trust fund continue to operate today.
Last updated: 06 June 2025