The Forde Foundation has just released its Impact Report 2018/2019, highlighting its achievements from the past year and over its lifetime.
The Report revealed that since its establishment in 2000 by the Queensland Government, as a response to Recommendation 39 of the Forde Inquiry, the Forde Foundation has provided $3.16 million in grant funding to support care leavers.
Chair of the Forde Foundation, Rob Ryan, said the Board is very proud of its contribution to improving the quality of life for people who were in the care of Queensland institutions or foster care as children.
“Over the last two decades we have provided 5,449 grants to help people with their everyday needs, including dental, personal development, and health and wellbeing,” he said.
“It’s been a challenging time with increasing pressure on resources, and the Board continues to look for ways to maximise the impact of the Foundation.”
In May, the Forde Foundation joined the Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women, sector partners and Forgotten Australians to mark a significant milestone, the 20th anniversary of the Commission of Inquiry into the Abuse of Children in Queensland Institutions Report (the Forde Inquiry).
Mr Ryan said “the finalisation of the Inquiry has had a lasting impact, and the event held at the Gallery of Modern Art was a wonderful occasion to honour the bravery of Forgotten Australians whose dedication and commitment has helped shape a stronger future for children and young people”.
“Our 2018/2019 Impact Report features many photos and is also filled with messages from grant recipients who share stories of hope and talk about the positive impact the Forde Foundation grants make in their lives.”
Other activities of the Foundation over the last year include preparing advice to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, highlighting the fear of many Forgotten Australians returning to institutional care, as well as redeveloping the Foundation website to streamline the grant application process and improve usability.
“The Forde Foundation has an important partnership with the Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women and those whose support helps to champion the work of the Foundation,” Mr Ryan said.
“We would like thank everyone for their ongoing support.”
Download (PDF) a PDF copy of the Forde Foundation Impact Report 2018/2019. Alternatively, to request a hard copy, email: fordefoundation@csyw.qld.gov.au.