We believe in the deep connections between people and places.
Founded in 2021 by Janie Forrest, the Coolaroo Foundation continues the family’s passion and commitment to supporting regional and rural communities and environments.
“Growing up and raising children in remote and wild corners of the world, we learned the power of truly tuning into the places we live in and the people and creatures around us,” says Janie Forrest, the foundation’s Chair.
“We also learned much about the great disparities there can be in life. We’ve established this foundation as a family to find and connect with new people and new ideas to address some of these inequities.”
We support people who seek to improve life for all.
Operating from the Shoalhaven region of coastal New South Wales in Australia, and extending to selected regions of need around Australia and the world, the Coolaroo Foundation is a philanthropic trust focused on creating a fairer, happier, healthier future for all.
“We’ve established this foundation as a family to foster opportunities for all people. We want to create paths for people who may be remote from city amenities, schools and universities, or who may find themselves needing help in challenging times, places or circumstances.” says Janie.
We’re passionate about ensuring that our planet thrives.
We seek to support organisations looking to improve regional and rural environments.
“The lands we live upon, and the flora and fauna who share these spaces, all need our care” says Janie. “We seek to connect with those who understand and nurture our natural and rural environments."
We believe communities live their best lives as part of balanced, diverse, healthy, ecosystems that are respected and supported so as to truly thrive as Mother Nature intended.
Changing the future starts right here, right now…
Our work falls within our two primary pillars of care - Caring for People, and Caring for Places … and across the broad spaces connecting them.
We seek projects that align with our goals and welcome approaches from organisations with which we can collaborate in our personal and strategic approach to granting.
“We are so excited at this chance to collaborate with and support wonderful organisations working hard to build a kinder and more caring world for all” - Janie Forrest, Foundation Chair.
IMAGE 1 | Horses and riders working on station, Pilbara WA
IMAGE 2 | The restorative powers of art and creativity at work during COVID times | Courtesy Lester Prize
IMAGE 3 | The Coolaroo property from which our foundation takes its name, in the Southern Highlands of NSW | Courtesy Michael Grey
IMAGE 4 | Sunset and a happy dog at the Coolaroo property in the Southern Highlands, NSW