For Denise and her husband Nate, giving was always something close to their hearts. But they wanted it to feel more purposeful—something they could do together, plan for, and watch grow over time. 

“We knew we didn’t have to be wealthy to make a difference,” Denise shares. “Starting with just $5,000 meant we could begin right away. And every year since, we’ve added a little more. Now, we’re seeing the impact grow—just like we’d hoped.” 

Through structured giving, Denise and Nate have created a fund that reflects their shared values and passion for community. It’s become a meaningful part of their life together, a way to have open conversations about the change they want to see and how their contributions can continue well beyond their lifetime. 

“It’s not just about writing a cheque,” Denise explains. “It’s about building something that will keep giving, long after we’re gone.” 

Their story is a reminder that generosity isn’t about wealth—it’s about the joy of creating positive, lasting impact, one thoughtful step at a time.

Annabel and Hope Dyson have grown up with philanthropy as a constant conversation at the family table. Now, as third-generation custodians of the Dyson Bequest, they’re taking that legacy forward with their own vision for the future. 

“We feel very lucky to have inherited values that align with our own,” Hope shares. “Our giving focuses on education, mental health, women in health and STEM, and the environment.” 

Structured giving is at the heart of their approach. “It allows us to provide both long-term and short-term funding, giving organisations the flexibility they need,” Annabel explains. For them, it’s about supporting passionate people with bold ideas—those committed to creating positive, lasting change in their communities. 

“We’re building a future where our generation—and the next—can continue to make a difference. Structured giving with Equity Trustees makes that possible.”

Free to Feed is more than a social enterprise—it’s a place where lives are transformed through the simple, powerful act of sharing a meal. CEO Candace Lazarus describes their mission clearly: “We help people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds find themselves again, build confidence, and realise that what they bring to their new home enriches our community.” 

Structured giving plays a vital role in sustaining this work. “It’s not just a donation—it’s an enduring partnership that grows over time,” Candace explains. Multi-year funding provides the space to invest deeply in Free to Feed’s social impact programs, including a 12-month leadership, empowerment, and communication course that helps participants rebuild confidence and establish pathways to independence. 

“Structured giving lets us focus on what we love doing—helping people find community, confidence, and a future,” Candace shares. “It’s about working together with people who want to create something sustainable and lasting over many years.” 

Thanks to the generosity of individuals who choose to give through structured giving, Free to Feed continues to create opportunities for people to lead independent, fulfilling lives—one shared meal at a time.

Bryan Lipmann AM remembers it clearly: “While I was watching my parents receiving really great aged care, I’d go back to work and see old homeless men living and dying in the most appalling circumstances. I couldn’t get a single one of them placed into aged care. So, I decided to build my own.” 

With just two philanthropic grants worth $10,000 each, Bryan founded Wintringham. “That was my entire wage for the year. I rented a room, bought one of the first welfare computers, and got started.” Today, Wintringham is Australia’s largest provider of aged care services for elderly homeless people, with over 1,000 staff and a $120 million turnover. 

Now approaching the end of his working life, Bryan reflects on the power of structured giving. “It’s not just the dollars—it’s the wishes too. Structured giving ensures that the vision Dot and I have shared continues. That brings us enormous joy. Long after we’re gone, our trust will keep supporting the people we care about most.”

Declan Ryan’s philanthropic journey began with a simple ethos: “Those who are fortunate should give to those who are less fortunate.” Like many young families, they started modestly, donating when inspired by TV appeals or natural disasters. “But it was reactionary and short-term,” Declan admits. 

Everything changed when they discovered structured giving through Equity Trustees. “It allowed us to think across years,” he explains. With this long-term view, Declan’s family supported a project in Uganda providing solar panels through microloans. “Ten years later, over 100,000 people across 30 villages have 24/7 electricity. There are now hair salons, phone charging stations—businesses thriving.” 

Declan also shares how structured giving has shaped his family’s future. “We’ve educated over 60,000 students in Nepal and funded teachers across 160 schools. When you look back after 10 years, it’s incredible what can be achieved.” 

“For us, structured giving isn’t about one-off acts. It’s about building a future where our children and grandchildren continue making a difference. Equity Trustees made that possible.”

Chris is totally blind, but that hasn’t stopped him from living independently and confidently. With the support of Vision Australia, he developed essential life skills—using a computer, managing daily tasks, and staying mobile. 

When his sight deteriorated further, Chris met Odie, his first Seeing Eye dog. “That day changed everything—I could go to work, visit friends, even enjoy football games.” When Odie retired, it was bittersweet—but then came Eva. 

“Eva is incredibly intelligent. We’ve travelled all around Australia together. We hop on planes, navigate airports, and walk through the city independently. Each dog is amazingly special.” 

For Chris, having a Seeing Eye dog isn’t just about getting from A to B—it’s about living life on his own terms. “Vision Australia doesn’t just train dogs—they empower people like me to build confidence and live the life we choose.” 

It costs over $50,000 to train a dog like Eva. Structured giving makes this independence possible—helping people like Chris live the life they choose, every single day.