Our Global Foundation Committee (GFC) oversees the Foundation and sets its community investment strategy within the context of our group-wide Sustainability Strategy. It also monitors activity across our divisions with a long-term focus. The GFC, chaired by our Group Executive Corporate Affairs & Sustainability, reports to the Group Board.
Each QBE division has a Foundation Manager and local Foundation Committee, which works with passionate local employees to engage with community organisations in their area of operations. These employees work as local Foundation champions, investigating local community needs and facilitating wider employee engagement.
The GFC includes representatives from each of our divisional committees. QBE Foundation funding is centrally allocated across each division by the Group on an annual basis. The activities of the QBE Foundation fall into five categories: community partnerships, local grants, volunteering, workplace giving and in-kind giving.
Community partnerships
Each divisional QBE Foundation Committee assesses partnership applications against the global and divisional strategic objectives, and global eligibility criteria. Each Committee assesses not-for-profit organisations based on their alignment with the Foundation’s vision, requiring these organisations to demonstrate engagement opportunities for local employees and real community impact.
Across our divisions, we work with our partners to establish multi-year partnerships that focus on creating outcomes and impact for the communities in which we operate. We also look for ways to support them via events, fundraising, media advocacy and employee volunteering. You can find out more about some of our community partners.
Local grants
The QBE Foundation’s local grants program runs annually, and is open to community organisations to apply. Each divisional Foundation works to assess applicants’ eligibility for a local grant and awards funding to support new or ongoing pieces of work that will have significant community impact.
Workplace giving
QBE’s workplace giving platform allows employees to give their way, empowering them to decide how to give back to causes they are passionate about within their communities. It houses employee giving functionality for personal contributions including regular donations from their pre-tax salary, matching donations, volunteering, fundraising and exciting ways to connect.
In-kind giving
Across our divisions, we provide a range of in-kind giving opportunities such as donating used office furniture and offering office space to local community organisations.