Board Members

Help shape the future of thoughtful, impact-driven philanthropy

The Hall Foundation (previously the Walter & Eliza Hall Trust) is a grantmaking philanthropic organisation working to reduce acute financial stress in Australia. Through direct support to individuals and strategic funding to organisations, we provide immediate financial relief while contributing to longer-term change.

With invested funds of around $27 million, the Foundation combines careful stewardship of capital with a deep commitment to impact.

Following a period of renewal, we are entering our next phase — with a clear strategy, strengthened governance, and an ambition to deepen our contribution.

We are now seeking two Board Directors to join us.

The opportunity

This is not a traditional governance board role.

Ours is an active, engaged board — one that works closely with both the stewardship of capital and the impact of grantmaking. Directors contribute directly to decisions, bringing judgement, curiosity, and care.

You’ll be part of a thoughtful, values-led group shaping how capital can be used responsibly to support people experiencing financial stress. .

To continue strengthening the Board, we are seeking Directors who bring complementary strengths across key areas:

1. Investment and capital stewardship
   • Experience in investment, portfolio management, responsible and ethical investment or financial oversight
   • Experience aligning investment strategy with purpose — balancing financial returns with meaningful social outcomes — will be highly valued. Opportunity to Chair the Investment Committee
2. Lived experience or community insight
   • Understanding of the structural and intersecting factors that contribute to financial stress and insecurity. This may include lived experience and/or significant professional experience working alongside affected communitiesAbility to bring these perspectives into governance and decision-making
3. Governance and board leadership
   • Experienced directors with strong governance capability
   • Interest in contributing to board leadership, including a potential Deputy Chair role

The role

As a Board Director, you will:

• Shape strategy with a focus on impact and effective grantmaking
• Steward the Foundation’s capital to sustain long-term giving
• Oversee governance, risk, and financial performance
• Contribute to a collaborative, respectful board culture
• Participate directly in grantmaking decisions

Commitment

• Quarterly board meetings
• Light, rotating monthly grant approvals
• Optional Investment Committee involvement

Why join?

This is a rare opportunity to:

• Help shape the next chapter of a long-standing philanthropic institution
• Engage deeply with questions of financial stress, equity, and systems change
• Contribute to the responsible, impact-driven use of capital
• See the outcomes of decisions in real time

About you

You bring a strong alignment to our purpose, underpinned by sound judgement and integrity. You’re curious and open to learning, with a collaborative, grounded approach that contributes positively to how the Board works and decides.

We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with lived experience of financial hardship, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Apply / Enquiries

We welcome conversations with individuals who are curious to learn more — whether or not you meet every criteria. For a confidential discussion or to express interest, please contact Annabel Grigson at [email protected] or on 0402 027 514.