Frequently Asked Questions
How is the ARF governed?
The Australian Rugby Foundation (ARF) is the official philanthropic arm of Rugby Australia. We operate under a dedicated Board of Directors, who provide strategic oversight and ensure all funds are used in line with the Foundation’s charitable purpose – to strengthen rugby from grassroots through to high performance. The ARF General Manager manages day-to-day operations and reports regularly to the Board.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. All donations to the ARF are processed through the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF), ensuring your contribution is fully tax-deductible and compliant with Australian charity law. You’ll receive an official receipt from the ASF immediately after your donation is processed.
How are donations used?
Every donation is allocated to one of the Foundation’s five strategic pillars:
- Grassroots Rugby – supporting community clubs, schools, and participation programs.
- Women’s Rugby – growing the women’s and girls’ game.
- Indigenous & Pacific Nations Rugby – promoting inclusion and opportunity.
- Rugby Welfare – ensuring safety, wellbeing, and lifelong connection to rugby.
- High Performance Pathways – nurturing the next generation of Australian talent.
Funds are only used for the agreed purpose – not for general Rugby Australia operations or unrelated expenses.
The Foundation operates under a “total cost of support” model, aiming for an 80:20 ratio – meaning at least 80% of funds raised go directly to grants, programs, and initiatives, while up to 20% covers essential administration, governance, and fundraising costs. This 20% includes the Australian Sports Foundation’s 5% administration fee, ensuring our operating structure remains lean, transparent, and sustainable while maximising impact across Australian rugby.
Who decides which projects receive funding?
Funding decisions are made through a structured review process:
- Requests are first assessed for alignment with ARF’s purpose and pillars.
- Eligible applications are reviewed by the ARF General Manager.
- Larger or strategic/All grants are ratified by the ARF Board.
What is the Rugby Future Fund (RFF)?
The Rugby Future Fund (RFF) is an independently managed investment trust designed to generate long-term, sustainable funding for Australian rugby. Through its structure, 1% of the Fund’s gross assets are directed annually to the ARF, providing a reliable income stream to support programs under our five pillars. Several of Australia’s leading fund managers have committed to the RFF and the 1% represents their fees which they forego so more value can flow to rugby.
How does the RFF maintain independence and governance?
The RFF operates as a professionally managed investment trust governed by an independent Trustee and investment managers. While the ARF is the beneficiary of the Fund’s charitable distributions, the investment pool itself is managed independently, ensuring full financial and operational separation between the Fund and Rugby Australia. ARF reports publicly on the impact of RFF distributions and how these funds are applied across its five pillars.
How are ARF funds governed and independent from Rugby Australia
The ARF operates with its own Board, policies, and financial governance, independent of Rugby Australia’s commercial operations. Funds raised by the ARF are restricted to charitable and philanthropic purposes only and may not be redirected to Rugby Australia’s operating budget. We maintain clear separation of financial accounts, approval processes, and reporting.
How does ARF measure the success of its grants and programs?
Success is measured through a combination of quantitative and qualitative outcomes reported by each grant recipient. Every funded project is required to submit a Grant Acquittal Report within eight weeks of completion, outlining:
- How funds were used against the approved budget
- The number and type of participants or beneficiaries
- Achievements against stated objectives
- Photos, testimonials, or other evidence of impact
How transparent is ARF reporting?
We produce an annual Impact Report highlighting the outcomes of all funded projects, including case studies, data, and stories from across the rugby community. Quarterly updates are also provided to the ARF Board and key donors to maintain full transparency and accountability.
Can donors specify how their contribution is used?
Yes – donors can nominate a preferred area of impact (for example, Women’s Rugby or Grassroots Rugby). Where appropriate, funds are allocated accordingly, and donors receive updates or invitations to see the impact first-hand.
What’s your policy on administration costs?
The ARF is committed to keeping operating costs low while maintaining the governance and infrastructure required to manage funds responsibly. We target a total cost of support model (80:20) to ensure most of every dollar goes directly to impact. This includes the ASF’s 5% processing fee within the 20%.
Who can I contact for more information?
Email us at admin@rugbyfoundation.org.au — we’d be happy to answer your questions or discuss specific giving opportunities.