The College’s foundation was established in 1977 by Paulines Lloyd Waddy and Robert Albert. Garnering support from a wide circle of friends with connections to their old College they were able to grow a capital fund that totalled $78,584 by the time of the first AGM in December 1978. At that time there were approximately 1,000 living Paulines and over 300 had made a donation, including 22 who had already become Life Donors.

Trust. The Foundation’s funds are held in trust for the future of the College. Under its Trust Deed the Trustees are the Warden and Fellows which ensures the Foundation funds are overseen by the College but management is vested in the Foundation Board of Directors. Their principle roles are to raise funds through appeals and to manage the fund so that every dollar given is added to the capital sum for growth.

The need. The Foundation supports an extensive scholarship program and in 2021 gave $725,000 to the College to fund places for 85 students needing full-, half- and quarter-scholarships as well as bursaries. It also helps with the maintenance and conservation of the sandstone buildings and the other heritage works on a long-term basis as well as providing an annual maintenance budget that minimizes the impact these costs have on student fees.

When called for the Foundation also provides state-of-the-art student facilities and supports development initiatives such as the recently built Ivan Head and McMillan Buildings.

Your lasting help. All donations become part of an enduring legacy. Conducted twice-yearly the Foundation appeals to the wider Pauline community to give as appropriately as they can. Over the last four decades there have been some major donations and bequests but most donors give modestly each year and gradually build up a sum that entitles them to Life Donor status.

Gratitude. The Foundation has been very grateful to significant donors some of whom have given over $100,000. The Foundation has also been the beneficiary of several bequests over the last 40 years.

Letters of appreciation have come from many of the scholarship awardees in 2021. Here are some direct quotes.

Everyday I reflect on this wonderful opportunity to live in such an exciting environment surrounded by talented, ambitious and well-rounded individuals. I appreciate that this opportunity is beyond my dream university experience and I am eternally grateful to you and your foundation. Without this support, studying at the University of Sydney would not be possible.

[SPC 2nd Year – BE(Chemical & Biomolecular) Year 2 / BComm]

It has been and will be an honour to say that I am a resident at St Paul’s College … It is through the bursary that I can fully comprehend that fundamental ethos in which the college stands spiritually, intellectually and academically – and I am grateful for every opportunity. I know that, God willing, I will contribute back to the College in the future.

[SPC Fresher – BA(Ancient History, Classical Greek, Latin) Year 2, athlete]

When I look ahead I would far prefer to be part of the philanthropy of St Paul’s, if the means are possible … Thank you again for your support which is life-changing. 

[SPC 2nd Year – BSc Year 2 / BScEd]

Not only has this scholarship significantly helped my family in a year that has been quite challenging for us, but it has also meant that I am able to continue my studies on campus and I believe that I have benefited from this extensively … and I am forever grateful for what has been given me.

[SPC 3rd Year – BE(Civil) Year 3 / BPM, Rawson sports]