George Cardinal Pell Education and Leadership Foundation Limited

Supporting the education and formation of a new generation of leaders.

About the Cardinal Pell Foundation

Cardinal George Pell’s life and work reflect the deep commitment he had to Australia and to the part that religion and education can play in improving the lives of individuals and communities.

It is a commitment the Cardinal Pell Foundation shares.

Photo: Students Gathering

Our mission

Continuing the legacy of a great Australian by supporting young people to lead and serve.
Cardinal Pell left an extraordinary legacy in his example of a life well spent in the service of others.

The Cardinal George Pell Foundation carries this legacy forward by supporting the education and formation of a new generation of leaders who show promise of making significant contributions to the community, including the Catholic community, and to professional and public life in Australia.

Investments that help young people shape the future.

The Cardinal Pell Foundation provides support that opens opportunities for young leaders to make their ambitions for a better world a reality. It does this through two funds:

  • Education for Leadership — scholarships, bursaries and prizes to support formal courses of study at secondary schools and tertiary institutions in Australia.
  • Formation for Leadership — scholarships and funding for formation and leadership development in short-course and informal formats, in Australia and overseas.

Supporting the whole person

Education and formation are about more than academic achievement. Young people also need encouragement in developing character, purpose, confidence and an ambition to contribute.

Four commitments guide the Cardinal Pell Foundation in supporting education and formation opportunities for young people:

  • Character

    Develop a life of purpose

    Encouraging young people to live their faith and convictions with integrity and confidence.
  • Learning

    Open new possibilities

    Creating educational opportunities that can expand what young people believe is possible.
  • Leadership

    Build confidence and character

    Developing the understanding, skills and wisdom needed to lead and influence others positively.
  • Service

    Use your abilities for others

    Encouraging young people to use their abilities for the benefit of others and the common good.
Photo: Cardinal George Pell AC

Cardinal George Pell AC

1941 - 2023

Archbishop of Melbourne from 1996, Archbishop of Sydney from 2001 to 2014, and Prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy in Rome from 2014 to 2019. He grew up in a pub in Ballarat and had signed to train with Richmond before entering the seminary instead.

Returning to Ballarat from studies in Rome and at Oxford, he soon commenced work at  the Catholic teachers college at Ballarat. This was the beginning of decades of work as a priest and bishop dedicated to education and to encouraging young people to become leaders who can serve their community.

"Fearless, forthright and big-hearted, Cardinal Pell provided a magnificent example of religious and civic leadership, shaped by his deep faith, a deep love for his country, and a deep commitment to helping people"
Read about his life and legacy →

Board of Directors

The Foundation is guided by people who believe young Australians should have opportunities to learn, develop as leaders and use their abilities in service of others.
  • Professor Tracey Rowland

    Tracey Rowland is St John Paul II Chair of Theology at the University of Notre Dame Australia.

    Photo: Professor Tracey Rowland
  • Hon. Tony Abbott AC

    Tony Abbott served as the 28th Prime Minister of Australia from 2013 to 2015.

    Photo: Hon. Tony Abbott AC
  • Dr Michael Casey

    Michael Casey is PM Glynn Chair of Policy and Religion in the Faculty of Law and Business at Australian Catholic University in Sydney.

    Photo: Dr Michael Casey
  • Karl Morris AO

    Karl Morris is Chief Executive and Managing Director of Ord Minnett and has more than 35 years’ experience with the organisation.

    Photo: Karl Morris AO

Know that your support is responsibly managed

Supporting a charitable foundation requires trust.

The Cardinal Pell Foundation is committed to transparent governance, responsible stewardship and clear accountability so supporters can have confidence in how funds are managed and directed.

The Foundation is applying to the Australian Taxation Office for endorsement of the Education for Leadership Fund as a deductible gift recipient (DGR). Until this endorsement is received, gifts to the Education for Leadership fund are not tax-deductible. The Formation for Leadership Fund is not eligible for DGR endorsement and gifts to this fund are not tax-deductible.

If you would like to understand more about the Foundation’s purpose, governance or work, we welcome your questions.