Gadens has assisted in the design and structuring of Partnerships for Local Action and Community Empowerment (PLACE) and implementing a unique, collaborative funding arrangement involving the Commonwealth Department of Social Services, Minderoo Foundation, Paul Ramsay Foundation, The Ian Potter Foundation, Bryan Foundation and Dusseldorp Forum. PLACE brings government and philanthropy together in considering, funding and evaluating the performance of place-based programs in local communities throughout Australia.

PLACE is a national organisation that supports the adoption and impact of place-based approaches in local communities. As an independent not-for-profit organisation deeply committed to community leadership and accountability in its governance and operations, PLACE’s vision is for communities to share in decision-making with governments on the issues that matter most to them.

With collaboration being at the core of PLACE’s identity, it was necessary for the expectations and requirements of all funding partners, philanthropic or government, to be met in an appropriate governance and funding model. Gadens was pleased to assist in the legal design and structuring of the entity and devising a uniform funding agreement which serves to enshrine the role of the Commonwealth and philanthropy as collaborative partners in and with PLACE.

Partner Biljana Apostolova, who led the transaction, said:

“We are delighted to have advised PLACE on its structure, governance and funding arrangements. It is a credit to PLACE and its philanthropic partners and the Department of Social Services that such an innovative and collaborative arrangement was able to be implemented.  We are thrilled to have contributed to this important initiative, the first of its kind, and to see PLACE being enabled to undertake its work with local communities across Australia to address complex and persistent socioeconomic barriers”.

Practice groups: Corporate, Tax

Key team members: The transaction was led by corporate partner Biljana Apostolova and supported by James Birnie (Senior associate), Leo Rodrigo (Associate) and Emily Hartley (Paralegal).