About the Trust

The Helen Macpherson Smith Trust (known prior to 2001 as the Helen M Schutt Trust) was established by our Benefactress, the late Helen M Schutt (née Smith) in 1951 in accordance with the terms of Helen’s Will, which directed that the income from her estate should be paid in perpetuity at the discretion of Trustees to charitable institutions situated in Victoria.

Prior to 1972 most of the income was accumulated in accordance with the terms of the Will. Today the capital of the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust is valued at in excess of $100 million. Since 1972 total grants made exceed $65 million. Each year grants of between $5 million and $7 million are now given to a wide spectrum of Victorian charities.