Sage Launches Australian Philanthropic Foundation

A new corporate philanthropic foundation set up in Australian by global accounting systems firm Sage has announced its first local charity partnership using a funding model it plans to take to 23 countries in 2016.

The foundation said it planned to develop partnerships with charities, social enterprises and Not for Profit organisations in Australia through its 2+2+2 model around working with the community.

“Under this unique model, Sage is committed to giving 2 per cent of employee time (five days paid volunteering per year), 2 per cent of free cash flow and two donated software licences to eligible registered charities, social enterprises and Not for Profit organisations,” Chairman of Sage Foundation and President for Sage International Ivan Epstein said.

“The Sage Foundation is committed to transforming lives by investing our time, money, expertise and technology to create sustainable social and economic opportunity in our local communities around the world.”

Sage Australia launched its first national partnership with Orange Sky Laundry, a mobile laundry service for homeless people launched by Young Australians of the Year, Queenslanders Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett.

“This is the first major initiative for the Sage Foundation in Australia… partnering with Orange Sky Laundry, as well as One Meal – it makes a difference, to host this service, which delivered both free laundry services, as well as a hot breakfast,” Managing Director of Sage Australia Alan Osrin said.

He said Orange Sky Laundry was chosen by the Sage Foundation “as their vision, mission and approach to helping a disadvantaged group in local communities aligns closely with the core charter of the Sage Foundation”.

However, he said the charity was also selected as Sage strongly believed in supporting the entrepreneurial approach of the two 21 year old Australians and their teams “who are truly trying to make a difference through a unique, inspiring and world-first service of its kind”.

“Sage will provide time through an on-going volunteer commitment, financial support, in addition to providing business mentoring and software to support Orange Sky Laundry’s growth ambition not only locally but on an international basis,” he said.

“Through the Sage Foundation, Sage employees will be encouraged to participate in five days of volunteering per year in their local communities. Their activities will be focused on young people as well as the socially and economically disadvantaged sectors of the community and developing social enterprise, entrepreneurism and skills training. Sage Foundation will also award quarterly grants to worthy causes in the local community.

“The Sage Foundation is not just targeting one-off events with charities, social enterprises and Not for Profit organisations. Rather we are looking to establish long term multi-faceted partnerships to really deliver on the Sage Foundation charter and 2+2+2 model.”