I am making a private impact donation of $250,000 to Surfers Paradise Cricket Club. 

Impact donations (or impact investing) is a specific thing. I see this as a very long-term investment in a community of people. Clubs are often measured in facilities they offer and premierships won, which tends to overshadow the human, intellectual and social capital they create. 

Community clubs play a strategic role in social cohesion. Imagine if our community club in its entirety were thought of as an heirloom to be stewarded and passed from one generation to the next? Would it be treasured more? Would it be measured differently?

I am inspired by this Business of Family podcast, where Mike Boyd interviews Emily Griffiths-Hamilton. Emily’s grandfather invented canned pet food, and her parents went on to own the Vancouver Canucks hockey team. I encourage everyone to take the time to listen, and (hint!) it’s not about the money. It’s a masterclass for every family, business and community organisation to think through. 

I think community clubs across Australia are in a precarious position. And this donation is my contribution towards changing that narrative. It is my hope that this initiative will gather momentum and that others will learn from the linked resources.

I have requested my impact donation to remain anonymous, however, I do hope that others may be inspired to reflect on their own impact they create and where they choose to focus their energy, attention or resources. There are many worthwhile initiatives, the key is to find something that is meaningful to you.

To secure the club’s facilities for the next 20 years, I’m requesting the Surfers Paradise Cricket Club committee prioritise the $250,000 donation towards: 1) a refurbished and expanded cricket training nets facility, 2) a refreshed clubhouse, and 3) a new storage shed. Note: items number 2 and 3 may be interchanged to allow the committee flexibility to pair with grants, other fundraising, or an as needed basis. 

The committee has spent a large part of the 2021/22 season sourcing the relevant planning documentation for the following initiatives:

• Technical drawings for refurbished and expanded training nets
• Concept drawings for refurbished clubhouse
• Technical drawings for a new 8 x 10 metre storage shed
• Catching Talent: A trial initiative to develop a pipeline of junior coaches

Lastly, to prepare the youth (heirs) to inherit the club, I suggest the committee (along with the community) ask these questions:

1. What do we need to let go of?
2. What do we need to keep? (Often comes down to values and skills)
3. What do we need to learn that is new?

Finally, if you’d like to learn more about the 5 ‘capitals’ that keep families thriving then please listen to Mike Boyd interview James (Jay) E. Hughes, Jr. He describes them as:

1. Spiritual Capital: A common purpose
2. Social Capital: (not philanthropy) Can you make good joint decisions together over a long period of time?
3. Intellectual Capital: To make good joint decisions, you need highly functioning intellectual capital. The family has to be a learning system – you share what you learn
4. Human Capital: Thriving human beings
5. Financial Capital: it’s the engine that grows the other four capitals

All donations made through the Australian Sports Foundation are tax deductible and any excess funds raised will be used towards upgrading facilities, or purchasing training equipment.