Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs Annual Impact Report 2025-26
Message from the Chairman and the CEO
This year we focused on reaching more students, strengthening our impact and building awareness of education’s role in addressing disadvantage. Through our broader education programs, we provided 182,593 children and young people learning and educational support, including 73,731 Learning for Life students, while expanding access to devices, connectivity and practical cyber safety information.
Our generous supporters donated a record $154.8 million. We invested $122.9 million in Learning for Life, family support and community programs that help children and young people make the most of their education. We remain committed to stewarding donor trust carefully.
Our generous supporters donated a record $154.8 million. We invested $122.9 million in Learning for Life, family support and community programs that help children and young people make the most of their education. We remain committed to stewarding donor trust carefully.
Nicholas Moore AO, Chairman and Doug Taylor, Chief Executive Officer
Our impact at a glance
230, 248 participants reached
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230,248
children, young people, parents, carers and community professionals reached -
182,593
children and young people participated in programs -
73,731
students received support through Learning for Life.
-
767 schools and 91 communities
partnered in the delivery of Learning for Life. -
$154.8 million
was donated by individual supporters, bequestors and philanthropic partners.
91 communities in which Learning for Life programs are delivered
Outcomes that show the difference
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81%
average school attendance of Learning for Life students -
84%
of students in Year 12 in 2022 were in work and/or study three and a half years after leaving school -
78%
of students who commenced the Tertiary Learning for Life scholarship in 2023 had either completed or were continuing towards a Certificate IV or higher qualification after three years
Deeper impact
Learning for Life was delivered with schools and communities across Australia.
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73,731 students
received support through Learning for Life. -
4,400 devices
were delivered to students starting high school through Digital Learning Essentials.
The support that changed my future
Through the Learning for Life scholarship, Laura’s family received financial support for school essentials. Access to the internet and tutoring helped Laura complete assignments, connect with teachers and rebuild confidence. Laura is now studying to become a primary school teacher and works with neurodiverse children.
Broader reach
Learning for Life was delivered with schools and communities across Australia.
-
767 schools
partnered with Learning for Life. -
91 communities
delivered the program. -
2.7% increase
in the number of students supported compared with the previous year.
Building confidence through reading
Through Student2Student, young people build their reading skills and confidence while connecting with someone who supports and encourages them along the way.
Extending our influence
During the year, The Smith Family contributed to broader conversations about educational disadvantage through:
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6 public policy submissions
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26 external presentations
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9 opinion pieces
Strategic foundations
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$19 million
Our Children’s Future Education Endowment grew from $16.4 million to $19 million. -
More than 300,000
outdated records were removed while strengthening information protection and management.
A legacy of opportunity
Karen believed in the idea of a fair go for everyone, and the power of education to help people create a good life for themselves. It’s why she donated to The Smith Family for thirty years.
“Dr Karen Duggan was a cardiovascular physician. She was also my cousin.
She was passionate about helping people – it’s why she got into medicine in the first place. It was never about making money, it was about making a difference.
If Karen set her mind to doing something or learning a new skill, she would always take it seriously and do it well. She was a really hard worker and believed that everyone should contribute to society.
So, the decision to leave the family home in Clovelly to The Smith Family in her will was probably a no‑brainer for her. It would have resonated with her, the fact that The Smith Family is giving children the tools to succeed in life, no matter their background.
The fact that the auction was so successful would have been especially pleasing to her. She had a great love for learning and would have loved the idea of giving children the chance to be all they can be.”
The decision to leave the family home in Clovelly to The Smith Family in her will was probably a no-brainer for her.
Read more stories
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Meet students on our programs
Hear from some of the children and their families who have received support through The Smith Family programs. -
Meet our sponsored students
Hear from our sponsored students as they talk about the way in which support through sponsorship has given them the opportunity to fit in and catch up at school. -
Meet our Learning for Life Coordinators
Our Learning for Life coordinators are on the ground in 91 communities across Australia, working hard to ensure disadvantaged children and their families get the help they need.