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Our Programs
- Literacy programs
  Providing resources and support to help children living with disadvantage achieve the required reading standard.
- Technology programs
  Providing children and young people living with disadvantage with the critical skills, access, and equipment they need.
- Numeracy programs
  We support early years educators and community professionals in building foundational math skills in children under their care.
- Learning for Life
  Learning for Life is an innovative, evidence-based program that supports students throughout their education to achieve positive long-term outcomes for young people experiencing disadvantage.
- Mentoring programs
  Mentoring programs for students living with disadvantage that provide the encouragement they need to build aspirations for their future.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs
  Our work engages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in learning through education, life skills and role models, promoting culturally responsive practice.
Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
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Get Involved
- Ways to fundraise
  Learn about fundraising and give back to the community with The Smith Family.
- Volunteer with us
  Share your skills to help Australian children in need transform their lives through education.
- Corporate partnerships
  Corporate partnerships give young Australians in need the chance to change their futures through educational support. Discover how you can join forces with The Smith Family to create a mutually-beneficial, impactful partnership.
- Careers
  We aim to provide a working environment where staff and volunteers have the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
- Events
  Participate in events and activities that support young Australians experiencing disadvantage.
- VIEW Clubs of Australia
  Learn about VIEW, a leading women’s volunteer organisation and support network with over 13,000 members, across Australia.
Ways to Give
- Sponsor a child
  Through child sponsorship, you will be matched to an Australian child in need, helping to support the cost of their school essentials.
- A gift in your will
  Ensure that future generations of Australian children have the support they need to make the most of their education.
- Monthly donation
  Become a monthly donor and provide continual support throughout all stages of a child's education.
- Philanthropic giving
  Through your philanthropy, you can ensure that young Australians impacted by poverty get the education that all children deserve.
- Single donation
  Your donation will help young Australians in need by providing access to our Learning for Life education support programs.
- Workplace giving
  Making small, regular donations to The Smith Family through Workplace Giving is an easy way to help change the lives of young Australians living in poverty.
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One remarkable gift. 1,300 brighter futures.

Person seated in an armchair, posing for a portrait in an indoor setting with red artwork on the wall behind.

Cardiothoracic surgeon, researcher, scientist, teacher. Dr Karen Duggan was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life, and her legacy, to helping others.

Karen believed everyone deserved a good education and a fair go in life. She saw education as a pathway out of financial hardship. That's why she chose to leave her home to The Smith Family in her Will. It’s a gift that will help make every tomorrow better for Australian children who are experiencing disadvantage.

The sale of Karen’s beautiful waterfront home raised a staggering $10.4 million. The single largest bequest we’ve ever received, this gift will provide learning support for 1,300 students for five years each.

Karen believed education changes lives. Sara’s story shows how.

Learning for Life alumni student, Sara knows first-hand the impact Karen's legacy will have. She remembers how tough life was after her family moved to Melbourne when she was nine. And how much changed when her school connected her with The Smith Family, and she joined a Learning Club.

"It was such a great community to be a part of when we didn't know anyone," she said.

Sara made the most of every learning opportunity through The Smith Family. She was school captain in Year 12 and is now studying medicine. Her dream is to become a cardiothoracic surgeon, just like Karen.

"It’s so inspiring to see someone who worked in the same field helping students like me,” Sara says.

While Dr Duggan’s was the largest bequest The Smith Family has ever received, every bequest tells a story of generosity and hope. Whatever the size, a gift in your Will can help provide learning support for future generations.

Read more student and family stories in our Spring 2026 edition of Your Support, Real Impact.

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One remarkable gift. 1,300 brighter futures.

Karen believed education changes lives. Sara’s story shows how.

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