iscover Count Foundation to reach $15.2m in giving
BusinessThe Count Foundation, the “philanthropic heart” of Count, a network of integrated accounting and wealth services firms, is on track for “another landmark year”.
The CCF, now in its 21st year, donated over $1.1 million in FY25, and this year expects to distribute more than $15.2 million to member-nominated charities nationwide, with beneficiaries including but not limited to RSPCA Australia, Lifeline Australia, Stand Tall, Red Cross Disaster Appeals, Emerge Foundation, Epilepsy Action, and The Salvation Army Australia.
More recently, the Foundation swiftly made a $10,000 contribution to the Dor Foundation to support the Jewish community and rebuilding efforts following the Bondi terrorist attack.
CCF was established in 2004 by founders Barry and Joy Lambert to create lasting, intergenerational impact.
“The Foundation was created to share our success with those less fortunate in our community,” Lambert said.
“We wanted to ensure our giving was permanent, not short-term, and could support communities for generations.”
Smart Business Solutions director Shannon Smit said: “For me, supporting CCF comes back to one simple belief: business should give back to the communities that support it. Using CCF has amplified our donations – we put money in and, like magic, it increases.”
“At Smart Business Solutions, success is measured by impact, not just profit. CCF connected us to community events and opportunities in ways a cheque alone never could,” she said.
That local connection was echoed by CCF ambassador Phil Smith, managing director at Hunter Financial.
“We see every day how access to the right support, education and opportunity can change the trajectory of someone’s life," Smith said.
“Partnering with the Foundation allows us to align our commercial success with purposeful action and create impact beyond our clients,” he said, adding that knowing shared efforts are helping change lives and strengthen communities created a sense of purpose across our business.
“Contributing to the community is now part of our culture and reputation,” Smit said.
“CCF gives us a meaningful way to turn connection into action - and that authenticity resonates with clients who share our values.”
Backed by a corpus approaching $25 million, the Foundation distributes 5 per cent annually, ensuring support is impactful today while remaining sustainable for future generations. It also allows members to make a monthly contribution that CCF currently triples, accelerating their ability to give and significantly expanding the pool of funds available for meaningful community donations.
“Giving becomes powerful when people feel personally connected to it,” Smit said.
“I’ve seen charity events bring teams closer, deepen client relationships and shift conversations from purely business to something more meaningful.”
For those new to philanthropy, Smith encouraged starting simply: “Start small, support causes that matter to you and think long term. The Foundation provides trusted governance and the ability to pool resources, giving confidence that contributions are creating lasting change,” he said.
CCF is set to distribute $1.2 million in FY26, further strengthening its commitment to meaningful, long-term community impact.
Jerome Doraisamy
Jerome Doraisamy is the managing editor of Momentum Media’s professional services suite, encompassing Lawyers Weekly, HR Leader, Accountants Daily, and Accounting Times. He has worked as a journalist and podcast host at Momentum Media since February 2018. Jerome is also the author of The Wellness Doctrines book series, an admitted solicitor in NSW, and a board director of the Minds Count Foundation.
