The latest research shows that around 12% of Australians live in extreme poverty. Well-resourced education with personalised support can break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.
Educating girls provides the key foundation for a productive life, which is why the Australian government and the UN have both identified girls’ education as a strategic development priority.
Our program educates girls living with disadvantage, with the aim of improving the representation of women in Australian leadership across all sectors of society. Diversity in leadership improves societal and economic outcomes. Our ambition is to support 8,000 scholars with Harding Miller scholarships by 2035.
Educating girls works to break the vicious cycle of poverty. Girls who are supported with equipment, money for resources, tutoring and coaching are more likely to complete high school and undertake further education after school.
For each additional year of education, a woman’s income will increase by up to 25%. Women who are mothers are more likely to invest in their children’s education and wellbeing, and support their studies.
The education and success of girls leads to a more prosperous and equitable society. It raises families out of poverty and accelerates economic development.
HMEF was founded in 2015 by two long standing philanthropists in the area of girls education, Kim Harding and Irene Miller.
In 2015 they employed Cara Varian to start the operations of the Foundation and in 2016 they awarded they first scholarship. Since then the Foundation has awarded over 800 scholarships.
As a matriarchal foundation, the Quinn Femelle are focused on supporting women and the progress of equal opportunity for those who are disadvantaged across Australia. The Quinn Femelle PAF focuses on long-term sustainable goals that target the future prosperity of Australians and in particular Queenslanders.
Their priority areas are health, education as well as children and youth and their generosity is advancing the cause of women across all of these sectors of society.
100% of every cent donated to the Harding Miller Education Foundation goes to the girls on the program. All operating costs are covered under a separate founding corpus.
What do your donations cover? | What is covered by the Founders? |
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HMEF has a range of large, medium and small donors. Our large donors typically support full scholarships valued at $20,000. This amount covers the costs of the scholarship over four years from Year 9 through to Year 12.
Full scholarship support enables our large donors the opportunity to meet their scholars, present them their scholarship certificates at their respective awards night (hosted in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne) as well as participate in media opportunities. We have a collaboration with National media outlets that enable us to secure local community print and digital media for our scholars. It is also a wonderful opportunity for our donors to feel connected to their scholars from the get go.
Payment Options for large donors
Upfront payment of the full scholarship ($20,000). An example of this would be
a $20,000 payment in 2025 for a scholar who starts the program in 2025 and graduates in 2028.
Pledged instalments over the four years of the scholarship ($5,000 per year per scholarship). The Foundation will invoice you at an agreed time for that year’s financial commitment. An example of this is a $5,000 payment each year from 2025 through to 2028 (being the final year that your scholar is on the program).
Regular donors, workplace giving donors and donors who give over $5000 a year receive two donor updates on their scholars every year. These updates are based on the girls applications, surveys, program participation and engagement with their personal coaches and Foundation staff.
Our fundraising team works closely with our scholarship program team who are aware of donor supported scholars and provide me with updates on scholars’ success and engagement with the program across the year.
The level of detail and update information that our large donors request is varied – HMEF will identify with you upfront what your expectations are and will work with you to ensure a highly satisfying outcome. Our program is focused on impact and ensuring that our donors are taken on the journey of their scholars’ achievements and progress on the program.
We offer all donors who cover the cost of a full scholarship naming rights for their scholarships. One example of this would be the Arnold Family Education Scholarship. This will then be displayed on your scholars certificates.
These naming rights reflect the commitment that these donors have made to the students and provide us a platform to recognise the significant contribution of these donors.
There is clear evidence of the link between educating women and the alleviation of poverty in society. When women and girls earn income, they reinvest 90% of it into their families, compared with 30-40% for a man. Girls face many barriers to getting an education that boys do not. Some of these include pregnancy, domestic and care responsibilities, and perceptions that education of girls is less valuable than education of boys. Educating women results in strong economies, reduced poverty for children and families and will have a significant impact in reducing the gender gap and elevating women to an equal status of men in society.
Making a donation is easy. You can make a one off donation or set up a regular donation via the donation link on the website. Our fundraising team will then be in touch with you. Please note that donor updates are for donations made over $5000, regular donors, workplace giving donors and full scholarship support.
If you would like more information on the full scholarship and family scholarship options, please call our office on 1300 103 896 or email us at [email protected] and one of our friendly staff members will be able to assist you.
All donations are tax deductible. 100% of your donation goes directly to scholarship recipients.
All donations are tax deductible. 100% of your donation goes directly to scholarship recipients.