History

 
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The Barlow Impact Group has grown out of the Barlow Foundation which was seed funded by Beverley Barlow with $20 million in 2014. Although Bev passed away from ovarian cancer in July 2017, her legacy shines bright and her guiding principle of hard work, generosity and generosity underpins the work of the Barlow Group today.

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THE BEGINNING

Bev Barlow began her working life as a teacher in Papua New Guinea. When Bev met Doug in Canada they moved to Melbourne and ran the family grocery store in Richmond. From humble beginnings the family grew the business and today own over 700 stores and coffee shops and are now one of the largest family owned companies in Australia.

Bev, as well as being a long term Director of the family business, also inspired her family by demonstrating a lifetime of giving and generosity, her community roles included:

  • Treasurer on the Royal Children's Hospital Fund Raising Committee which earned her an Honorary Life Governor Award

  • First female President of the Melbourne Football Club Gold Pass Club

  • President of school boards, fund raising committees and organiser of endless school fetes and functions

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Between 2014-2019 the Barlow Foundation delivered $4.3 million in grants to charitable organisations that fostered self-reliance and self-empowerment in women and children from disadvantaged backgrounds. During this period the Barlow Foundation granted to more than 30 not-for-profit organisations and invested quadruple that in social change making impact investments.

THE FOUNDATION IS BORN

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Historically, The Barlow Foundation’s grants focused on reducing inequality by supporting women and children via education programs (60%), economic empowerment of women (31%), law and justice (2%) and other discretionary giving (7%).

GRANTING FOR CHANGE

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Through their investment portfolio the Barlow Foundation has supported life changing initiatives, including social justice reform; building hospitals and green buildings; alternative energy sources, education apps and services and access to low cost medicines and financial services.

INVESTING FOR GOOD

 

Douglas Barlow, Bev’s husband died in 2022 at the age of 94. He always referred to this lovingly as ‘Bev’s Foundation’. He was very proud of her. Both Bev and Doug Barlow lived their lives with open hearts, kindness, integrity, a strong work ethic and boundless generosity. We are very proud to continue that tradition through the work of the Barlow Impact Group.