An update on Esther Foundation

Esther Foundation was a recipient of a $25,000 at our 2020 Giving Circle. 

Like many in the community, we were shocked and saddened by the details that emerged regarding the Esther Foundation in 2022.

Our funding specifically supported Equine Therapy, as well as educational and research resources, and was allocated prior to any allegations being raised.

At the time of our $25,000 donation in 2020, Esther was a long-standing organisation with over 25 years of service, endorsed by the Federal Government and supported by respected philanthropists, so it was extremely surprising for us to hear of this news.

Following the emergence of these concerns, we remained in contact with Esther’s Board as the situation evolved. Despite a change in leadership and management, the organisation ultimately entered voluntary administration in April 2022 after major funders withdrew support.

We have taken this experience seriously and conducted an internal review of our charity selection process.

While we already had rigorous selection criteria in place, we’ve since strengthened our due diligence procedures to reflect the complexities that can arise—even in well-established institutions.

For full transparency, in addition to the Esther Foundation, 2 of the 43 charities we supported were later closed by their founders after receiving our donation.

Given that our community includes many business people with an entrepreneurial mindset, we sometimes receive nominations and choose to donate to smaller charities with strong potential.

That said, 40 of the 43 charities we’ve donated to are still operating and growing—something we’re incredibly proud of.

A 93% success rate reflects both the strength of our selection process and our role in helping great people scale impactful work. 

If you have any questions at all, please reach out to us via admin@meridianglobal.org.