Our Story | Meridian Global Foundation – From Mates Who Donate to Enduring Impact

HOW IT STARTED

From Mates Who Donate to a Movement That Endures

In 2006, a handful of business leaders came together with a bold idea, to inspire everyday philanthropy through a giving circle. They created a model where donors weren’t just contributors, but active decision-makers in where funds should go. The early tagline, Mates Who Donate, captured the camaraderie and spirit that still runs through Meridian today.

A strong feature of the Meridian mission since its inception has been to showcase those in the community that are leading by example. One of the most popular events every year was (and still is!) our Meet the Philanthropist event. Over the years, we’ve hosted the likes of David Flanagan, Cath Sutherland, John Poynton, Frank Surgener, Dale Alcock, Michael Malone and more recently Annie Fogarty, Charlie Bass, Tonya McKusker and Bruce Robinson.

2006

Founded in Perth with first giving circle.

2009

First $1M in collective donations reached.

2015

Endowment strategy established.

2020

Investment fund launched.

our evolution

Our First Donation

Initially Meridian ran a series of networking events including sundowners, golf days and quiz nights, all with the common purpose to facilitate a conversation with philanthropy amongst its supporters, the events became well known for their great food! These events enabled Meridian to make its first donation through Opportunity International, setting up a $10,000 ‘Trust bank’ in West Timor which provided micro finance for people to start their own business to break the poverty cycle. 33 charities globally. As of 2023, we have given away over $650,000

from the beginning

Our Founders

Meridian was born out of the observation that philanthropy was perceived as something that you did only when you were really “rich”. We wanted to change this.

Dr Marcus Tan

MERIDIAN - Founder

We were all giving in ad-hoc ways through charity events etc, and felt there had to be a more sustainable and impactful way. We felt by pooling our donations, we could create greater impact now, while inspiring a new generation of philanthropists.

Rueben Taylor

MERIDIAN - FOUNDER

the story continues

Evolving with Purpose

Meridian has never stood still. Over two decades, the giving circle model expanded, an enduring endowment was established, and the scale of impact grew.

SEE OUR EVOLVED BRAND