About us

The Campbell Edwards Trust is a charitable entity established in 1922 in Victoria by the late Robert Campbell Edwards for “religious, educational and charitable” purposes.  Robert was a passionate, social visionary who dedicated his life and fortune to helping the less fortunate.  Arriving penniless  in Australia, he worked tirelessly to build a tea company which became a household name to Australians, and invested in large and diverse property holdings.  Devoutly religious, through the course of his life and upon his death, he gradually gave away essentially everything for the benefit of those in need.  You can read more about Robert’s story here.

Today, the Trust is dedicated to assisting those in need through financial assistance to charities whose programs give effect to the Trust’s underlying philosophy, values and vision.  Since being founded, the Trust has distributed many millions of dollars in religious and philanthropic donations in Australia and overseas.

Trustees seek to devote the income of the Trust to causes that they believe align with Robert’s wishes, and having regard to needs in contemporary society.  Amongst the many worthwhile causes from whom we receive applications, that is not always easy.  We believe that Robert would be delighted with what the Trust does today for those in need. In recent decades, amongst the purposes of the Trust, focus has been on organisations of Christian spirit supporting spiritually, physically, emotionally and financially impoverished children, families and those generally of indigent means or in need.