Philanthropic partnerships
A major gift can change what’s possible for pets and the people who love them.
Talk to us about a major gift
We’d love to hear what you’d like to achieve. Every conversation is confidential, with no obligation.
03 9287 6419
Contact us
Why your gift matters
Whether you give personally, through a family foundation or through a trust, we’ll work with you to direct your support where it means the most to you.
Lort Smith doesn’t receive ongoing government funding. The generosity of individuals, families, trusts and foundations helps us care for pets whose families are doing it tough, look after animals waiting for a new home, and invest in the facilities and equipment our vets need. Major gifts also let us plan for the future, so we can take on bigger projects, expand our services and reach more pets and people across Melbourne.
Where you can make a difference
We’ll talk with you about the areas that matter most to you. These may include:
- Vet care for families doing it tough: helping keep pets with the people who love them through financial hardship or crisis
- Facilities and equipment: giving our vets the tools to diagnose and treat complex conditions
- Our Adoption Centre: caring for animals while they wait for a new home
- Community programs: supporting our pet therapy and emergency shelter programs
- Where the need is greatest: letting us direct your gift to our most urgent priorities
The difference a gift can make
A generous gift from the estate of the late David and Judy Moate gave Lort Smith a fluoroscopy machine, an advanced imaging tool that few vet clinics in Victoria have.
It produces real-time moving images inside an animal’s body, helping our vets diagnose and treat patients faster. It’s a wonderful example of how one gift can keep helping animals for years to come.
“Our vets will be using this incredible machine to save the lives and improve the outcomes of the beloved animals who come through our doors.”
Fiona Webster, CEO, Lort Smith
How we’ll work with you
- A personal contact: one person in our philanthropy team will be your main point of contact.
- Your gift, your way: you can give once, pledge over several years, or give through a trust, foundation or private ancillary fund.
- Seeing your impact: we’ll keep you updated with reports, stories and invitations to see our work up close.
- Recognition that suits you: we’ll acknowledge your support in the way you prefer, or keep your gift anonymous if you’d like.
Create lasting change for pets and people
We’d love to hear what you’d like to achieve. Every conversation is confidential, with no obligation. Call us on 03 9287 6419 or send us an email.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a major gift?
There’s no set amount. A major gift is one that makes a significant difference to our work, and it’s a personal decision. We’ll talk with you about what’s right for you.
Can I choose what my gift supports?
Yes. We’ll work with you to direct your gift to an area that matters to you, or to where the need is greatest.
Can I give through a trust or foundation?
Yes. We work with private and public trusts, foundations and private ancillary funds. Contact us to talk about your grant guidelines and timing.
Is my gift tax deductible?
Lort Smith is a registered charity, and donations over $2 are tax deductible in Australia. We recommend speaking with your financial adviser about your situation.
Can I give over several years?
Yes. A multi-year pledge lets you spread your gift over time and helps us plan ahead with confidence.
Can my gift be anonymous?
Yes. We’ll always respect your wishes about how your support is recognised.
Philanthropic partnerships with an animal charity in Melbourne
As Australia’s largest not-for-profit animal hospital, Lort Smith relies on the generosity of individuals, families, trusts and foundations. Philanthropic gifts help fund vet care for pets whose families are doing it tough, new equipment and facilities, our Adoption Centre and community programs across Melbourne.
Major gifts that keep pets and people together
Whether you’d like to make a one-off gift, pledge your support over several years or give through a foundation, we’ll work with you to create a partnership that reflects what matters to you.