Attention: You are using an outdated browser, device or you do not have the latest version of JavaScript downloaded and so this website may not work as expected. Please download the latest software or switch device to avoid further issues.
ㅤ
A HISTORY OF GIVING
From its earliest years, Trinity Grammar School has been shaped not only by vision and faith, but by the extraordinary generosity of its community. Through periods of uncertainty and growth, families, alumni, staff and friends of the School have stepped forward to support Trinity’s mission and ensure its future. This history traces key moments of philanthropy and partnership — from acts of courage and sacrifice during the Depression, to landmark building projects, foundations and appeals that continue to widen access to a Trinity education and strengthen the life of the School today.
1930s:
At the beginning of the 1930s, Trinity Grammar School’s doors had been open for just 17 years, with a total of 118 day boys and 45 boarders. Still in its youth, the School had a large debt to sustain, and with parents feeling the economic pressure of the Depression, enrolments – particularly of boarders – fell significantly.
When the threat of closure loomed and financial assistance from Diocesan authorities waned, the personal guarantee of loans by generous Council Members lifted this threat and facilitating the School’s continuing ability to grow, sustain itself, and give back to the School community.
1940s - 1950s:
The Trinity Grammar School Memorial Chapel is an important part of today's Trinity landscape and it only exists as a result of generous fundraising efforts from generations gone by. Throughout the 40s and 50s, Trinity students, staff, and parents raised a significant amount that allowed work on the Chapel to begin. Today, the Chapel still stands as a central building in Trinity life and a testament to the power of community generosity.1986:
The Trinity Grammar School Foundation was established. Learn more about how the Trinity Grammar School Foundation continues to facilitate opportunities for students.
1990:
The Planned Giving program launched, seeking to enrol new members as Governors, Fellows or Companions. Membership of the Foundation passed 260. A further 180 are sustaining contributors. This represents a significant proportion of those approached for support of the Pine Bluff Appeal.
1991:
Trinity raised funds for specific projects associated with Pine Bluff and the School’s outdoor education programs. The first stage of building on the site occurred in this year.
1992:
To celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the Charter for the Foundation of the School in 1912. The $10 Gift Day was a step in the process of making young Trinitarians aware of the changing world and the part they play. If a habit of giving can be fostered, Independent Education does indeed have a chance of survival. Potential from boys in Summer Hill and Strathfield was $16,000!
Another Planned Giving program took place in this year. Membership increased by nearly 50 subscribers and the income increased by well over half-a-million dollars.
1993:
In the first ten months of 1993, membership of the Foundation increased by 14.6% and the total Trust Funds increased by 21.2%. The Foundation also received bequests to the Educational Trust, adding to its holding of just over $750,000.
The 80th anniversary of the founding of the School was celebrated with a fundraising Dinner Dance, raising $23,500 for the new Science Laboratories.
1995:
Despite the recession, it proved to be a very successful year for the Foundation. The total income of $904,000 included $250,000 interest earnings, $170,000 from Building Fund donations made when paying fees, and $384,000 from membership and functions. The Foundation assisted in promoting contributions to the Building Fund and also encouraged participation in the ‘Insured Bequest’ program. If donations to ‘Insured Bequests' and 'Bequests' were included, the total income would greatly exceed $1 million.
1996:
Chairman of the Foundation, Alick Wagschall ('46), presented the Chairman of the Council with a cheque for $750,000 towards the building costs of The Roderick West School of Music.
At the Green and White Ball, the Foundation was able to record a profit of $24,500 with the auction raising $22,600. The much sought-after cricket bat, signed by the legendary Don Bradman and Harold Larwood, was auctioned and sold for $10,550.
2010 - 2013:
To mark the Centenary of Trinity Grammar School in 2013, Trinity underwent major building works as part of the Master Plan. The School launched the Centenary appeal aimed to provide funds to support these projects: carpark and redevelopment of Oval 2, new Junior School Building, and the Centenary Aquatic Centre – a state of the art swimming facility that enables current and future Trinity swimmers to excel.
2022 – 2025:
Trinity runs an annual Giving Day to support its scholarship and bursary program. In 2022, the inaugural Giving Day saw $430,000 raised by 803 donors from across the Trinity community within 24 hours. In 2023, the community went further, establishing the Suli Niulala Memorial Scholarship, honouring a much-loved Junior School teacher who passed away unexpectedly, which is provided to a disadvantaged Indigenous or Pacific Island boy who has the potential to make the most of a Trinity education. Our generous community raised over $600,000 in 24 hours and in 2025 we reached our goal to establish an endowment that will now sustain this Scholarship into perpetuity, meaning there can always be a Suli Niulala Scholarship recipient studying at Trinity for his middle and senior school years. Annual Giving Day has also allowed us to have 10 means-tested scholarship recipients at Trinity in 2026.
