Our Story
The Seaton Foundation was established in 2014 by Belinda Seaton, rooted in a legacy of quiet, purposeful giving. The Foundation’s roots trace back to Belinda’s father, Don—a quiet, generous philanthropist who supported local causes without fanfare. After moving to the Northern Rivers in the 1990s, Belinda and her daughter, Kristy-Lee, saw a clear gap between the region’s persistent needs and its available resources. They created the Foundation to bridge that gap.
Local Heart, Lasting Impact
We believe that local communities hold the keys to their own resilience. Over the past decade, we have invested more than $3.6 million across 163 grants, supporting 64+ local organizations.
Our work is grounded in trust and flexibility. Whether it’s backing a new idea that others won't fund or providing multi-year strategic support, we focus on:
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Amplifying local voices working on the ground.
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Providing responsive grants in times of urgent need.
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Fostering leadership to build a connected, empowered community
The Seaton Foundation remains shaped by the people and places we serve—committed to identifying and supporting those creating true social impact in the Northern Rivers.
Our Strategic Intent
The Future
Our Vision
A connected and resilient Northern Rivers where community-focused solutions are supported to drive lasting change.
Our Work
Our Mission
To enable local people and organisations to lead the change they want to see by providing grants, scholarships, and intentional investment.
The Why
Our Purpose
To build a connected community where ground-up innovation is nurtured, ensuring lasting prosperity for the Northern Rivers region.
Our Values and Principles
Our values and principles guide how we show up and make decisions.
What we believe in
Values
Mutual Respect | Accountability | Partnership | Community
How we work
Principles
Trust | Responsiveness | Accessibility |
Innovation and openness to new ways of doing things
Our Focus Areas
Our focus areas reflect where we believe we can make the most meaningful contribution. While they guide our current funding, grantmaking, and scholarship approach, these boundaries are not fixed. We remain open to supporting work beyond these focus areas when there is an urgent need, a compelling opportunity, and a clear fit with our mission and values
Health, Wellbeing & Dignity
• Physical and mental health
• Reducing isolation and loneliness
• Supporting individual dignity and access to services
• Financial hardship and disadvantage
Housing & Homelessness
• Preventing and responding to homelessness and housing insecurity
• Support for housing stability and wraparound services
Environment & Cultural Heritage
• Protecting and regenerating the natural environment
• Supporting community-focused sustainability initiatives
• Honouring and preserving cultural heritage and stories
Youth & Education Equity
• Youth mental health, confidence, and opportunity
Animal Welfare & Wildlife Support
• Caring for injured, abandoned, and vulnerable animals
• Supporting the people and systems that care for wildlife
Disaster Response
• Natural disasters (e.g. floods, bushfires)
• Other community-wide crises and emergencies
