Over the past 50 years, the Melbourne Grammar Foundation has been witness to five Headmasters, ten Council Chairs, and 13 Foundation Board Presidents.
Two esteemed members of the Foundation Board – one founding member, John Bolton (OM 1946) and one current member, Jamie Gray (OM 1976), sat down to discuss philanthropy at Melbourne Grammar School.
Jamie Gray (OM 1976): John, prior to 1974, philanthropy was already a big part of the School’s DNA. What was the trigger to establish the Foundation and the Board?
John Bolton (OM 1946): There was a lot of uncertainty at the time. Really, it was the quest for financial independence that was the driving force for School Council to establish the Foundation in 1974.
It was clear that a coordinated, long-term philanthropic strategy was essential for the ongoing development of the School.
Jamie: It’s funny you mention uncertainty. Working for the Board in 2024, it feels as though we’re facing just as much uncertainty now as we respond to constant changes in the way the School is funded by the government.
John: It doesn’t surprise me. The constant possibility of a change in government, and how much we could rely on external funding, was something we always knew we’d be up against.
The purpose of the Foundation from the outset was to provide stable financial support for the School’s future, and I think that’s why the Foundation has had such longevity, and why so many have worked to ensure its success. It’s extremely gratifying to have our vision be shared across generations.
Jamie: What is it that you think has kept this community such a special place over the last 50 years?
John: I think, really, it all comes back to the School. I think all members of the Foundation believe so strongly in the power of the education the School provides – not just academically, but everything else Melbourne Grammar gives to students.
The School has always strived to offer a holistic education that produces well-educated citizens of good character. Generation after generation of increasingly diverse students have gone on to become dedicated, committed, and visionary leaders of industry and country or even their local neighbourhoods. The sense of community we share is a product of the School and its values.
Jamie: What is it that I can do, as a current Board member, to ensure this community continues to thrive?
John: I think the greatest achievement of our early years was that, under our watch, the infant Foundation matured into something sustainable. From my armchair at the age of 96, I don’t claim to have the same intimate knowledge that I used to have of the School – but I don’t believe the Foundation’s role should change. As it was set up to do, the Foundation Board should continue to support the School’s ability to be financially independent.
It’s only through financial security that the School can be allowed to focus on excellence in the education of our children, and our children’s children.
Financial independence is as important today as it was then. The School must be allowed to focus on student education and be buffered from financial uncertainty. This was the raison d’etre of the Foundation.
Jamie: I wholeheartedly agree, and it’s comforting to know that we’ve stayed the course after all these years. As a last question for you, we know the School will be embarking on a new build for our Centre for Humanities and with it a new philanthropic campaign.
What part do you believe education plays – and a Melbourne Grammar School education specifically – in setting students up to be independent and critical thinkers of their own?
John: The education of young people is not only an investment in their future but also the future of our country. Beyond academic prowess, a Melbourne Grammar educational experience has also always focused on individual development. I couldn’t be prouder to have been a small part of supporting this world-class school.
