Why We Sing. Why We Give.

Barbershop Harmony is more than just music – it’s a family. Across Australia, our members build lifelong friendships, find their voices, and share the joy of harmony in every key. And together, we all realise that the sum of the parts is often far larger than the individual parts themselves.
That’s why we have created the Barbershop Harmony Australia Foundation – to help us to enrich Australia through harmony, together!

As a self-funded membership organisation, we aim to keep our annual fees as low as possible, while still providing the events, programs and grants to the levels our membership has come to expect, and to the levels that we desire, in a world of ever-rising costs.

We have created the BHA Foundation to help us continue to build the joy of singing together to communities all across the nation – to support our vision of enriching Australia through harmony. Your tax-deductible donations make a difference.
 

How will your donation be used?

Your donation will allow us to secure the future of barbershop in Australia through a number of core initiatives, including:

• Youth engagement events/initiatives within our regions
• Youth scholarships for national events
• Education funding for choruses
• Start-up funding for new choruses
• Events and programs to expand our reach across the country, and internationally
• Support for our members to participate in life-changing experiences and education

Funding will primarily be distributed as grants, with application and acquittal requirements for all recipients.
 

How You Can Help?

• Make a one-off donation, or set up a recurring (monthly or annual) donation via our donation platform Raisely
• Leave a legacy gift - send us an email at foundation@barbershop.org.au for further information
• Fundraise through your club or quartet
• Share this message with your networks

All donations $2 and above are tax deductible.
 

Our Incredible Donors

Blue Ribbon ($25k+)

Name

Red Ribbon ($10-25k)

Name

Yellow Ribbon ($5-10k)

Name

Green Ribbon ($1-5k)

Name

White Ribbon ($500-1k)

Name

Purple Ribbon (<$500)

Name

As a special token of our thanks, all donors from the White Ribbon tier up to the Red Ribbon tier will receive a silver Donor pin. Blue Ribbon donors will receive a gold Donor pin, and reserved VIP seating at future Festivals.
 

Why Ribbons?

We thought it would be fitting to theme our donor tiers around the ribbons given to our quartet medallists, from Gold (1st) on a Blue Ribbon, all the way to Bronze (5th) on a White Ribbon. 
We've invented an extra special 6th tier just for the BHA Foundation - the Purple Ribbon - to allow anyone and everyone to donate what they can, when they can.

Governance Statement

 

1. Purpose and Legal Structure

Barbershop Harmony Australia Foundation (the Foundation) operates as part of Barbershop Harmony Australia Inc. (BHA), a registered not-for-profit association incorporated in Western Australia. The Foundation is endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR). It’s purpose is to support the principal Objects of BHA as outlined in Clause 2 of its Constitution.

These Objects include:

• Encouraging the style of singing known as “barbershop”;
• Promoting vocal harmony and good fellowship through clubs, quartets, and regions;
• Advancing music education and appreciation;
• Supporting charitable projects and music scholarships; and
• Promoting diversity and inclusion in barbershop singing across Australia.

2. Governance Framework

The Foundation is governed by a committee of Responsible Persons appointed by the National Council of Barbershop Harmony Australia Inc. This committee is responsible for strategic oversight, compliance, and fiduciary duties. It ensures that all activities align with the Foundation’s charitable purpose and comply with relevant legislation.

3. Foundation Management

In accordance with Clause 18 of the Constitution, the Foundation:

• Receives only gifts and contributions made for the Foundation’s charitable Objects;
• Operates on a not-for-profit basis and is maintained separately from general Association funds;
• Is managed by a committee of at least three persons, the majority of whom are Responsible Persons as defined by the ATO;
• Issues compliant receipts for tax-deductible donations;
• Ensures all funds are used solely to advance the Foundation’s Objects.

4. Responsible Persons – Foundation Committee

The Foundation is administered by a committee of Responsible Persons appointed by the National Council of Barbershop Harmony Australia Inc., in accordance with Clause 18 of the Constitution and ATO guidelines. These individuals bring extensive experience in governance, music, and community leadership:

• Trevor Bruger
  Trevor is a Hall of Fame Member of Barbershop Harmony Australia and currently serves as Treasurer. Trevor is a registered tax agent, member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and a member of the Tax Institute. Trevor brings financial acumen and strategic oversight to the Foundation, ensuring compliance and transparency.
• Paul Adams
  Paul joined BHA in 2012 and currently serves as VP-Membership and as an administration judge. His 40-year career in senior leadership, strategy and human resources, ensures significant influence at national, region and club level, guiding strategy and development of BHA to deliver member value. Paul holds an advanced MBA, is a Fellow of the Australian Human Resources Institute, and a certified results coach.
• Ian Mulholland
  Ian is a Life Member and Judge in the Music category for Barbershop Harmony Australia. He has held leadership roles including VP Contest & Judging and Chair of Judges. Ian’s deep expertise in musical standards and governance makes him a vital contributor to the integrity and purpose of the Foundation.
• Edward Klimowicz
  Edward is a Hall of Fame Member of Barbershop Harmony Australia and a highly accomplished singer and performance coach. Edward is also Chair of the A.B. Paterson College Foundation and has dedicated over two decades to music education and community development. His leadership and passion for vocal excellence enrich the Foundation’s mission.

5. Compliance and Reporting

The Foundation:

• Maintains a dedicated bank account with an authorised deposit-taking institution;
• Keeps separate books of account and records for transparency and audit purposes;
• Retains records for at least five years to comply with ATO and ACNC requirements;
• Reports biannually to the Arts Secretary on gifts received;
• Ensures that any surplus funds upon winding up or revocation of DGR status are transferred to another eligible DGR organisation with similar charitable purposes.

6. Transparency and Accountability

The Foundation is committed to transparency in its operations. It publishes annual reports, financial statements, and impact assessments to stakeholders and the public. The committee ensures that fundraising activities comply with local laws and that donor contributions are used effectively and ethically.

7. Winding Up Clause

In the event of winding up or revocation of DGR status, the Foundation’s governing documents require that any remaining assets be transferred to another organisation with DGR status and similar charitable objectives.

8. Ethical Conduct and Risk Management

The Foundation adheres to high standards of ethical conduct and has policies in place for conflict of interest, risk management, and safeguarding vulnerable individuals.