What is the Robert Shannon Foundation?

In 2001 the Australian Historic Motoring Federation Inc. (AHMF) established the Robert Shannon Foundation to provide encouragement for people under the age of 30 to become involved in the restoration and preservation of veteran, vintage and classic motor vehicles.

To achieve this, the Foundation may:

1. Help with the purchase of specialist tools or equipment,
2. Assist with the actual cost of the restoration work,
3. Contribute toward TAFE or tertiary fees, or
4. Contribute toward any project considered worthwhile by the Trustees.

Robert Shannon Foundation Incorporated is registered by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission - ABN 56238161563

Why was the Robert Shannon Foundation established?

The Robert Shannon Foundation was established in 2003 to perpetuate the memory of Robert Shannon, founder of Shannons Insurance.

Robert was a strong supporter of the historic motoring movement and was concerned it was not attracting enough younger people, particularly in the restoration and preservation of historic vehicles.

Robert was the major sponsor of the Shannons 2001 National Motoring Tour in Canberra, with funds from the event being utilised to establish this Foundation.

An initiative of Australian Historic Motoring Federation (Inc.)

Disclaimer: The Robert Shannon Foundation has no connection with Shannons Insurance.

All correspondence with the Robert Shannon Foundation should be via the relevant State or Territory Council.

The Robert Shannon Foundation is a registered Charity and as such, there are conditions that must be met before a grant can be awarded. These are detailed here.

Funds

The Robert Shannon Foundation operates a limited funds account to finance these grants. Essentially the funds are invested for the year at the best current rates available through an Australian financial institution. The sum available for grants is then based on the interest earned from that investment. To assist increasing the value of these grants, we would appreciate donations to help build our investment funds. Unfortunately, although having gained recognition as a charitable organisation we are still working on making donations tax deductible.

Grant Eligibility

Any person or group of people under the age of thirty years and engaged in studying automotive restoration and preservation or actively working on historic vehicles is eligible to nominate for a grant.

Before completing an application form an individual or group must seek the support of a local vehicle club. This club must be affiliated with the appropriate state council. The supporting club must complete the relevant section of the application form and forward the application to its council for endorsement.

Time frames

1. Applications for a Grant must be in the hands of the Secretary of the State or Territory Council by 5:00pm on 30th April annually. (It is recommended Applications are forwarded to State or Territory councils well before 30th April for assessment.)
2. Applications for a Grant must be in the hands of the Robert Shannon Foundation Chairman by 5:00pm 31st May annually. (Applications received after this date will be assessed with the submissions for the following year and will require a detailed and updated report from the applicant, supporting club and State or Territory Council.)

Guidelines

For Applicants, Clubs and Councils Preparing a Grant Application

Clubs nominating Members for consideration of Grants from the Robert Shannon Foundation will need to be mindful of the following conditions and responsibilities:

1. Grants will be made ONLY to Australian citizens, under the age of 30 years.

2. Applicants must be Members of an Approved Club, Affiliated via a State, Territory or Regional Council of the Australian Historic Motoring Federation (AHMF) at the time of assessment for the grant.

3. Nominating Clubs shall provide a Mentor, (preferably NOT a parent of the Applicant) that has suitable qualification or skill to guide the applicant for each project and be prepared to provide an independent annual report to the Trustees advising skill levels achieved and of progress made or of completion of the project. Photographic and digital records are encouraged and these may be posted on the AHMF and State Council websites.

4. Grant recipients are required to provide an annual report to the Robert Shannon Foundation and a report on completion of the project.

5. A significant requirement is the Display of the completed project.

   This will require the vehicle to be made available for public display at National Heritage Motoring Day events, State and Regional displays and other Public events.

   These are again to be documented (via digital and photographic means) and these may also be posted on the AHMF and State Council websites and also be made available to the Trustees.

6. The Robert Shannon Foundation may provide in each year, 1 (One) payment contributing to Fees Applicable for Courses relating to Automotive or Engineering Training, and provided at a TAFE or other such Accredited Training Facility for a Club Member of an AHMF affiliated Council.

   The successful Applicant may, when arranging their course payment direct relevant accounts to The Foundation. Further detail regarding this Grant may be obtained by contacting the Robert Shannon Foundation on .

7. All applications for Grants must be first assessed at Club level for suitability.

   Applications must be forwarded to the State or Regional Council for endorsement no later than 5:00pm EST on 30th April in each year however; APPLICATIONS MAY BE FORWARDED TO STATE COUNCILS AT ANY TIME BEFORE THEN FOR ASSESMENT, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE.

8. Councils supporting will then ensure that all Applications are sent to the Robert Shannon Foundation by 5:00pm EST 31st May in any year for the Trustees to assess via the selection process.

Grant Application

Download the Application for Grant Form and clearly detail why you deserve our assistance with your project.