1. Introduction
The purpose of this Investment Policy is to outline the principles, objectives, and guidelines that govern the investment activities of the Positive Light Foundation (the “Foundation”). This policy is designed to ensure that the Foundation investments are managed in a manner consistent with its charitable purpose, legal obligations, and sound financial practices. The policy reflects the commitment of the Foundation to maintain a balance between achieving investment returns and preserving the Positive Light Foundation assets to support its charitable objectives.
2. Investment Objectives
The primary objectives of the Foundation's investment strategy are:
- Capital Preservation: To preserve the Foundations capital in real terms over the long term.
- Sustainable Returns: To generate an appropriate level of return to support the Foundation’s charitable distributions while adhering to the Positive Light Foundation risk tolerance.
- Growth of Assets: Achieve growth in the portfolio to outpace inflation and ensure the real value of the Foundation is maintained or enhanced over time.
- Liquidity: To maintain sufficient liquidity to meet funding requirements for distributions to Positive Media Limited and other eligible charitable beneficiaries.
- Ethical and Social Responsibility: To ensure that investments align with the Positive Light Foundation’s charitable purpose and ethical guidelines, avoiding investments that contradict the Foundation's values or public expectations of responsible philanthropy.
- Distributions: The investment strategy should aim to generate sufficient income each year so as to support the Distribution Policy of the Foundation.
3. Legal and Regulatory Compliance
The Foundation’s investments must comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including:
- The Public Ancillary Fund Guidelines issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
- The Charities Act 2013 (Cth).
- Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) regulations
- Income Tax Assessment Act 1997
- The Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), where relevant.
- Any other relevant legislation or regulatory requirements.
The Fund will ensure that all investments align with the principles of charity law, meaning investments should not contradict or detract from the Foundation’s charitable purposes.
4. Governance, Roles and Responsibilities
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and oversight of the Foundation’s investment activities. The Board shall:
- Establish, approve and periodically review this Investment Policy.
- Oversee the management and investment of the Foundation’s assets.
- Ensure that the Foundation’s investment strategy and activities are consistent with its objectives and this Investment Policy.
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and legal requirements.
- Consider and approve investment strategies and recommendations made by the Investment Committee.
Investment Committee
The Investment Committee is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Foundation’s investment strategy within the parameters established by the Board. The Investment Committee shall:
- Recommend investment strategies to the Board.
- Make investment decisions within the parameters established by the Board and this Investment Policy.
- Monitor and evaluate the performance of the Foundation’s investments.
- Select, appoint and evaluate external investment managers or advisors, subject to any approvals required by the Board.
- Report material investment matters to the Board as appropriate.
Investment Managers/Advisors
External investment managers or advisors, where engaged, are responsible for the day-to-day management of the Foundation’s investments, subject to the policies, guidelines and parameters established by the Board and this Investment Policy. They shall:
- Manage the Foundation’s assets in accordance with this Investment Policy and the Investment Policy Statement.
- Act in accordance with their engagement terms and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
- Report regularly, and at least quarterly, on portfolio performance, investment activities and any material changes or issues affecting the portfolio.
- Notify the Foundation of any material matters that may affect compliance with this Investment Policy or the achievement of the Foundation’s investment objectives.
Advisory Committee (as per Trust Deed – Positive Light Foundation)
The Advisory Committee is responsible for advising the Trustee on matters concerning eligible entities and distributions from the Foundation. The Advisory Committee shall:
- Approve or withdraw approval of any fund, authority or institution as an Eligible Entity.
- Determine which Eligible Entities are entitled to distributions from the Foundation and the amount of those distributions, subject to the Trust Deed and applicable requirements.
- Advise the Trustee on how payments or applications of income and capital may be made under clause 4 of the Trust Deed for Positive Light Foundation.
CEO
The CEO is responsible for supporting the effective implementation and administration of this Investment Policy. The CEO shall:
- Oversee compliance with this Investment Policy.
- Ensure that appropriate reporting and monitoring mechanisms are in place.
- Support the Board, Investment Committee and Advisory Committee in fulfilling their respective responsibilities under this Investment Policy.
- Ensure that relevant investment information and reports are provided to the appropriate governance bodies in a timely manner.
5. Risk Management and Diversification
The Foundation will manage investment risks through a diversified portfolio, through asset allocation across a variety of investment classes. The Foundation's investment portfolio should be diversified across:
- Asset Classes: Including but not limited to, cash, fixed income, government bonds, equities, real estate, and alternative investments.
- Geographic Regions: Investments should be spread across different regions, including international assets as appropriate.
- Sectors and Industries: Investments should not be concentrated in a single sector or industry.
The Foundation may engage professional advisors to assist with risk assessment and ensure a well-structured and diversified portfolio.
6. Investment Strategy and Asset Allocation
The Foundation shall adopt a strategic asset allocation approach that aligns with its long-term objectives and risk tolerance. The asset allocation will be reviewed periodically to reflect changes in market conditions and the Foundation’s evolving needs.
The Foundation will focus on a blend of the following investment types:
- Cash and Cash Equivalents: To provide liquidity and stability to the Foundation.
- Fixed Interest: Including government and corporate bonds, to generate stable income with lower risk.
- Equities: Invest in shares of companies, subject to appropriate diversification, for capital growth.
- Alternative Investments: Such as infrastructure, property, and other socially responsible investments, to enhance returns and provide diversification.
- Socially Responsible Investments (SRI): Where feasible, the Foundation will prioritise investments that align with social responsibility and ethical guidelines, such as renewable energy, impact investing, and community-focused ventures.
Asset Allocation and Ranges
| Asset class | Range |
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| International Equities | 10%-30% |
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| Australian Equities | 10%-30% |
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| Private Credit | 15%-35% |
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| Fixed Income | 0%-30% |
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| Cash | 1%-30% |
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| Alternatives | 0%-10% |
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7. Investment Guidelines
General Principles
- Investments must be made prudently, with the care, diligence, and skill that a prudent person would exercise in managing financial affairs.
- Investments must generate income to meet distribution requirements and maintain asset growth.
- Sufficient liquidity must be maintained to fund annual distributions and operational needs.
Prohibited Investments
- Investments inconsistent with the Fund’s charitable mission.
- High-risk speculative investments, such as derivatives with excessive leverage or unregulated assets.
Responsible Investment
The Foundation will have an ethical overlay in relation to the type of investments that aligned with the Foundation’s purpose.
8. Investment Restrictions
The Foundation may place certain restrictions on its investments to align with its philanthropic mission. These may include:
- Investment Concentration Limits: No single investment should exceed 10% of the total portfolio value. The maximum allocation to a single manager is 40%.
- Ethical Constraints: investments that are considered to be contrary to the Foundation’s ethical standards will be excluded.
- Prohibited Assets: The Foundation will not invest in assets that do not align with its purpose, such as speculative or high-risk investments.
9. Investment Performance Monitoring and Review
The investment performance of the Foundation will be reviewed regularly to ensure that it is in line with the established investment objectives. Performance will be measured against appropriate relevant benchmarks, such as:
- Equities: [e.g., ASX 200 Index]
- Fixed Income: [e.g., Bloomberg AusBond Composite Index]
- Cash: [e.g., Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Cash Rate]
- The Consumer Price Index (CPI) or other relevant indices.
Reviews will include:
- Quarterly Reviews: The Foundation will monitor performance on a quarterly basis, assessing both short-term results and longer-term trends.
- Annual Review: A comprehensive review will be conducted annually to assess the portfolio’s alignment with the Foundation’s objectives, performance benchmarks, and compliance with ethical investment guidelines.
10. Review and Amendment of Investment Policy
This Investment Policy will be reviewed at least annually by the Trustee of the Foundation to ensure its ongoing relevance and effectiveness. Changes may be made to the policy in response to evolving financial conditions, regulatory requirements, or changes to the Foundation’s objectives.
11. Conclusion
This Investment Policy establishes a clear framework for the management of the Foundation’s investments, balancing the need for financial returns with the responsibility to maintain the Foundation’s charitable purpose. The Foundation is committed to ensuring that its investments are managed prudently, ethically, and in a way that maximizes the benefits for its charitable beneficiaries.
| Version No: | 3 |
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| Date: | 09 September 2026 |
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| Approve by: | Board – Positive Light Foundation |
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