Our Story
BFF’s purpose is to enrich the culture, education, and potential of our community
Bowness Family Foundation was established in 2008 by Bill Bowness AO, together with his daughters Natasha Bowness and Kelly Wyborn. All aspects of the Foundation’s work are underpinned by our values: opportunity, compassion, humility excellence, integrity, and stewardship. We maintain a focus on three areas of activity: arts and culture, education, and disability.
We proactively maintain a number of strategic partnerships and make a range of small, medium and large gifts aligned with our purpose.
The Foundation supports projects and organisations in Australia and is active across a number of states. We do not operate grant rounds, nor do we support international projects or organisations.
Our Founder
Bill Bowness AO
Bill Bowness, together with his two daughters, founded BFF in 2008. He has over 40 years’ experience in property development and founded Wilbow Corporation in 1976, which he grew to be one of the largest private property development businesses in Australia. Bill sold his Australian interests in Wilbow Corporation to an ASX listed company in 2006 and is now Chair of Wilbow Group. His success in business and contributions to the arts through philanthropy were recognised in 2017 when he was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia.
Our People
We work to create positive social outcomes for people — our customers, our staff and the communities in which we operate.
Trustees
Natasha Bowness, ChairBill Bowness AO
Kelly Wyborn
Nick Stretch
Executive Officer
Leonie Boxtel
Wilbow Group
Wilbow Group is the Bowness family’s private investment company. Its interests include property development and financing, listed and unlisted investments and private equity. Its investments include Wilbow Corporation Inc, a US based subsidiary established more than 30 years ago, specialising in residential land subdivisions in Dallas and Houston. Wilbow Group was founded in 2006 following the sale of the Australian interests of Wilbow Corporation to an ASX listed company.
