The Trustees and staff of the Ross Trust will strive to implement the following principles:

Clarity
The Trust is clear and consistent when communicating its goals, limitations, funding criteria and governance structures.

Funding for impact
When making a grant, the Trust tries to identify the objectives which are sought to be achieved, and to determine the amount and conditions of the grant - and, where applicable, collaborating partners - which seem most likely to have a real impact in meeting those objectives.

Proactive/Responsive
The Trust balances its grant making between responding to unsolicited applications and initiating collaborations and programs.

Sustainability and capacity building
The Trust recognises that strong and sustainable grant recipient organisations are vital to achieving its goals.

Partnership/facilitating change
The Trust will use its grant making, its name and reputation to bring together organisations, government and business to facilitate change and to achieve impact.

Transparency, accountability and confidentiality
The Trust will work responsibly and transparently to achieve public benefit and have positive impact.

Advance knowledge
The Trust will strive to invest in, share and promote informed discussion, debate and evidence based research.

Fairness, responsiveness and approachability
The Trust values and respects the knowledge and expertise which grant recipient organisations have and is grateful for their work in achieving the Trust's goals.

Encouraging effective philanthropy and investment for public benefit
The Trust will use and promote grant making best practices and encourage investment in the social sector.