Interested in restoring a classic vehicle?

Robert Shannon Foundation

The Robert Shannon Foundation was established in 2003 to perpetuate the memory of Robert Shannon, founder of Shannons Insurance, who died unexpectedly in March 2000. Robert was an avid classic car enthusiast, who especially enjoyed his 1930 Invicta S Type. He was a strong supporter of the historic motoring movement and was concerned that it was not attracting enough younger people, particularly in the areas of the preservation and restoration of classic vehicles.

Disclaimer

The Robert Shannon Foundation has no connection with the Shannons Insurance organisation. All correspondence related to the Robert Shannon Foundation should be sent to the Robert Shannon Foundation through the relevant State 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 conditions are detailed under Application for Grant.

Aim

After the success of the Shannons 2001 National Motoring Tour, the Australian Historic Motoring Federation (AHMF) established the Robert Shannon Foundation. The AHMF is the national body representing classic and historic vehicle clubs in all states and territories. The purpose of the Foundation is to encourage people under the age of 30 to become involved in the restoration and preservation of veteran, vintage, post-vintage, historic 50's, historic 60', historic 70's and historic 80's vehicles up to 30 years old.

The Foundation may:

• help with the purchase of specialist tools or equipment
• assist with the actual cost of restoration work
• contribute toward TAFE or other fees
• contribute toward any project considered worthwhile by the Trustees.

Funds

The Robert Shannon Foundation operates a limited funds account to fund 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 sum of the interest earned on that investment.

To assist in 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 the made to be tax deductability of donations.

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 state council for endorsement.

Submissions for a Grantmust be received by the QHMC before 1st May each year; however; APPLICATIONS MAY BE FORWARDED AT ANY TIME BEFORE THEN FOR ASSESMENT, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE.

Conditions & Responsibilities

The following conditions and responsibilities are provided to assist applicants and their Clubs in applying / nominating for consideration of Grants from the Robert Shannon Foundation;

• Grants will be made ONLY to Australian citizens, under the age of 30 years.
• Applicants must be Members of an Approved Club, Affiliated via a State, Territory or Regional Council of the Australian Historic Motoring Federation (AHMF).
• 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 Trustee's 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.
• Grant recipients are required to provide their own report each year and on completion of the project. Clubs are encouraged to provide independent follow up in this area.
• A significant requirement is the Display of the completed project. The vehicle to be made available for public display at National Motoring Heritage Day events, State and Regional displays and other Public events. These are again to be documented (may be 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.

In addition to the grants for restoration projects, 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 at PO Box 28, Cobden VIC 3266. Further detail regarding this Grant may be obtained by contacting the QHMC.

Sample Application

The standard of Applicants and Projects has, in recent years been exceptional. The Australian Historic Movement will, we trust be the beneficiary of the support and trust that we place in these dedicated and enthusiastic young members.

Please view the Sample Application to see what the Trustees will be looking for when evaluating your application.

Download the Application for Grant Form and tell us why you deserve our assistance with that project.