The McLean Institute is a charitable body established through the will of Allan McLean and incorporated by Parliament in 1909.
For more than a century, the Institute has applied its assets to support women experiencing hardship. Founded to assist women of refinement or education in reduced or straitened circumstances, the Institute continues to evolve to meet the realities faced by women and families today.
Our Purpose
We exist to provide assistance to and promote the welfare and well being of disadvantaged women and the children in their care.
This includes women experiencing poverty, ill health, trauma, violence, homelessness, disability, addiction, or other challenging circumstances, whether temporary or long term.
The Institute may provide support in a variety of ways, including:
• Temporary and emergency accommodation
• Assistance locating and retaining suitable housing
• Affordable housing support
• Transitional accommodation for young women leaving foster care
• Support for women affected by family violence
• Assistance for women experiencing mental health challenges, addiction, disability, or terminal illness
• Funding and support for programmes that empower women and promote independence
The Institute may also work alongside other charitable organisations that share similar objectives.
Looking Forward
Recognising that society has changed significantly since 1909, the Trustees are pursuing modern legislation to ensure the Institute’s objectives remain relevant and effective. The proposed changes are reflected in the McLean Institute (Trust Variation) Act 2024, which seeks to update and clarify the Institute’s purposes for contemporary circumstances.
The commitment remains unchanged: to honour Allan McLean’s vision by supporting women with dignity, care, and responsible stewardship.
