An act of philanthropy is opening the doors to education. The impact could last lifetimes.
When the Crookes Family Foundation funded the first-ever U@Uni scholarships, their goal was to help students overcome educational disadvantage. They are achieving this and much more, nurturing a commitment to philanthropy that will span generations.
Annabel Crookes was born to give.
The daughter of Lynne and Richard Crookes, who founded Richard Crookes Construction in 1976 and the philanthropic Crookes Family Foundation in 2015, Annabel says that giving has been part of the fabric of her family for as long as she can remember.
Today, that vein of philanthropy runs through multiple generations – Lynne and Richard; Annabel, her siblings and their respective partners; and even the grandchildren, who are introduced to the family’s giving philosophy at a young age.
“It becomes part of your makeup,” says Annabel.
“It’s a gift that our parents have given us. Giving is a tangible way to create a difference in the community.”
Now, the Crookes Family Foundation is on the cusp of making their biggest difference yet with a remarkable donation of $250,000. The Foundation is set to fund the first ever U@Uni equity scholarships at UTS, opening the door to university for students who may otherwise have struggled to find a way in.
The U@Uni Academy is an alternative entry pathway program that connects students from low socioeconomic backgrounds to university experiences and academic support throughout years 11 and 12. Students who complete the Academy are guaranteed a place at UTS. Over the last five years, the program has supported 840 students facing financial disadvantage to make their university aspirations a reality.
Funding these scholarships is about contributing in an enduring way that creates sustainable change.
Commencing in 2026, the Crookes Family Foundation scholarships will provide two U@Uni Academy graduates with a scholarship for up to five years while they complete an undergraduate degree at UTS. These funds will cover tuition fees and an additional cash stipend, alleviating the financial pressure of university and supporting students to achieve their potential.
“A lot of people don’t get the opportunity to go to university. How do you find a way to break that cycle? That’s what we wanted to do,” Annabel says.
Collectively, these scholarships embody the family’s long-held commitment to paying their privilege forward – and their belief in “giving” as the ultimate gift.
“Funding these scholarships is about contributing in an enduring way that creates sustainable change,” Annabel says.
“Our goal is to build a community of recipients who feel a responsibility to help the next generation – a cohort of people who can support each other and create that legacy.”
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