The Reid family has a long tradition of philanthropy.

Sir John Reid was proud of his family's philanthropic tradition and he carried this on through the establishment of two charitable family trusts. In this way, he not only linked the family tradition with the present, but also passed on to his children and later, his grandchildren, the sense of continuity which exists today through the John T Reid Charitable Trusts.

The first of two Trusts was established in 1956, and the second Trust was created in 1963. The first gave funds to eligible organizations in Victoria, while the funding range of the other covered the whole of Australia. Both were based in Melbourne. Together they form the current John T Reid Charitable Trusts.

Sir John’s philanthropy had as its basis that support from his charitable Trusts allowed good people to get on with their work for the benefit of the community. This spirit of giving, combined with his wide networks, enquiring mind and support for humanitarian and social justice causes, ensured that support, always anonymous, went to a broad range of organizations well placed to have a positive impact on the Australian community. The Trusts took on the name of their founder in 1993, when it was decided by the Trustees that it was no longer appropriate for grants to be anonymous, in the interests of accountability, and to enable the recipient to publicly acknowledge the Trusts and use the grant as leverage for further funding.

Continuity and the ability to enable significant results to be achieved were important to Sir John, and are reflected in the way in which Trustees make their decisions today. Organizations dedicated to helping those in need, assisting young people, others dedicated to medical research, still others involved in aged care are among those reflecting the breadth of his support of the community. To enable them to do their work thoroughly, these bodies may have received several grants. Many still have a connection with the Trusts and have helped to establish the foundations of the areas to which the Trusts give today.