The Jim Bettison and Helen James Foundation was established through the estates of the late Dr Jim Bettison and the late Ms Helen James. Throughout their three decades together, Jim and Helen supported a wide range of activity in the community through philanthropy and professional engagement .

Jim co-founded Codan, a successful and award-winning Adelaide company, established the Developed Image Photographic Gallery and served as Deputy Chancellor at the University of Adelaide. Helen was an exhibiting studio artist, serving on key arts committees and as a founding member of the National Library of Australia’s Foundation Board.