Although there may be some scepticism as to the motives of an organisation such as the National Australia Bank Group, a sponsor of the Institute's Fifth Australian Family Research Conference, being involved in discussion of family and community issues, the author argues that the corporate sector should not be excluded from processes designed to address fundamental issues. The responsibilities of the corporate sector extend beyond the creation of wealth. The corporate sector has a pervasive influence on the shape and quality of the economic, physical, political and social environments. The author examines the concept of social capital which is fundamental to the quality of life of all people. It is the ability of people to work together for common purposes in groups and organisations. The author states that it is the view of the National Bank that there is scope to build stocks of financial and social capital simultaneously, and that there is a need for cooperative partnerships between the corporate sector, government and community organisations in order to ensure adequate maintenance of social capital stocks.