The Funding Network Australia

TFN CEO Kristen Lark talks with helen trinca in The Australian about how philanthropy in Australia puts too much emphasis on big monetary contributions, ignoring volunteering of time or skills, as well as the impact of smaller, regular giving: “A lot of attention is given to people who give large amounts of money, but I think that everyday Australians are generous people. They’d give a lot of money away to charity, both at times of crisis but also on a consistent, regular basis. I think continuing to find opportunities to highlight giving in all of its forms and all its levels is a really important part of building a deeper culture of giving in Australia.” Did you know that 94% of all donations go to the largest 10% of Australian charities? Read the full article through the link in our profile: https://ow.ly/4NI550QePYk Keen to find out more? Join our Network: https://ow.ly/lIyz50QePYj #democratisegiving #grassrootsgiving #everydayphilanthropy #TFNAus

In Australia, over 22,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are in out-of-home care. Isaiah Dawe, founder of ID Know Yourself, knows their journey because he’s lived it. After experiencing firsthand the challenges of foster care, Isaiah founded IDKY to break cycles of trauma through culturally connected mentoring. The program helps children reclaim their identity, culture, and hope. 🖤 Following support from a TFN #GivingHeroes event in 2023, IDKY continues to empower young people like Taylan, who now works as an apprentice at Sydney Airport. This is not just about jobs - it’s about building futures rooted in belonging and pride. Learn more about IDKY’s work and mission by visiting their website: idknowyourself.org.au. Watch Taylan's journey on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gSZMpgtj #TFNAlumniStories #BreakTheCycle #AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe #TFNImpact #IDKnowYourself

Another year of igniting impact and unleashing Australia's capacity to give! ✨💖 This year, TFN and our incredible community facilitated nearly $5 million in funding, supporting 47 for-purpose programs and coaching 139 non-profit leaders across Australia. Together, these efforts have empowered thousands of people, driving change in education, employment, health, and community-building. To everyone who contributed, from our donors to our pro bono partners, thank you for championing grassroots social change. Your belief in our mission fuels a growing movement dedicated to creating a fairer, more inclusive world. 💙 We wish you all a restful festive season - let's continue igniting impact together in 2025! 🚀 From the TFN Team 📸 Photo taken at a TFN values workshop run with Sarit Vandegraaff (PCC) from Leadership Space (bottom left) at Hotel Etico Australia in the Blue Mountains. L-R from top row: - Rabia Lockwood, Marketing & Communications Manager - Vicki Norton, Director of Engagement - Madeline Alderuccio, Purpose & Impact Coordinator - Kristen Lark, Chief Executive Officer - Seb Bown, National Partnerships & Events Manager - Andrea Heffernan, Director of Purpose & Impact - Isabel-Marie V., Events & Communications Coordinator - Asad Abbasi, Finance Officer (Not pictured)

For Shay Bell, working at the Fullerton Hotel is more than just a job - it’s empowerment, dignity, and a pathway to independence. In 2021, thanks to funding from a TFN crowdfunding event, Hotel Etico Australia expanded its Independence Program, offering Shay and other young adults with intellectual disabilities the chance to gain employment, skills, and confidence. Watch Shay’s journey unfold and see how purpose-led funding creates real impact: https://lnkd.in/gNtDe__A Join our community for more inspiring stories. Sign up today: https://lnkd.in/gqhH_7W8 📸 Photo credit: Hotel Etico. Shay is on the far right #InspiringChange #InclusiveEmployment #TFNImpact #goodnewsstory

Worthy Cause are transforming lives, one cookie at a time... 🍪 By providing hands-on job training in their kitchen program, Worthy Cause are breaking down barriers and giving people the skills and confidence to build stable, self-sufficient futures. With funding support from TFN’s Thriving Young People event in June, Worthy Cause expanded its impact, helping a further 4 individuals overcome challenges that might otherwise hold them back. Founder Rick Cohen reflects: “This support keeps people from slipping through the cracks.” We look forward to seeing Worthy Cause continue to create opportunities for those who need them most. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g8t8kp9N Looking to make your holiday festive season sweeter? Visit the Worthy Cause page! https://lnkd.in/dy_9wpch Each cookie purchased helps provide dignity and support to vulnerable individuals. #TFNAlumni #SocialEnterprise #TFNImpact #worthycause #cookie

🎨 Creativity knows no limits. At Studio A, artists with intellectual disabilities are breaking boundaries and reshaping the art world. Support through TFN's Equity & Inclusion event in Sydney in May, helped Studio A create a landmark training guide and public art projects, showcasing their talent and vision. gabrielle mordy, Artistic Director, highlights: “Storytelling is critical to the impact we have.” With this momentum, Studio A is set to inspire even more inclusion and creativity in 2025. We look forward to seeing the transformative art and stories Studio A brings to life next year! 🖼️ https://lnkd.in/g8nngRsB 🎁 Still searching for the perfect holiday gift that’s as meaningful as it is beautiful? Discover a stunning collection of visual treasures created by talented Studio A artists. From vibrant prints to unique accessories, each piece is a masterpiece that supports creativity and inclusivity. https://lnkd.in/gdF-cd5x #EquityAndInclusion #TFNImpact #TFNAlumni

🤔 What if the community could decide where funding goes? Through the Hunter New England and Central Coast PHN's Pitch Night , powered by TFN, nearly $1 million was allocated to mental health and suicide prevention programs. By involving the community, these programs now address the issues that matter most locally. Francesca Groves shares: “It’s about injecting money back into the community, for the community.” With TFN handling event logistics, organisations like the PHN can focus on what matters - engagement and impact. The TFN event experience is flexible, and the end result is connection, inspiration and a lot of fun. Bring this engaging and impactful format to your organisation and host a Powered by TFN event and connect your team to social change! ⭐️ Learn More: https://lnkd.in/gtvtanU5 #MentalHealthMatters #PoweredByTFN #CommunityLeadership

As we wrap up 2024, we’re reflecting on a year filled with powerful stories, deep connections, and inspiring acts of generosity. From supporting grassroots initiatives to empowering young people and First Nations communities, our TFN network has continued to come together to make real change across Australia. 🙌 As we re-live the highlights, we're struck by all we've achieved, together. Through your support, we’ve strengthened communities, amplified voices, and built platforms for long-term impact. Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we’re creating a brighter, more equitable future for all Australians! 💙 Share the love and invite people you know to join our community: https://lnkd.in/gqhH_7W8 #ThankYou #CommunityImpact #SocialChange #GrassrootsInitiatives #Philanthropy #TFNAus

One of AMP’s proud partnerships is our long-standing connection with The Funding Network Australia (TFN). As part of our 175-year celebrations we caught up with TFN CEO Kristen Lark to discuss the great work they do with the AMP Foundation through crowdfunding events to raise money for grass roots social enterprises. Thank you TFN for your partnership and the opportunities you provide for us to give back. If you want to learn more about AMP’s history, the exhibition is available to view online here: #AMPeople

Earlier this year, #TFNAlumni Mountain Track Youth pitched at our Thriving Young People event in Melbourne and secured funding to purchase a second-hand excavator. It’s been more than just machinery. The excavator has become a unique tool for building rapport with the young people in the Latrobe Valley area while also providing them with hands-on training. Soon, participants will be able to gain formal qualifications, opening up new career pathways and opportunities. 🎥 Watch their incredible impact update on YouTube and see how your support drives change: https://lnkd.in/g8VeaJvb ✨ Are you a social changemaker championing young people and breaking the cycles of disadvantage in NSW? Applications are closing soon for organisations in NSW for Thriving Young People 2025. 🔗 Apply today: https://lnkd.in/g974reMy #ThrivingYoungPeople #MountainTrackYouth #SocialChange