From the Chair and CEO

2025 has been a remarkable year for Australian Communities Foundation – a year defined by bold steps forward, deepened impact, and the unwavering generosity of our giving community.

Together, we distributed over $25 million through 1,500 grants to nearly 1,000 organisations across Australia. For the first time, over two-thirds of grants were provided as unrestricted or for capacity-building support, giving organisations greater flexibility to allocate funds as needed and invest in their long-term impact.

This momentum is now guided by our bold new organisational strategy – a roadmap for how we grow, connect, inspire, and deepen our impact in the years ahead. It reaffirms our purpose: to empower a vibrant community of philanthropists with Australia’s best giving solutions. It also strengthens our focus on equity, belonging, and connection – not just as outcomes, but as guiding principles for how we work.

Our vision is clear: a thriving and inclusive Australia, where equity is a shared commitment and connection sparks possibility. We’re proud to support values-led philanthropists who give with purpose, strategy, and heart – and this strategy ensures we continue to do that in smarter, more impactful ways.

As part of the most significant reform in Australia’s philanthropic sector in two decades, we introduced the Community Charity Trust this year. This new structure is already opening the door to more flexible and strategic giving, and in the year ahead, we’re excited to help donors make the most of its potential to amplify their impact.

Our responsibly invested portfolio continued to deliver strong financial returns while driving positive social and environmental outcomes. Guided by our investment advisors at Koda Capital, we also expanded our impact investment portfolio – ensuring that more of our community’s capital is working for maximum community benefit. Stewardship of these funds is a responsibility we take seriously, and we’re proud to see this approach delivering results on every front.

Strengthening governance has been another priority, and this year we saw important transitions on our Board, with Kate Fazio, Kylie Charlton, and Tessa Boyd-Caine bringing new expertise and experience to guide our next chapter. A special thank you to outgoing Directors, Penny Burke and David Ritter, whose contributions in recent years have been invaluable.

We’ve also seen continued growth in national giving activity, with more Fundholders supporting causes across all states and territories. It’s been a joy to connect with our community at events across the country, and to witness the power of philanthropy in action.

This year, our Philanthropy Team focused on streamlining processes, reducing reporting burdens, and making it easier for Fundholders to give effectively. We also launched the Good Giving Toolkit – a practical resource designed to help Fundholders give with greater clarity, confidence, and impact. It offers tools and guidance for developing a strategy, choosing causes, and evolving your approach to giving.

Another milestone was the launch of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) – a key part of our broader commitment to First Nations justice. Our RAP is now guiding how we embed reconciliation into every part of our organisation, and we look forward to continuing this journey with humility and purpose.

We also published the NFP Resilience Report, highlighting the challenges and opportunities shaping Australia’s not-for-profit sector. Our study found that only one in four NFPs feel financially sustainable – underscoring the urgent need for more long-term and flexible funding. We’re proud to see our giving community stepping up in response.

To our giving community – thank you. Your courage, generosity, and commitment to equity are what make this work possible. To our Fundholders and clients, our sector partners, the incredible grantees leading work in communities across the country, our volunteer Board, and the ACF team – thank you for everything you’ve contributed to another fantastic year. Together, we’re creating a thriving and inclusive Australia.

Fiona McLeay
Chair

Andrew Binns
Chief Executive Officer