Australian Communities Foundation recently hosted an online session, First Nations-Led Change: Shifting power in philanthropy, to explore how we can strengthen philanthropic practice with and for First Nations communities. Find key insights from our conversation and learn more about the powerful role philanthropy can play in the summary below.
The current landscape
- Within Australian philanthropy, there is an increasing awareness of First Nations self-determination and the importance of community-led approaches.
- An evolving shift from tokenistic gestures toward more authentic, relationship-based engagement – but progress remains uneven.
- There is an ongoing need to interrogate power dynamics – who holds decision-making authority and whose knowledge is valued.
- A growing movement from viewing communities as recipients to recognising First Nations leadership and expertise.
What role can philanthropy play in supporting First Nations communities?
6 recommendations
1. Reframe philanthropy as responsibility, not charity – redistributing resources and investing in communities in ways that support justice and self-determination
2. Shift from transactional relationships to genuine partnership, the latter requiring trust, respect, and a willingness to listen and learn over time
3. Respect cultural authority and autonomy, recognising lived experience, cultural knowledge, and community-defined success
4. Long-term, unrestricted funding enables communities to make their own decisions and respond to emerging priorities
5. Acknowledge the complex, rich diversity of First Nations communities across Australia – there is no single approach to First Nations-led change, funding, or projects
6. Challenge the status quo and move beyond funding – systems change requires a shift in power, not just practice
Questions for reflecting on your giving
How are you engaging with First Nations communities? Is your engagement supporting self-determination?
Am I resourcing First Nations-led organisations and intermediaries, including their leadership, governance, and infrastructure?
Who holds decision-making power in my funding relationships? Are there ways I can more meaningfully share this?
This resource has been developed with insights from Cherie Heslington, Nyikina and Bard woman and CEO at Aarnja, Shaun Middlebrook, Wiradjuri and Yuin man and CEO at Woor-Dungin, and Louis Mokak, Djugun man and Co-founder/Director at First Nations Futures. Australian Communities Foundation thanks all partners for sharing their knowledge and expertise with our giving community.
If you would like to learn more about First Nations-led organisations working across Australia, please contact our team on 03 9412 0412 or email [email protected]
Cherie Heslington, Nyikina and Bard woman
CEO, Aarnja
Cherie Heslington is a Nyikina and Bard woman from the West Kimberley region, WA, who has extensive family and community networks across the region. Cherie has over 20 years’ experience in community leadership, management, governance, development and services, over 15 years in facilitation, training and mentoring; and holds a Diploma in Leadership & Management.
Shaun Middlebrook, Wiradjuri and Yuin man
CEO, Woor-Dungin
Proud Wiradjuri and Yuin man from New South Wales, Shaun has a history in management, finance and advocacy. Throughout his career he has always maintained a commitment to community. He currently sits as Social and Emotional Wellbeing Manager at the Yoorrook Justice Commission and Strategic Policy, Advocacy and Communications Manager of Aboriginal Housing Victoria.
Louis Mokak, Djugun man
Co-founder and Director, First Nations Futures
Louis is a Djugun man from the West Kimberley. He has a background in architecture, design and communications, working across both practice, policy and advocacy within the architectural industry and First Nations not-for-profits. He works as a Senior Designer of Architecture at Blaklash, First Nations Advisory Committee Member at the Australian Institute of Architects and was previously a Director at Indigenous Architecture and Design Victoria, and Communications Officer at Culture is Life.
