With Australian Communities Foundation’s flagship collective giving initiative, the Impact Fund, returning this May with a refreshed vision and approach, it’s a timely moment to spotlight the growing role of funding collectives across the ACF community.
Collective giving has become one of the most dynamic forces in contemporary philanthropy. At its heart is a simple idea: when people pool resources, learn together, and make decisions collectively, they can amplify their impact far beyond individual efforts. In an increasingly complex social and environmental landscape, coming together in a funding collective creates opportunities for scale, connection, shared responsibility, and collective influence.
Opportunities to give together across our community
Across the ACF community, a diverse range of funding collectives are putting this approach into practice, each with its own values, scale, and focus. Each group gives through a Collective Giving Fund at ACF, benefiting from shared infrastructure, tax-deductible giving, and ACF’s support with administration, compliance, and granting – so they can focus on learning, connection, and impact.
ACF Impact Fund
The Impact Fund is Australian Communities Foundation’s collective giving initiative, powered by people who believe that lasting change is something we create together. It unites funders at every stage of their journey around bold, community-led solutions to Australia’s toughest challenges.
Unlike many giving circles, the Impact Fund does not have a set annual contribution. Instead, ACF Fundholders and sector partners are invited to support specific opportunities alongside the Fund, and to consider supporting the Fund directly when and where they are able. This flexible approach allows people to engage in ways that align with their capacity, interests, and giving strategies.
Through thoughtful grantmaking, shared learning, and coordinated action, the Impact Fund helps transform individual generosity into collective influence – unlocking impact that none of us could achieve alone. The Fund is guided by ACF’s vision for a thriving and inclusive Australia – one that is grounded in First Nations leadership, celebrates diversity, addresses the climate crisis, and invests in strong social infrastructure.
Learn more about the Impact Fund’s approach for 2026 and get involved: Join our Impact Fund 2026 events in Melbourne (7 May), Sydney (12 May) and Brisbane (12 May), or join the webinar (21 May). Register via the links in our latest newsletter.
Five Bucks
Five Bucks is a community of everyday givers who care about people and the planet and want a future where both can thrive. Members contribute regular amounts starting at $5 per week, and once a year vote to give the money raised to high-impact organisations working to strengthen social foundations and protect the ecological ceiling. Learn more
Groundswell
Groundswell connects everyday people with experts and organisations deploying climate solutions across the country. There are multiple ways to get involved, with memberships ranging from $250 to $1,000 per year, one‑off donations, a $10,000 lifetime membership, a major giving program, and free memberships for First Nations participants. The collective blends funding with learning and action to accelerate climate solutions. Learn more
Impact100 collectives
Impact100 groups in South Australia, Sydney North, and Western Australia who give through ACF are part of a global movement of giving circles that began in the US. In Australia, these collectives focus on mobilising local communities. The model typically brings together 100 or more people who each contribute $1,000. Members learn about community organisations and vote at an end‑of‑year event to award a single high‑impact grant of $100,000 plus some smaller grants to the other organisations involved. Impact100 combines democratic decision‑making with place‑based philanthropy, strengthening connections between funders and local organisations. Learn more: Impact100 SA, Impact100 Sydney North, Impact100 WA
Just Futures Collab
Just Futures Collab is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander‑led giving circle working to activate resources for climate justice. The Collab focuses on shifting money and power to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander‑led solutions that strengthen communities and the climate they depend on. Contributions start at $5 per week, with the collective emphasising accessibility alongside a strong commitment to First Nations leadership. Learn more
Mannifera
Mannifera brings together values‑aligned Australian funders to invest in civil society organisations advocating for a democracy and economy with fairness at its heart. Members commit a minimum of $65,000 per year for at least three years, with opportunities to connect with advocates, learn together, and build collective power for systemic change. Learn more
WELA Giving Circle
The WELA Giving Circle offers a simple yet powerful approach to funding women and gender‑diverse‑led climate and environment action. Members make a tax‑deductible commitment of $20 per week or $1,000 per year, contributing to a shared pool and voting on where funds are directed. The Giving Circle also supports WELA’s capacity to build and scale a national ecosystem of influential women and gender‑diverse leaders. Learn more
Next Steps
Collective giving offers a way to deepen engagement, learn alongside others, and amplify impact through shared action. For many Fundholders, collective giving becomes a complementary layer to individual grantmaking – enhancing impact while strengthening connection to the wider ACF community. Here are two key ways to get involved:
Register for an Impact Fund 2026 event: Registrations are now open for Impact Fund 2026 events in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and online. These events provide an opportunity to explore the Fund’s refreshed vision and upcoming co funding opportunities, and to connect with other funders. Learn more about the events here and register via the links in our latest newsletter.
Get involved with a funding collective in the ACF community: Explore the range of funding collectives that vary in focus, scale, and level of commitment, and choose what aligns with your interests and capacity. To discuss contributing via your Fund, contact the ACF team.
