With the federal election approaching, many funders are seeking ways to support organisations advocating for a fairer and more sustainable future.
From climate to economic fairness and government accountability, the organisations leading these efforts need support to drive their work forward in the lead-up to the election.
Recent changes to electoral laws – rushed through Parliament with ‘critical drafting errors’ – are set to restrict the ability of charities to advocate during election periods. A major concern is a provision barring the use of general or untied donations for electoral advocacy.
While the laws won’t take effect until after this election, they set a worrying precedent for democracy. As Saffron Zomer from the Australian Democracy Network warns: “The restrictions on charities’ participation in public debate during elections that this bill will impose are a blow to democracy. This will mean Australian charities are less able to keep the public educated and informed on key issues; less able to represent the causes and communities we serve; less able to hold the Government of the day to account.”
In this edition of Granting Ideas, we highlight organisations at the forefront of advocacy for a fairer and more sustainable Australia. Each has been selected by ACF’s Philanthropy Team for its strong track record of impact, and each relies on funders like you to amplify its efforts at this critical time.
Democracy from Day One Appeal
Australian Democracy Network, Centre for Public Integrity and Transparency International
The next federal parliament is likely to present a unique opportunity for major reforms in transparency, integrity, and democracy. With a high chance of a minority government and an unprecedentedly diverse crossbench, there is a critical window of opportunity for reforms that strengthen our democracy. Australian Democracy Network, Centre for Public Integrity and Transparency International are seizing this moment to push for stronger electoral laws, limits of corporate influence, better whistleblower protections, an end to pork-barrelling, and parliamentary processes to better support the growing frequency of minority governments.
What we like about this initiative: These organisations are key advocates for accountability and integrity, each bringing unique policy expertise and campaigning power to this collaboration. Their combined strengths are crucial in tackling the significant reform agenda in the first year of the 48th Parliament.
Economic Media Centre: Media training to amplify voices of lived experience
The Economic Media Centre is equipping people with lived experience of economic inequality to shape election coverage and influence policy. Through one-on-one mentoring, media training and pitching support, the Centre’s network of 1,100+ trained spokespeople gain the skills to navigate the election media landscape and secure coverage. Beyond the election, EMC will continue supporting spokespeople to help drive policy solutions in mainstream discourse, ensuring economic inequality remains a priority in the first 100 days of government.
What we like about this initiative: Journalists face increased pressure during an election – tight deadlines, complex policies, and the challenge of finding credible voices that connect with audiences. The Economic Media Centre helps bridge this gap, ensuring media outlets have access to experts with lived experience of economic inequality. Their voices bring depth, authenticity, and real-world insight to election coverage.
Asylum Seeker Resource Centre: Championing the rights of people seeking asylum
The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) is Australia’s largest human rights organisation providing support to people seeking asylum. In the lead-up to previous federal elections, refugees and people seeking asylum have been dehumanised in political discourse, leading to harmful, punitive policies. Through advocacy and refugee-led storytelling, the ASRC continues to build support for policies that uphold the dignity and human rights of refugees and people seeking asylum. To shape the refugee debate during the election, ASRC is implementing a coordinated strategy based on national polling and expert research to drive both immediate impact and long-term change.
What we like about this initiative: The 2022 federal election saw Australians reject fear-based politics and vote for a more humane approach to refugee policy. The ASRC played a key role in keeping refugee rights on the national agenda and will continue to push back against harsh policy. Using proven advocacy tactics, the ASRC is driving a shift toward policies grounded in compassion, human rights and multiculturalism.
Farmers for Climate Action: Building support for clean energy in regional Australia
Farmers for Climate Action (FCA) is a farmer-led organisation focused on climate action to ensure farmers can farm forever. In the lead-up to the election, FCA is driving a targeted media strategy to reach key regions and highlight the economic benefits of climate action and clean energy. FCA is also equipping grassroots farmer members with resources to engage local MPs and hosting media and advocacy briefings to amplify their voices. By linking climate change to rising costs, and demonstrating the economic advantages of clean energy, Farmers for Climate Action will put climate action on the cost-of-living agenda.
What we like about this initiative: FCA is a powerful voice for strong climate policies that support farming communities. The organisation’s evidence-based advocacy highlights the economic benefits of clean energy, helping shift the national conversation. Its recent reports, Quiet Majority and Billions in the Bush, made a significant impact, garnering more than 1,000 media mentions and reinforcing public support for renewables. With a proven ability to drive change, FCA continues to be a leading force in climate advocacy.
Change the Record: Ending family violence against First Nations women and children
Change the Record is the only First Nations-led coalition of legal, health and family violence prevention experts working to end violence against First Nations women and children, and tackle the over-incarceration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Its evidence-based, community-led campaigns amplify First Nations voices and drive systemic change. Since 2020, the Raise the Age campaign has pushed to lift the minimum age of criminal responsibility to at least 14. This year, Change the Record is launching a new national campaign following the conclusion of the Senate Inquiry into Missing and Murdered First Nations Women and Children.
What we like about this initiative: Despite growing public support, efforts to raise the age have stalled in key states, making sustained advocacy more critical than ever. Change the Record is driving the movement forward – mobilising communities, amplifying voices and keeping pressure on policymakers to ensure real reform.
This is not an exhaustive list of organisations driving important advocacy work in the lead-up to the federal election. Find a wide range of funding proposals on our Funding Platform. Filter by location, focus area and target population to find a project that aligns with your funding interests.
Feature image: Saffron Zomer, Executive Director at Australian Democracy Network, at the Stronger Charities Alliance’s launch of the Promoting Certainty, Trust and Independence Bill 2024.