What happens when hundreds of everyday people pool their resources to back bold climate action? “Something magical,” says Arielle Gamble, Co-Founder and CEO of climate giving circle Groundswell. “Suddenly the impossible feels possible.”
Established in 2019, Groundswell is Australia’s first giving circle dedicated to funding strategic, high-impact climate advocacy and action. The group gives through a Collective Giving Fund at Australian Communities Foundation.
Groundswell’s model is built on a simple yet powerful idea: members give $20 a week and vote together on the climate initiatives they want to support.
“This has been the backbone of our grantmaking over the last five years,” explains Arielle. “Together we’ve surfaced some brilliant new ideas to tackle the crisis and helped some of Australia’s strongest climate initiatives reach the next level.”
Building on this momentum, Groundswell launched its Major Giving Circle in late 2024 and has already brought together over 20 major donors to channel over $1 million into “game-changing climate work,” says Arielle. “We’re backing climate leaders at a level that can truly shift the needle.”
Three big lessons from Groundswell’s journey
Over the past year, Groundswell has directed $446,000 into grassroots climate action through its flagship Community Grants program, $529,500 to First Nations-led Caring for Country initiatives, and $1.12 million through the new Major Giving Circle.
From this work, three crucial lessons stand out, says Arielle.
“First, the sheer power that’s unleashed when people fund together – it helps even first-time climate donors step into their power.
“Secondly, philanthropy is at its most powerful when it embraces the beautiful complexity of ecosystem thinking – where we’re not just backing individual projects but weaving together interventions that strengthen the entire movement,” says Arielle.
“And perhaps most thrilling of all – we’ve seen how the right funding at the right moment can ignite transformative change.”
Climate intersects with everything
With climate and environmental giving on the rise, Arielle says donors are increasingly turning their focus to climate because they recognise how it cuts across other cause areas.
“When schools close during a heatwave, that’s a climate education issue. When homes become uninsurable due to flood risk, that’s a climate housing issue,” she says. “Whatever your philanthropic focus – gender, youth, health – there’s always a climate connection.
“Climate stability isn’t just another cause – it’s the foundation that makes all other progress possible.”
Justice at the centre
A commitment to climate justice runs through Groundswell’s approach. “Climate justice isn’t just a phrase for us,” says Arielle. “It’s the beating heart of everything we do because it recognises a brutal truth: those who’ve contributed least to the climate crisis often suffer its worst impacts first.”
For Groundswell, justice means “philanthropy built on genuine partnership”.
“Our approach to First Nations-led climate work is grounded in deep listening and self-determination,” adds Arielle.
“We’re constantly asking: Who’s missing from the table? Who’s not being heard? When we talk about a just transition, we’re thinking about coal communities facing industry change, renters unable to access solar, young people inheriting this crisis, and many others who risk being left behind.”
What’s next for Groundswell?
Looking ahead, Arielle and the Groundswell team are energised by three big initiatives:
- Community Grantmaking – In June, Groundswell will open its next round of Community Grantmaking, which has powered so much of the collective’s impact to date – “helping grassroots champions grow into national powerhouses,” says Arielle.
- Major Giving Circle expansion – Groundswell is inviting 10 new major donors to supercharge support for proven climate leaders with speed, scale and ambition.
- The Undercurrent Fund – A new core fund backing Groundswell’s “below-the-surface” work to ensure they can self-sustain as an impact multiplier for the climate movement.
“These are three powerful ways to get involved, step into community, and power climate impact that’s bigger than any of us alone,” says Arielle.
Just getting started in climate philanthropy?
Arielle has some advice for those feeling overwhelmed. “Take a deep breath – you’re not alone in feeling this way,” she says. “We created Groundswell because we were overwhelmed too, standing in your shoes not long ago.
“The secret is finding your people. Groundswell was built for exactly that – to connect you with a community of like-minded folks, trusted experts and strategies that make your heart say: this is where I can make a difference.”
Arielle also credits the support Groundswell receives as part of the Australian Communities Foundation community as a contributor to the group’s success.
“Australian Communities Foundation has helped us every step of the way to make our giving circle a success,” says Arielle. “The team’s care, efficiency and expertise ensure our donor community and grant partners are supported with all enquiries – allowing us to focus on what matters most: growing the movement.”
After all, she says, “The climate challenge is too vast for lone heroes – but together, we’re building something extraordinary.”
Learn more about Collective Giving
Feature image: Arielle Gamble, Co-Founder and CEO, Groundswell.
