For nearly a decade, the Impact Fund has been at the heart of Australian Communities Foundation’s (ACF) work in advancing social, economic, and environmental justice.
Through the collective generosity of our giving community and beyond, the Impact Fund has mobilised over $10 million, bringing together hundreds of funders to support transformative initiatives in inequality, the environment, First Nations self-determination, and democracy.
From marriage equality to improved energy standards in Australian homes, our collaborative funding has played a role in more than 20 milestones for a fairer and more sustainable Australia.
Now, as the Impact Fund approaches its tenth anniversary in 2026, we’re reflecting on its impact and evolving its strategy to ensure it remains a powerful catalyst for change.
A Strategic Refresh for the Future
As ACF embarks on developing its new strategic plan, we are taking this moment to assess and refine the Impact Fund’s approach. We recognise shifts in the philanthropic landscape, the evolving needs of our partners, and ACF’s own growth as a foundation. This strategic refresh will help us determine how to sustain and strengthen the Impact Fund’s role in driving systemic change.
This strategic refresh will help us determine how to sustain and strengthen the Impact Fund’s role in driving systemic change
We are committed to understanding what is needed to maintain momentum – both for our donors and our not-for-profit partners. We want to explore how ACF can best leverage its influence and resources to support changemakers in tackling the most pressing challenges of our time.
Listening to Our Community
To ensure this work is grounded in the insights and experiences of those we collaborate with, we are engaging in community consultations throughout the first half of 2025. These discussions will help shape the future of the Impact Fund and inform a new model that strengthens its effectiveness and impact.
We will share the insights gathered and a proposed new framework in the second half of the year, keeping you updated throughout the process.
What This Means for 2025
As we undertake this deep strategic work, the Impact Fund’s approach will look a little different in 2025. Instead of the usual Showcase Large Grant Round, we will be supporting our community partners with agile and responsive granting throughout the year. This flexible approach will allow us to direct funds where they are most needed while maintaining our commitment to collaborative philanthropy.
We will continue to provide co-funding opportunities, as well as dedicated spaces for changemakers and donors to connect on issues of national significance through Learning Circles and other ACF events. Stay tuned for details.
Join the Conversation
ACF remains steadfast in its commitment to making impactful giving accessible through our Impact Fund. This strategic refresh is about ensuring we do this work even better – more effectively, inclusively and sustainably.
We want to explore how ACF can best leverage its influence and resources to support changemakers in tackling the most pressing challenges of our time
If you would like to learn more about the Impact Fund’s evolution or how to be involved in our upcoming consultations, please contact Laura Mannix, Philanthropy Lead: [email protected].
We look forward to shaping the future of the Impact Fund together.
To learn more about the Impact Fund, click here.
