Recent anti-immigration rallies and attacks on First Nations spaces reflect a troubling rise in racism and movements that undermine inclusion and democratic values.
These events have damaged social cohesion, threatened community safety, and emboldened ideologies rooted in racial exclusion. The ‘March for Australia’ rallies, widely condemned for their ties to white nationalism, have put communities of colour at risk and highlighted the urgent need for coordinated responses.
Philanthropy has a vital role to play in countering these forces by supporting organisations that challenge hate, promote belonging, and advance racial justice. Yet this work remains critically underfunded. The Australian Human Rights Commission has documented entrenched racism across public systems, and its National Anti-Racism Framework calls for a whole-of-society approach – including sustained investment in community-led solutions.
Despite this, racial justice organisations, particularly those led by people of colour, continue to face systemic barriers to funding. Research shows a lack of cultural diversity across Australia’s philanthropic sector, limiting access and equity for racial justice organisations.
To shift the dial, philanthropy must prioritise funding for community-led, culturally grounded organisations working at the frontlines of racial justice. Here are five organisations doing vital work in this space. Their leadership, insight, and advocacy are essential to building a more inclusive and equitable Australia.
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Democracy in Colour: Movement building, advocacy and solidarity for racial justice
📍National
Democracy in Colour is Australia’s first racial and economic justice organisation led entirely by people of colour. It runs strategic campaigns to challenge racism in politics, media, migration, and climate policy. With a national supporter base of 16,000+, it amplifies the voices of marginalised communities through grassroots organising, advocacy, and storytelling rooted in lived experience.
Why we recommend: Democracy in Colour leads powerful, community-driven campaigns that influence public debate and policy. Its independence from government funding ensures it stays true to its mission and the communities it serves. With a clear strategy focused on movement building, advocacy, and solidarity, Democracy in Colour is well-placed to continue driving progress towards racial justice.
Institute for Collaborative Race Research: Collaboration between expert scholars on anti-racism
📍National
The Institute for Collaborative Race Research (ICRR) is an independent, First Nations-led organisation advancing anti-racism through research, public education, and community engagement. The Institute’s work includes reports, commentary, public events, workshops, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. ICRR centres First Nations perspectives and lived experience, using legal, political, cultural, and creative strategies to challenge racial injustice and support community-led change.
Why we recommend: Free from institutional or government funding, ICRR produces work that supports truth-telling, community empowerment, and systemic change. Led by scholars with extensive expertise and deep community ties, ICRR combines rigorous research with cultural insight.
ANTAR: ‘Justice, rights and respect for Australia’s First Nations Peoples’
📍National
ANTAR is a national advocacy organisation committed to justice, rights, and respect for First Nations peoples. Since 1997, ANTAR has championed native title rights and continues to advance systemic reform through truth-telling, treaty processes, and the Uluru Statement from the Heart. ANTAR leads national campaigns and policy advocacy on efforts to close the gap in health, education, and life outcomes, as well as justice reform, cultural heritage protection and anti-racism education.
Why we recommend: Governed by a majority First Nations board, ANTAR partners closely with communities to amplify First Nations leadership. In a landscape where only 0.5% of philanthropic funding reaches First Nations-led organisations, supporting groups like ANTAR directly empowers Indigenous leadership and ensures culturally informed, impactful advocacy for justice and reconciliation.
National Justice Project – ‘Strategic legal action for a fair and equitable society’
📍National
The National Justice Project (NJP) is an independent, not-for-profit legal service and human rights law firm based in Australia. It was established in 2016 with a mission to eradicate systemic discrimination and promote justice, fairness, and inclusivity through strategic legal action, advocacy, education, and innovation.
Why we recommend: NJP is uniquely placed to deliver legal, cultural, and systemic change. Its independence ensures advocacy remains uncompromised, amplifying the voices of communities experiencing injustice, including First Nations peoples, refugees, and people with disabilities. By combining evidence-based legal action with community partnerships, NJP drives reforms where they are most urgently needed.
The Racial Justice Centre: Using the legal system, education and reform to eliminate racism
📍 National
The Racial Justice Centre (RJC) is Australia’s only legal service focused exclusively on racial justice. It offers free legal support, strategic litigation, and policy reform to challenge systemic racism. Founded by lawyers with lived experience of discrimination, RJC empowers communities and holds institutions accountable through intersectional, community-led legal advocacy.
Why we recommend: RJC was founded by lawyers and community leaders with both legal expertise and lived experience of intersectional discrimination, giving it a powerful foundation to address systemic racism through legal, educational, and policy channels. With 150+ pro bono clients and 55 active cases, RJC urgently needs funding to scale its programs, meet growing demand, and strengthen long-term capacity for racial justice advocacy.
This is not an exhaustive list of organisations supporting racial justice. 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.
