“It’s been eye-opening to learn how strategic, flexible funding can empower communities and drive meaningful, sustainable change,” says Hayley Nissim, Head of Social Impact at the Schneider Electric Foundation.
Established in 2019, the Pacific arm of the Schneider Foundation has been backing bold community-led solutions to some of today’s biggest challenges.
With the support of Australian Communities Foundation (ACF), Schneider has developed a grant program that’s deeply aligned with its purpose – promoting sustainability, enabling access to energy, and training youth to improve their quality of life and job prospects. To date, the Fund has delivered over $1.4 million in funding to organisations making a real difference across the Pacific region, including WWF, Australian Wildlife Conservancy, and Sustainable Coastlines.
With ACF Advisory supporting another Schneider grant round this year, we sat down with Hayley Nissim, Schneider Electric Foundation’s Head of Social Impact, to explore the highlights of their journey so far, the organisation’s social impact goals, and how working with ACF has helped strengthen their giving.
Tell us about Schneider Electric and the work you do at the Foundation.
Schneider’s purpose is to create impact by empowering all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. The SE Pacific Foundation, which I run, is part of a network of Schneider Electric (SE) Foundations around the world. I work with our partners in Australia and New Zealand, who are supporting underserved youth to find a pathway into employment through education. In addition to this, I head up our giving platform where SE generously matches all donations up to $5,000 per employee per year, as well as managing our volunteer program, which sees Schneider gift all employees three days of volunteer leave per calendar year.
How does Schneider’s giving align with the organisation’s broader values or social impact goals?
Schneider Electric supports local communities through initiatives that promote sustainability, education, and inclusion. Through the Schneider Electric Foundation, we partner with organisations like the Beacon Foundation to deliver career readiness programs for youth, reflecting our commitment to empowering future generations. These efforts are part of our global Schneider Sustainability Impact program, which drives progress toward environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals, including access to education worldwide.
What have been some of the highlights or learnings from your granting experience so far?
Seeing the direct impact of funding on grassroots initiatives and building relationships with passionate changemakers. It’s been eye-opening to learn how strategic, flexible funding can empower communities and drive meaningful, sustainable change. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the importance of listening to lived experience, ensuring equity in the grant process, and staying adaptable to community needs.
What inspired Schneider to partner with ACF on its granting? How has the partnership helped you strengthen your approach?
Partnering with ACF has allowed us to access deep community insights, collaborative networks, and a values-led approach to giving. It strengthens our funding strategy by ensuring our investments are guided by the most up-to-date information aligned with real community needs. Our partnership with ACF offers us shared learning opportunities, pooled resources, and access to guidelines, principles, and knowledge. I believe the partnership allows us and our donors to build deeper trust, transparency, and accountability in our social impact work.
What advice would you give to other funders – whether individuals or organisations – looking to create meaningful impact through their philanthropy?
To create meaningful impact through philanthropy, I say prioritise equity and support long-term, systemic change. Where possible, look to collaborate with others to amplify impact. Ensure you have measures in place to track success and remain open to learning and adapting. Personally, I like to fund grassroots social enterprises where you can develop a deeper relationship. Above all, be guided by a willingness to challenge the status quo.
