Our focus areas
Strengthening Democracy is one of our five key focus areas, guiding the way we give at Australian Communities Foundation.
Making a difference
Democracy For Sale 2019 Grantee Partner
In 2019, the Impact Fund raised $150,000 for an impact and outreach campaign for the upcoming documentary The Democracy Project, directed by Craig Reucassel.
The Democracy Project is an upcoming social impact documentary that follows actor and comedian Christiaan Van Vuuren (Soul Mates; Bondi Hipsters) as he pulls back the curtain on the relationship between money and power in Australia. Provocative and timely, the film is a wakeup call to all Australians about the frightening extent to which money has infiltrated politics in our country, why we should care, and ultimately, how we might work together to ensure our democracy is safeguarded from sale to the highest bidder. The film brings together the diverse skill sets of an accomplished creative team that uses comedy as a tool to inform and effect positive social change.
Progress on Strengthening Democracy
The Alannah & Madeline Foundation
Gun control and community safety
$60,000 (2017 – 2019)
- Australia’s first coalition for gun law reform established, bringing together 30 organisations to provide a credible alternative voice to the gun lobby on firearms policy for the first time
Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility
Using shareholder activism to build civil power in capital
$150,000 (2018 – 2020)
- Increased pressure from Qantas shareholders for the airline to cease its involvement in the forced deportation of people who have sought asylum in Australia
Public Interest Journalism Initiative
Securing a strong and viable future for public interest journalism in Australia
$150,000 (2017 – 2019)
- One of Australia’s only independent initiatives focused on public interest journalism established and supported to undertake research on its decline, particularly in regional areas
Give to the Impact Fund
Support the work of our country’s leading changemakers for a fairer and more sustainable Australia.