Thirty-seven amazing Australians working in areas as diverse as technology, inclusion, sustainability and Indigenous innovation are set to make a positive impact through AMP’s $1 million Tomorrow Fund.
Since 2014, the Tomorrow Fund has provided $6 million in grants to hundreds of Australians who are working to make a difference in our community.
Known as AMP Tomorrow Makers, these award winners work in a variety of fields, including science, social innovation, sport, technology, education and more. The grants aim to help people take the passions they have been toiling away on to the next level.
Our 2019 winners range in age from 19 to 59 and come from across Australia – from Broome to Hobart. This year there are more female Tomorrow Makers, reflecting the higher female application rate (62%).
Helen Liondos, Head of Sustainability and the AMP Foundation, said:
“Six years into this program, it’s apparent that there is an inexhaustible supply of innovative, community-minded Australians who are working with small budgets to make a big social impact.
“Their passion and commitment often hide the fact that they are not well resourced. Some are juggling two jobs to make ends meet; others are combining research with clinical practice or teaching, while many draw on dedicated volunteers to make a difference in the community.”
Ms Liondos said these experiences reflected AMP Foundation research conducted earlier in 2019 that found 67% of Australians were working on a side project.
“For these entrepreneurial Australians, the AMP Tomorrow Fund is a very attractive program given its flexibility. Award winners can use their grants to fund a wide range of items that will help them achieve their goal – whether it’s a vital piece of equipment, training or travel. We know from experience that a well-timed boost can make all the difference to a project’s success.”
The 2019 AMP Tomorrow Makers include:
- Anne Thompson runs Sustainable Schoolwear, which provides school uniforms that are made from recycled plastic.
- Gemma Sharp is developing a world-first body image focused ‘chatbot’ that uses artificial intelligence to connect with social media users.
- Corey Tutt is a young Kamilaroi man who set up the Deadly Science program, which delivers books and resources to spark a love of science in rural and remote Indigenous students.
- Erika Gleeson founded Autism Swim which trains aquatic professionals to teach people with autism swimming, water safety and water therapy.
- Danny Hui drew on his family experience to create the ‘sameview’ platform, which streamlines communication between the many support workers involved in the care of children with disability.
For the full list of 2019 Tomorrow Makers, as well as profiles and videos, visit ampstomorrowfund.com.au.