Julie Berry

Future2 Foundation supported more than 1,200 people in 2025 and awarded 12 grants to programs assisting vulnerable and under-served groups, including women experiencing financial hardship, young people, and First Nations communities, according to its latest Impact Report.

The report highlights Future2’s work in delivering real, measurable impact in communities across Australia. In total, $128,842 in funding was distributed in November 2024 to programs across multiple states and communities nationwide.

Future2 is the charitable foundation of the financial services profession. Through its Make the Difference! Grants Program, it funds grassroots, community-led initiatives that improve financial wellbeing for Australians in need.

Julie Berry CFP, chair of the Future2 Foundation, said it is inspiring to see how the grants are making a tangible impact at a local community level.

“Our aim is to support programs that are practical and outcomes-focused, helping people build financial capability, confidence and independence. The Impact Report demonstrates how our grants program supports projects that are credible, meaningful, and truly making a difference in the community.

“One such program is Kids in Philanthropy’s ‘Pitch for Change’, a hands-on initiative that builds financial literacy in young Australians through a philanthropy lens. In 2025, with a $10,000 grant from Future2, the program engaged 262 Melbourne school students aged 5 to 12. These students supported four charities and reached more than 2,200 people in need through their own fundraising and giving initiatives.

“Another example is MoneyMob Talkabout, which provides financial literacy training in remote First Nations communities. With additional funding of $7,500 contributed by AIA Australia, the program was delivered in East Arnhem Land, further extending its impact. The training is culturally tailored and addresses knowledge gaps not typically covered in school or through family networks.

“In addition, several programs funded in 2024 support women experiencing financial hardship, including those impacted by domestic and family violence. For example, Financial Superwomen Online Workshops help female survivors of violence build financial skills, confidence and independence.

“All of these programs are making a real difference to the lives and financial futures of Australians in need.

“Financial literacy is a pathway to long-term wellbeing and resilience, and Future2 funds impactful, measurable initiatives that strengthen financial capability across the community.

“It is also encouraging to see the financial services industry come together to support meaningful change, as a collective effort driving real community impact.

“Our partners play a key role in supporting this work, both in raising funds and delivering them to deserving programs. We are especially grateful to our strategic partner AIA Australia, as well as HUB24, Vital Business Partners (VBP), Spark Financial Group, Sufficient Funds, Collective Resourcing, and Milford.

“In addition, our community partners – Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA), SMSF Association, Financial Services Council, Institute of Public Accountants, Boutique Financial Planning Principals Association, and Ensombl – provide invaluable support in helping us connect with the financial services community,” Ms Berry said.

Applications for the next round of program funding will open on 9 July 2026 and close on 20 August 2026.

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Jodi Kennedy

Advances in medical science benefit everyone and this UNESCO World Health Day on 7 April, Equity Trustees is highlighting the important role structured giving plays in supporting Australia’s medical researchers and health care providers in delivering better health outcomes for all.

Charitable giving remains a vital source of funding in parts of the health sector – including medical research, disability services, healthcare access, mental health and wellbeing, and medical support services.

Equity Trustees facilitated $101.9 million in charitable grants and bequests directed to the for-purpose sector in 2025, with 39% of that funding going to support medical research and health initiatives.

“Philanthropic giving is a key element in the funding mix allowing medical researchers and health providers to continue their important work. We’re proud to support philanthropists who are making a meaningful difference to health outcomes in our community,” said Jodi Kennedy, General Manager of Philanthropy and Community Trustee Services at Equity Trustees.

One powerful example of this is the Equity Trustees Medical Research and Health Partnership Program, which combines the strength of 28 philanthropic trusts to help fuel breakthroughs in medical research. The Program has committed $7 million over five years to the Translational Research Institute Foundation, Monash Partners Academic Health Science Centre, and Sydney Health Partners, to support their groundbreaking medical research and advance the future of Australian healthcare. This adds to $10 million already committed to the Program since its establishment in 2017.

“As the trustee of more than 1200 philanthropic funds, Equity Trustees can align trusts with similar goals and help to coordinate their giving. This magnifies their impact, while continuing to honour the intent of every client who entrusts us with their legacy,” Ms Kennedy said.

“By facilitating funding through these partnerships with leading research organisations, we’re helping to accelerate medical discoveries and advancements in healthcare that can improve lives for generations to come.”

Ms Kennedy said ongoing philanthropic support through giving structures such as the philanthropic funds, trusts and foundations that contribute to the Equity Trustees Medical Research and Health Partnership Program delivers much greater impact than making one-off contributions.

“Establishing a private or public giving fund gives families the opportunity to dedicate charitable capital, receive immediate tax benefits, and provide ongoing support to eligible charities. This approach to giving is sustainable and creates enduring value for initiatives – whether that’s backing breakthroughs in medical science, or fostering developments in areas such as education, the environment, or community development,” Ms Kennedy said.

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Across 12 months of significant growth and impact, the Foundation provided a record $570,836 to take its total giving to almost $1.5 million since its first grant in 2020.

The real-life power of this is outlined in the Foundation’s 2025 Impact Report which was released on Wednesday.

“Our charity partners are the ones creating real change every day, and the work they are doing is amazing,” said Paul Olds, People First Bank Foundation Executive Officer. “They are literally changing people’s lives for the better, day in and day out.”

This work includes placing life-saving phones in the hands of domestic violence survivors, mentoring young people at critical crossroads, helping women rebuild their lives after homelessness, improving literacy in remote communities, and providing stability for children forced to leave their homes.

People First Bank employees also provided significant support throughout the year, contributing 766 hours of volunteering along with fundraising, matched giving and community initiatives.

“By supporting these charities, we’re helping ensure more people can access safety, opportunity and the support they need during some very difficult times,” Paul said. “The stories shared throughout this Impact Report remind us of the powerful difference we can make when we work together.”

In 2025, the Foundation’s key charity partners were DV Safe Phone, Youth Insearch, Protea Place, Backpacks 4 SA Kids, Raise Foundation, and the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation.

The People First Bank Foundation’s work was further strengthened through its four Sub-Funds — Alpine Community Project, Clewley Campbell Charity Community Fund, Weis Community Fund and Women & Change — each helping support charities tackling social challenges and building stronger communities.

Looking ahead, the People First Bank Foundation’s impact will only increase as it continues to grow strongly. In 2024-25, the financial support provided to charities increased by 23%, hours volunteered with charity partners lifted 84% and its total asset base rose by a very healthy 17%.

“Growth and long-term sustainability means more communities can benefit in the years to come, with the Foundation focused on strengthening relationships with charity partners, growing supporter engagement, and helping to create long lasting positive impacts for people in need in the communities we serve,” Paul said.

Read the report.

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Jodi Kennedy

As the world marks UNESCO’s International Women’s Day on 8 March, Equity Trustees is supporting the work of Australian Investing in Women (AIIW) to promote gender-wise giving.

Research by AIIW demonstrates how gender equality leads to safer societies, more productive economies and a fairer world for all of us. When we invest in women, communities thrive, economies strengthen and progress accelerates for everyone

Australia ranked 24^th in the world for gender equality but there are many critical areas in which charitable giving remains a vital source of funding to support women’s contributions, in areas such as scientific research, including medical fields in Australia where women comprise 52% of the research workforce[1].

“Philanthropic giving plays a key role in ensuring female scientists and researchers have the resources and opportunities they need to excel,: said Jodi Kennedy, General Manager of Philanthropy and Community Trustee Services at Equity Trustees. “We’re proud to support philanthropists who are making a meaningful difference in the scientific community.”

One standout example is the Dyson Bequest, managed by Equity Trustees. The Dyson Bequest Fellowship at the Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research is a five-year commitment that invests directly in the development of women scientists and medical researchers.

This initiative not only supports individual career advancement but also contributes to improved health outcomes for communities everywhere.

The Dyson Bequest marked its 25^th year in 2025, with two generations of the family carrying on the legacy. Rose Gilder, daughter of Janie Dyson who founded the Bequest with her husband Bruce Dyson, works closely with John Dyson, nephew of Bruce and Janie Dyson, to lead the granting.

“We’ve met some extraordinary women doing life-changing work. I’d like to think we’ve played a small part in helping them get there,” Rose Gilder said, reflecting on the impact the Bequest is having on creating pathways for women in science.

Ms Kennedy said structured giving, like the Dyson Bequest, which is stewarded through the Equity Trustees Charitable Foundation, extends well beyond one-off donations.

“Giving funds, whether private or public funds, allow families to set aside charitable capital, gain immediate tax deductions, actively grow their funds and financially support eligible charities over the long term,” she said.

“This sustainable approach to philanthropy ensures a lasting impact – whether that’s supporting initiatives that advance gender equity in science, or making a difference in areas including education, the environment, or community development.”

Equity Trustees is responsible for distributing more than $100 million of philanthropic money to our community annually. Stewarding more than $360 million, the Equity Trustees Charitable Foundation empowers individuals, families and organisations across Australia to practice structured giving during their lifetime.

This International Women’s Day, take the next step towards lasting change – discover how structured giving can support gender equity and the causes closest to your heart here.

ENDS

MEDIA INQUIRIES

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Anthony Miller

Westpac has announced a new strategic direction for its community and philanthropic investment, aligning all efforts to address the critical issue of education.

Under this new approach, the Westpac, St.George, BankSA and Bank of Melbourne Foundations will combine resources and direct investment towards maths and reading programs in Australian primary schools.

Westpac CEO Anthony Miller says improving literacy and numeracy is one of the nation’s most pressing challenges and will unlock opportunities for a better future.

“When we invest in education, we’re investing in Australia’s future,” Miller said.

“Today, one in three Australian kids is not meeting the benchmarks we’ve set in numeracy and literacy¹. This gap almost doubles in some of Australia’s most disadvantaged communities.

“Every child deserves the chance to unlock their potential, no matter where they live or what challenges they face, and that starts with the basics – being able to read and do maths.

“We’re refining the focus of Westpac Foundation and uniting all our philanthropic and community investment programs to drive a greater impact and scale.”

Investing in leading education charities

Through the new program, Westpac will invest $3 million to partner with three leading education charities working to deliver systemic change in schools:

1. Australian Schools Plus. A not-for-profit organisation founded following a recommendation in the first Gonski review, driving equity in education so all young Australians have the opportunity to thrive. Westpac will work with Schools Plus to deliver a new coaching model proven to support school leaders to improve students’ maths and reading outcomes.
2. The Australian Business and Community Network (ABCN). A not-for-profit organisation dedicated to connecting students from under-resourced communities with mentors to enhance their educational and career opportunities. Westpac will work with ABCN to develop a new mentoring program, connecting school principals and business mentors to build leadership capacity in schools.
3. Springboard Trust. An organisation that delivers mentoring and leadership programs for school principals in New Zealand’s education sector. Similar mentoring opportunities will be provided to Westpac NZ employees.

New education grants

In addition, the Westpac Foundation will launch a new, single grants program to support education charities working with local schools and organisations helping to keep children engaged and able to learn. The grants will launch in 2026 and are expected to award approximately $4 million annually through:

• School Grants:  $1 million per year for three years via a principal partner to schools in need.
• Innovation Grants: Eight multi-year grants for local organisations, totalling $400,000 per year.
• Collaboration Grants: Two multi-year grants to drive long-term impact, totalling $200,000 per year across two partner organisations.

The new focus of the Foundation will complement the existing work supporting education that’s underway through the Westpac Scholars Trust, which has a $100 million commitment to award 100 scholarships each year to university students, researchers and social innovators.

Sherrill Nixon, CEO, Australian Schools Plus said: “This investment is an exciting step forward in addressing one of Australia’s most pressing education challenges. By focusing on literacy and numeracy, this partnership will support schools to deliver meaningful and lasting improvements for students.”

Phil Gardner, CEO, Australian Business and Community Network said: “Strong school leadership is an effective way to strengthen literacy and numeracy outcomes for students. When principals are supported by experienced business mentors, they can create the conditions for students to thrive and build the foundational skills that support learning now and into the future.”

Westpac Foundation will appoint former NSW Education Minister Adrian Piccoli to its Board to help ensure the new strategy makes a credible contribution to the sector.

Mr Piccoli said: “Significant and persistent disparities remain in education outcomes for Australian children facing social, geographic and educational disadvantage. Narrowing and ultimately closing this gap is key to increased future productivity and prosperity for this country.”

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Chris Cuffe

The Third Link Growth Fund has released FY 25 Impact Report, highlighting a year of record donations, bringing total charitable contributions since inception to approximately $23.5 million.

The Third Link Growth Fund is a unique Australian equities fund-of funds, designed to deliver competitive long-term returns while simultaneously supporting impactful charitable outcomes. What truly sets the Fund apart is its structure. No performance fees are charged, either by its underlying fund managers or at the Fund level, resulting in materially lower costs for investors and, over time, stronger net returns. Importantly, the management fees incurred by investors, post expenses, are donated to charity, enhancing the Fund’s positive impact.

Chris Cuffe, Founder and CIO of the Third Link Growth Fund noted, “Third Link is guided by a simple but powerful idea: that strong, long-term investment returns and meaningful community impact do not have to be mutually exclusive. In FY25 alone, the Fund donated more than $1.7 million, bringing total charitable contributions since inception to approximately $23.5 million as at 30 June 2025.

“Our philanthropic approach is deliberate and focused. We aim to partner with a small number of organisations that take a systems based approach to tackling complex social issues – working collaboratively with key stakeholders and complementary services to create lasting change.

“Our giving reflects a national footprint, representative of our investor base and grounded in the belief that a prosperous Australia is one in which all people can thrive, regardless of background, ethnicity, gender, ability, or geographic location.”

The report highlighted the three pillars of impact:

1. Amplify: Amplifying the voice of young people. Ensuring young people are agents in conversations that concern them and their futures.
2. Employ: Pathways for employment for at risk young people. Supporting organisations that work towards employability for the most disadvantaged and at-risk young people.
3. Catalyse: Funding organisations that are having a systemic impact, including advancing informed public debate.

“The impact Third Link is able to deliver would not be possible without the generosity and shared commitment of our investment partners. Our underlying fund managers rebate their management fees and do not charge performance fees, enabling all management fees incurred by investors, post expenses, to be donated directly to our charity partners,” added Cuffe.

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Kate Saunders

The Australian Ethical Foundation announced that it has awarded $1.5 million in grants to organisations focused on nature and climate justice.

In August 2025, Australian Ethical Investment announced a record annual distribution of $2.5 million to its Foundation for grants supporting organisations and initiatives advancing climate justice and resilience, unlocking capital for the protection and restoration of nature, and driving place-based nature solutions. This record-breaking year brings its total donations to over $13 million since 2000.

Each year, Australian Ethical Investment allocates 10% of its annual profits* to its Foundation. This innovative funding model channels resources into high-impact projects that create scalable solutions for the urgent climate challenge, acting as a catalyst for sustainable change.

This year, the Foundation reset its strategy to focus largely on nature and climate justice. It is specifically targeting systemic interventions that drive change and seeking opportunities to provide catalytic and strategic funding to initiatives and organisations focused on nature-based solutions, including many that are First Nations-led.

Australian Ethical Head of Foundation Kate Saunders said, “We’re proud to announce a strategic shift in our funding priorities, with a focus on nature protection and restoration, climate resilience and justice, and a commitment to supporting First Nations-led organisations and projects wherever possible.

World Economic Forum analysis (2020) found that over half of the world’s total GDP, approximately US$44 trillion in economic value generation, is moderately or highly dependent on nature and its services. This includes industries such as construction, agriculture, and food and beverages¹.

“Despite the urgency of the environmental crisis, less than 4% of philanthropic giving in Australia goes towards the environment, with only a small proportion of this dedicated to nature. The degradation of nature threatens our food, water, air, health, and life as we know it. If left unchecked, we will see an acceleration of climate change and biodiversity loss, and an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. These impacts will be catastrophic for our communities, ecosystems, and economy, and will disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, especially First Nations communities.” Said Saunders.

A total of $1.55 million has so far been allocated to grant recipients including: Australian Democracy Network, Environmental Justice Australia, Accounting for Nature, Indigigrow, ACOSS, Environs Kimberley, Original Power, Environment Centre NT, Groundswell Major Giving Circle, WWF Australia, Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council and Places You Love Alliance.

The remaining $1 million will be allocated by the end of FY26, giving the Foundation opportunity to establish additional strategic partnerships and provide responsive funding to organisations and initiatives throughout the year.

The new Foundation strategy aligns closely with Australian Ethical’s broader stewardship, corporate engagement, regulatory advocacy and policy activities. In addition, Australian Ethical’s private market investment team’s mandate includes natural capital investments within its investment universe.

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Neil Younger

Entireti Foundation, the charity backed by Australia’s leading licensing and business services provider Entireti, donated $51,000 last year to help society’s most vulnerable people, boosting total giving since inception to over $900,000.

Charities supported by Entireti Foundation in 2025 included Love Mercy, Finnan’s Gift, Global Development Group, Moira Kelly Creating Hope Foundation, Zephyr Education and Beat the Burn.

This year, the foundation aims to double its giving by raising $100,000 across the Entireti advice communities and employees.

At the Entireti Foundation Annual General Meeting in December, committee members agreed to broaden the charity’s scope, which has historically focused on supporting vulnerable women and children, to also include charities that support the homeless and those suffering from mental illness.

Simone Munro, Entireti Executive General Manager People and Brand, and Entireti Foundation Director, said the decision to expand the foundation’s reach enabled it to potentially support additional causes championed by some of Entireti’s newest member firms.

Entireti has grown significantly in the past three years through both organic activity and M&A. The group acquired Australian Unity Personal Financial Services in 2023 and the AMP Advice businesses in 2024.

“Donations received by the foundation go directly to projects that provide safety, education and opportunity for society’s most needy and vulnerable, especially women and children facing poverty, homelessness and violence,” Munro said.

“We are proud to support our remarkable charities and so incredibly grateful for the generosity of our employees, advisers and business partners.”

Rebecca Lloyd, Chief Executive Officer of Love Mercy Australia, said Entireti’s support over many years had contributed significantly to over 32,000 women in northern Uganda being reached through the group’s Cents for Seeds program, financial literacy training and emergency healthcare and medical services.

“Entireti has been part of creating transformational change for thousands of lives in Uganda, change that will continue for generations to come,” she said.

Neil Younger, Chief Executive Officer of Entireti said the foundation was aiming to double its giving to $100,000 in 2026, which would see it achieve $1 million in donations since inception in 2011.

“We often talk about our strategic plans to deliver more services and help advisers efficiently deliver quality advice and grow their business, but we’re also passionate about philanthropy and giving back,” he said.

“We want to increase awareness of the Foundation at our conferences, PD days and events to give more people an opportunity to collectively contribute and make a difference to these great causes.”

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Kate Stone

With the festive season fast approaching, Australians are being encouraged to embrace the spirit of giving in a way that lasts well beyond Christmas morning, while at the same time reducing their immediate tax liabilities.

Kate Stone, Head of Philanthropic Giving at Australian Philanthropic Services, said while the end of the year often inspires spontaneous generosity, now is also the perfect time to make philanthropy a lasting part of family and financial planning.

“The festive season brings out the best in people, and we see enormous generosity across the country at this time of year,” Ms Stone said.

“But for many charities, that generosity peaks in December and then drops sharply once the celebrations end. The initial donation to establish a Private Ancillary Fund (PAF) or a sub-fund within a Public Ancillary Fund (PuAF) is tax-deductible, and the funds within the structure are invested tax-free, growing the capital available for charity over time.

“This means your festive season generosity can keep giving, year after year.”

Structured giving allows individuals and families to make a significant commitment to their chosen causes. The APS 2025 Client Survey highlights the growing role that PAFs and Giving Funds play in enabling Australians to give strategically, efficiently and with long-term impact.

“Our clients are deeply motivated by purpose, and these vehicles create a legacy of giving,” Ms Stone said.

“There’s plenty of scope to grow giving in Australia. ATO data shows that while the size of donations is increasing over time, the number of donors is shrinking. Giving structures buck this trend. There are now 3,500 private and public ancillary funds in Australia , showing that more and more givers are seeing the benefits of giving in a considered, future-focused way.”

“Setting up a giving fund is one of the most powerful and positive New Year’s resolutions a family can make. It allows you to take a strategic approach, supporting causes you are passionate about well beyond the festive season. It can also be a wonderful way to connect the family within and across generations by giving back together”

Ms Stone said that while Christmas is a time of celebration for many, it also shines a light on the needs that remain across the community.

“This time of year reminds us that not everyone experiences the season the same way. For some, it’s a time of loneliness or financial pressure,” Ms Stone said.

“Philanthropy gives people a way to respond to that through supporting organisations that provide shelter, food relief, mental health support, or gifts to ensure every child finds joy in the season.

Since its establishment 13 years ago, APS clients have given away more than $1.3 billion to charities and now have over $2.4 billion in funds irrevocably donated into ancillary funds for future charitable use. APS consistently establishes roughly one-third of all PAFs created in Australia each year.

“The festive season is a natural time to think about giving, and establishing a philanthropic fund turns that seasonal impulse into something that lasts,” Ms Stone said.

“It’s a way to celebrate what you have by creating something that keeps giving back, not just this Christmas, but every year to come.”

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Chosen from a competitive field of 129 applications from every state and territory, the nine organisations selected are: Common Ground, Ember Connect, Global Sisters, Prison Network, Protea Place, SisterWorks, Stepping Stone Social Enterprise, The Social Outfit and WomenCAN Australia.

These partners all support women most impacted by economic inequality – including rural and regional women, incarcerated women, First Nations women, migrant and refugee women, single mothers and women with disability – to access meaningful and sustainable work.

Caroline Gurney, CEO of Future Generation, said: “Gender inequality is holding our country back. Our new partners are doing vital work to help some of Australia’s most vulnerable women build the foundations for economic independence and security. We are delighted to welcome them into the Future Generation family.”

FGW has also announced three new members to its Advisory Committee – Georgina Byron AM, CEO of the Snow Foundation, Carol Schwartz AO, one of Australia’s leading business and community leaders, and Serena Grant, Director of Business and Human Rights at Minderoo Foundation. They bring deep expertise in gender equity, investing in women entrepreneurship, and social impact. They will be joining existing Advisory members, Elana Rubin AM, Natasha Stott Despoja AO, Marianne Perkovic and Elizabeth Lewin.

Geoff Wilson AO, Founder of Future Generation, said: “Securing advisers of Georgina, Carol, and Serena’s calibre is a significant milestone for Future Generation Women. It underscores the strength of the Future Generation model, which allows investors to access leading fund managers and earn solid investment returns, while simultaneously supporting good causes.”

Backed by Andrew and Nicola Forrest’s Minderoo Foundation, FGW is managed entirely by women portfolio managers, who waive all management and performance fees so that 1% of the fund’s assets can be donated to charity each year. The unlisted trust builds on the proven Future Generation model, which has to date donated $100 million to social causes while still delivering investment returns to its 15,000 shareholders.

Emily Fuller, Future Generation’s Social Impact Director, said: “Supporting women to access work – especially those women facing the toughest structural barriers – is one of the critical drivers of closing the economic gap between genders. In future funding rounds, FGW will focus on the other levers, which are building financial capability among women and girls and dismantling the harmful gender norms that are known to underpin the persisting gender gaps in Australia.”

FGW will work with its new partners on a shared measurement framework to track both individual outcomes and collective progress across the portfolio.

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