Aligning our investments with our vision and values <

The Reichstein Foundation is pleased to share that we’re revamping our approach to investing.  

As a foundation dedicated to supporting social change, we recognise that our responsibility as capital holders extends beyond the redistribution of wealth and power through grants. The way our endowment is invested must also align with our vision and values. We have a responsibility to ensure that we are not investing in systems or companies that perpetuate injustice, and an opportunity to use our power as investors for good.  

Our journey to redefine our investment strategy kicked off in 2023 with the establishment of a new Investment Committee: Jill Reichstein, Simon Lewis, Susheela Peres da Costa and Stuart Barry.  Throughout the year, this highly skilled committee laid out a roadmap for how we will retool our investment approach in the short, medium, and long term. 

Our Investment Approach outlines the intended direction of our investment activities, although it is not the final Investment Policy Statement, which will be crafted over the coming months with input from a range of investment professionals, civil society leaders and philanthropy colleagues.  

Our new Investment Approach sets out an aspiration for the Foundation to move towards a more responsible, engaged and activist investment strategy, including by:  

We invite those interested in our efforts to invest responsibly to follow our journey as we share our learning and markers of progress over the next year. We also welcome those who have gone on similar journeys to get in touch and share their  insights. 

 

Learn more about our Investment Approach here

Save the Maugean Skate from extinction!<

Australia is facing a conservation crisis as the Maugean Skate, a ray species that has existed since dinosaurs roamed the earth, battles to survive against the impacts of industrial salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour, Tasmania.

With less than 1,000 Maugean Skate left, and Macquarie Harbour as their only remaining habitat, urgent action is needed to prevent the extinction of this ancient species.

In 2012, the Environment Minister permitted the expansion of fish farms in Macquarie Harbour under the condition that it wouldn’t harm the already endangered Maugean Skate. However, recent studies confirm that salmon farming has significantly impacted the skate, pushing it closer to extinction. 

The Reichstein Foundation is proud to be backing the ‘Save the Skate’ campaign, spearheaded by Environment Tasmania, an advocacy organisation that unites environmental groups and community members to care for Tasmania’s unique environment, including its wildlife, forests and oceans. 

 

How You Can Help:

 

Woolworths and Coles, as major players in the Australian retail landscape, hold significant influence over the fate of the Maugean Skate. By refusing to source farmed fish from Macquarie Harbour, these supermarket giants can play a pivotal role in preserving the Skate’s last remaining habitat. 

Sustainable Investment Exchange (SIX), a share trading platform driving social change through investor activism, is partnering with Environment Tasmania to empower shareholders of Woolworths and Coles to use their investor power for good. The Reichstein Foundation is proud to be a campaign partner. 

The clock is ticking for the Maugean Skate, and collective action is crucial to ensuring its survival. By raising awareness and leveraging shareholder power, we can help save this ancient species from the brink of extinction. There are a number of ways to get involved:

 

Take Action: 

 

 

 

Jill Reichstein and Lucy Larkins featured on AEGN’s ‘Giving Their All’ podcast<

In the lead up to the Reichstein Foundation’s 50th anniversary in December 2023, Jill Reichstein and Lucy Larkins sat down with Amanda Martin, CEO of Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network (AEGN), to record an episode of AEGN’s ‘Giving Their All’ podcast series.

Tune in to hear Jill and Lucy talk about the Reichstein Foundation’s 50th anniversary, the evolution of the Australian philanthropic sector over five decades, and what it really means to do social change philanthropy. Jill and Lucy also discuss our plans for the future, and how running the Foundation as a mother-daughter team has enriched their lives.

Listen here.

Meet the advocates: spotlighting our recent grant partners<

In the months leading up to 2024, the Reichstein Foundation awarded six grants to trailblazing organisations working to catalyse positive social change cross Australia —from addressing the climate crisis and preventing the extinction of species to reshaping philanthropic support for First Nations-led initiatives to building a more resilient and robust civil society.

Read on to learn more about the critical work of our most recent grant partners. And, if you are interested in supporting any of these organisations or campaigns, please get in touch (info@reichstein.org.au). We’re always on the lookout for co-funders who share our passion for creating positive social change.

 

Tomorrow Movement:

Australia is confronting overlapping climate, economic and housing crises, and young people

are at the frontline. Tomorrow Movement organises young people to build public and political support to win transformative policies that will improve people’s lives while solving the climate crisis. By taking escalating actions they make ambitious solutions winnable and prompt government investment in climate justice solutions.

With a $25,000 core funding grant for two years, Tomorrow Movement will continue to collaborate with unions, clean industry, and climate justice organisations to forge a robust cross-sector movement capable of securing a climate justice solutions package in Australia. They plan to harness this collective power in the lead-up to the next federal election, championing various policy reforms, including their flagship initiative, the Climate Jobs Guarantee.

Learn more.

 

First Nations Futures: 

Current data estimates that only 0.5% of philanthropic funding goes to First Nations communities. First Nations Futures is a First Nations organisation working to change this by shifting the philanthropic landscape in Australia while pushing for economic justice. They do this by building systems that redistribute wealth and collectively invest in First Nations people and priorities.

Across Australia, funding systems create greater inequity and control, where decision making processes are led predominantly by non-Indigenous people. First Nations Futures has created a new First Nations-led funding model where individuals, as well as trusts and foundations, can redistribute their wealth and invest into First Nations-led initiatives creating intergenerational change. They also work to change the narrative around First Nations funding through campaigns that influence philanthropy and drive First Nations-led processes and models of impact.

The Reichstein Foundation’s support of $25,000 will enable First Nations Futures to invest in their operational capacity in the early stages of its important work.

Learn more.

 

Environment Tasmania (ET):

Environment Tasmania works with the Tasmanian community to care for Tasmania’s unique environment, including its wildlife, forests and oceans. They bring together environment groups and community members to find solutions to Tasmania’s environmental pressures. ET were the first environmental group to campaign about the problems associated with the Tasmanian salmon farming industry, resulting in a record-breaking number of Tasmanians opposing the industry, a spike in community-led resistance and shoppers demanding supermarkets act.

An extinction emergency is now unfolding in Tasmania’s remote wilderness, where the Maugean skate could become the world’s first modern day extinction of a shark or ray species due to human activity. Urgent action is required or this ancient species will be lost within the next few years. ET have launched a ‘Save the Skate’ campaign that plans to leverage the ‘no new extinctions’ pledge made by the Australian Government. They plan to build the pressure and connections necessary to push the Minister for the Environment to act before it’s too late. In recognition of the critical need for immediate action the Reichstein Foundation is proud to have provided a $20,000 grant to the “Save the Skate” campaign.

Learn more.

 

350.org:

Australia is the second largest net exporter of fossil fuels in the world. 350.org are fighting for a world beyond fossil fuels, and their work focuses on building a grassroots movement in support of climate action. Their niche is organising audiences in electorates that have a high level of climate concern, are vulnerable to electoral pressure, and where MPs have the capacity to push the Government to adopt stronger policies on fossil fuels.

With a grant of $25,000 over the next 12 months 350.org plans to carry out sustained community organising in nine key electorates, coordinate grassroots actions targeting Federal decision-makers such as the Minister for the Environment and Minister for Climate Change, and launch national mobilisations, events and narrative-shifting work that create a clear call for the Federal Government to commit to no new coal and gas.

Learn more.

 

Australian Democracy Network (ADN):

ADN’s mission is to create a thriving democracy in which civil society is robust and vibrant; public debate is informed, fair and diverse; citizens are engaged; government is clean, open and accountable; and the wellbeing of people and the planet comes first.

They do this by coordinating civil society alliances, training and equipping civil society leaders and advocate, and building a powerful movement of democracy advocates. Their work also aims to shift the narrative around civil society through long-term communications strategies, and delivering smart public messaging through community advocacy, lobbying and media.

Since their inception in 2020, ADN has already led a number of successful campaigns and alliances, including defeating the proposed ACNC regulations that would have stifled the right for charities to engage in advocacy.  With a $25,000 core funding grant ADN will be able to make important investments into their operations, growth and sustainability, helping to secure the long-term viability of the organisation and expand their base of support.

Learn more.

 

Grandcarers SA:

Established in 2002, Grandcarers SA believe that all children and young people have the right to a safe, secure and nurturing family environment where the role of Grandcarer (grandparent and kinship carers of their family’s children) is recognised, supported and valued. To achieve this, they assist Grandcarers to access and care for their children by providing them with information, support and advocacy.

In September 2023, the Reichstein Foundation provided a rapid response grant of $5000 to Grandcarers SA to support a delegation to travel to Parliament House in Canberra to advocate for law and policy reform that better recognises and supports kinship carers. Over 80% of kinship care families provide care on an ‘informal’ basis, that is, without recognition or financial support by child protection authorities. Kinship carers are overwhelmingly women and First Nations families are overrepresented. The delegation was successful in securing a commitment to follow up on a range of specific reforms and the delegation has been invited to return for a follow up meeting in March 2024.

Learn more.

 

 

 

 

Adapting for the future: our new strategy    <

As we witness escalating threats to democracies worldwide, deepening economic inequality, and an existential climate crisis, support for dedicated systems change advocacy and movement building is more crucial than ever.  

 At the same time, philanthropy is being challenged to decolonise its funding models, centre the expertise and authority of people with direct experience of injustice and confront our role in the systems that fuel economic injustice.  

As the Foundation embarks on its 50th anniversary, its staff and trustees have been reflecting on this context and taking all that the Foundation has learned over half a century to develop a new strategy that ensure it rises to the challenges of our time.  

In coming years, we will support systemic change through our grantmaking, convening, advocacy and – for the first time – our investing. We will focus our work on addressing four interconnected spheres of justice: First Peoples Justice, Gender Justice, Environmental Justice, and Economic Justice. 

The scale, complexity and interconnectedness of the issues we’re confronting demand a high degree of flexibility and openness to new ideas, organisations and movements for change. To address this our grant-making strategy places a strong emphasis on supporting advocates working at the intersections of our thematic focus areas. 

There also remain significant, unaddressed, foundational injustices flowing from Australia’s colonial history, as demonstrated through the debate and outcome of this year’s Voice referendum. If we are to make progress towards justice and equality as a nation, we need to keep First Nations justice front and centre. We are committed to continuing to support First Nations-led advocacy for justice and self-determination and working with the sector to boost and coordinate our collective response. 

We will also be confronting the reality that capital markets, which have provided the opportunity to accumulate and grow our wealth, can perpetuate economic inequality and contribute to injustice. We believe that through engaged and activist investing we can contribute to systemic change in line with our vision of an equal and just society on healthy country.   

As always, the Foundation remains committed to working in collaborative ways that build collective power and centre the experience and expertise of those directly impacted by injustice. We will also continue to use our voice, platforms and networks to bolster the advocacy efforts of our civil society partners. 

In recognition of our role in service of civil society and communities, we hold our strategy lightly, remaining ready to respond to the shifting plans and priorities of the organisations and movements we support, and emerging opportunities for social change philanthropy. 

Dive further into our new strategy. 

Eight insights into effective social change philanthropy<

As Chair of the Reichstein Foundation, I’ve had the privilege of standing with, supporting, and learning from dedicated and passionate advocates from across Australia for over four decades. In this time I’ve witnessed the transformative power of giving and I’ve also gained a number of insights into how to best approach social change philanthropy. Below are eight of the key lessons that have emerged from my experience.

 

1. Creating social change requires dedication and time

Social change doesn’t happen overnight. Changing the systems that drive injustice and inequality is a process that requires unwavering commitment. By dedicating our time and resources to a particular issue or movement over many years (and often decades), we can help to create a more significant and lasting impact.

 

2. Collaboration magnifies your impact

The power of collective action is immense. The problems we seek to solve are too big to tackle alone, and by working together as funders we can pool our resources, share knowledge and learning, and build movements with the power to create sustainable change.

 

3. Listen to and learn from affected communities

Communities facing injustice and inequality hold the solutions to the challenges they are facing, but often lack the resources to implement them. To succeed in our work, we must listen to and learn from those directly affected by the issues we seek to solve and ensure their expertise is leading the way. Top-down donor-driven approaches simply do not work.

 

4. Don’t shy away from political engagement

To create systemic change, we can’t shy away from political engagement. Many pressing social issues are driven by and deeply entrenched within political structures and policies, and the advocates working to change these systems need the support of bold and forward-thinking donors.

 

5. Go beyond grant-making

As funders of social change, we must use our voices, platforms, connections, and power to advocate alongside our grant partners. We should see ourselves as part of the movements we support and actively contribute to the causes we are backing.

 

6. Trust is the cornerstone of a productive partnership

To truly make a difference, trust between funders and grant partners is paramount. This trust creates an environment where partners are empowered to innovate, adapt, and execute their initiatives effectively. And when funders establish systems and processes built on trust, it frees our partners up to concentrate on their mission, helping optimize the use of resources.

 

7. Innovation and risk-taking are essential

Funders must have the courage to back initiatives that are trying out new approaches to solving social problems. Sometimes unconventional ideas lead to significant impacts. Philanthropy provides a unique space to experiment, and by supporting initiatives that are willing to explore new approaches, we can potentially discover more effective ways to address social issues.

 

8. Remain agile and responsive to changing contexts

Agility in philanthropy means being prepared to act swiftly in response to emerging social issues or backing campaigns addressing imminent and evolving problems. By maintaining flexibility and open to changing circumstances, as funders we can step in to provide assistance at critical moments.

 

Remarkable moments over 50 years <

As we celebrate five decades of catalysing social change, we’ve been reflecting on some of the achievements and moments that have stood out on our path towards creating a more equal, just, and sustainable Australia.  

These victories were made possible through the efforts of the courageous advocates we support, and the vibrant community of philanthropists that has been built around us. We’re honoured to have played a role in making them possible.  

 

Establishing the co-managed Barmah-Millewa National Park 

In 2008, we provided support to the Yorta Yorta Nation and Friends of the Earth to establish the co-managed Barmah-Millewa National Park. This move, recognized as one of Australia’s Top 50 Philanthropic Gifts, ensured that the Yorta Yorta Nation had the management rights they needed to protect and govern their ancestral land. With other partners, a total of $180,000 was invested into creating 200,000 hectares of new red gum conservation areas and national parks, including a ban on logging and cattle grazing in these areas.  

 

Reforming racist and discriminatory practices in Victoria’s Police   

In 2013, the Flemington & Kensington Community Legal Centre settled a landmark racial profiling suit against Victoria Police, forcing them to review their training and field practices to put an end to racial profiling and discrimination. The Reichstein Foundation provided the legal team with the resources they needed to carry out in-depth research and data analysis, which formed the basis of evidence for their litigation.  

 

Securing marriage equality for all 

For decades the Reichstein Foundation has been backing organisations fighting on the frontlines for LGBTIQ+ rights and equality. And in 2017 the tireless endeavors of LGBTQ+ rights advocates across Australia, including a number of our grant partners, yielded a historic outcome – enshrining the right for same-sex couples to marry into law. The Reichstein Foundation put considerable resources into the YES campaign, and also helped to coordinate a collective response from foundations and private donors in support of marriage equality.  

 

Preserving the Great Barrier Reef 

Our support in 2018 was instrumental in the Australian Marine Conservation Society’s efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef. By advocating for changes to the UNESCO World Heritage climate change policy, they prompted the government to develop a comprehensive management plan aimed at restoring the reef’s vitality.  

 

Defending the ability for charities to engage in advocacy 

In 2021, we backed the Hands Off Our Charities Alliance, which has since become the Stronger Charities Alliance. The coalition, comprising over 120 charities under the coordination of the Australian Democracy Network, strives to safeguard the ability for not-for-profits to engage in advocacy. After years of dedicated campaigning, the alliance achieved a significant victory by successfully bringing down legislation that could have given the government authority to shut down charities engaged in advocacy. This achievement proved crucial in preserving civil society, free speech, and the integrity of our democracy.  

 

Shaping philanthropy for a better future 

Beyond these standout moments, the Reichstein Foundation has played a vital role in shaping Australia’s philanthropic community. Recognising the need for expertise in effective support for organisations advocating for systemic change, we started early on by establishing the country’s first philanthropy workshops in the early 1980s. 

 Our dedication to shaping philanthropy persisted over the years, and we also played a vital role in establishing Philanthropy Australia, the leading body representing the philanthropic sector in the country. We are also proud to be a founding partner of Australians Investing in Women, the Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network, Pride and Mannifera, and early supporters of GiveOUT, and Woor-Dungin.  

 

Learn more about our journey and other remarkable moments. 

Celebrating 50 years of impact and our vision for the future<

The Reichstein Foundation is thrilled to mark its 50th anniversary with the release of our updated organisational strategy and new website!  

Reaching this half-century milestone is a remarkable achievement, made possible through our partnerships with funders, civil society leaders, and advocates across Australia who share our unwavering commitment to creating social change. We are so grateful for your support and dedication.  

Together we’ve stood up against inequality and created meaningful change for millions of people. We’ve helped to seed, nurture and grow some of Australia’s most influential catalysts for change. We’ve built and shaped a vibrant philanthropic community. And we’ve backed advocates who have taken on unjust laws, policies, and practices—and won. 

As we celebrate all these achievements, we are also reflecting on what made them possible.  

Our new strategy captures five decades of insights, and represents our ongoing commitment to collaboration, innovation, courage and adaptability. It also ensures we continue addressing the challenges of our time by backing the people, ideas and organisations that drive social, economic and environmental justice in Australia. We invite you to learn more about our new strategy here

Beyond our new strategy, our new website, which showcases our refreshed branding, serves as a platform to explore our work, discover the advocates we support, get insights into our learning, and find ways to get involved. It also reflects our commitment to transparency, making it easier for you to understand and engage with our work.   

Join us in this exciting new chapter by tuning into our channels over the coming weeks, as we share more about our achievements over the decades, what we’ve learned, and where we’re heading next. 

Interconnected problems call for interconnected solutions<

The problems we face as a society are interconnected. Excessive and exploitative resource extraction isn’t solely an environmental concern, it also fuels economic inequality through unfair revenue distribution, land dispossession, or poor labor conditions.  The continuing legacy of colonisation creates barriers for First Nations communities seeking to exercise their rightful role in caring for Country. Patriarchal and racist norms have been embedded in economic systems and structures, further compounding the challenges marginalised communities already face. The list goes on. 

To address interconnected problems we need interconnected solutions. And these solutions don’t always fit neatly into distinct funding categories.   

The Reichstein Foundation’s new strategic plan recognises the need for more interconnected solutions to tackle complex social issues. We’ll be ramping up our funding to groups working at the crossroads of our four strategic funding areas: Economic Justice, First Peoples’ Justice, Environmental Justice, and Gender Justice. 

Below are three examples of recent grant partners that are tackling these issues at their crossroads, and presenting holistic solutions that pave the way for more inclusive, collaborative, and sustainable outcomes. 

 

Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia:

Tackling the climate crisis by building women and gender diverse peoples environmental  leadership  

The urgency to address the climate crisis demands a radical shift in leadership. Despite this, the support and funding available for women and gender diverse changemakers in the environmental sphere remains limited. 

This is where the Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia (WELA) steps in. Established in 2020, WELA’s mission aims to break down the barriers hindering women and gender diverse people from leading Australia’s response to environmental and climate crises. Their approach is based on the premise that women and gender diverse people in decision-making roles lead to better environmental outcomes.  

WELA employs a multifaceted strategy to empower and diversify environmental leadership. They offer programs that equip women and gender diverse people with the skills and knowledge they need to lead in environmental advocacy, while helping them to build support networks. They also provide direct funding to bolster the initiatives of their program participants.  

By enabling women and gender diverse people to take leadership roles in the environmental sector, WELA is ensuring a more inclusive and comprehensive perspective on environmental issues, which is vital for a sustainable future. 

 

Migrant Justice Initiative:

Ensuring Australia’s economic systems work for everyone, including  migrants  

Australia is home to over 1 million temporary migrant workers who comprise nearly 10% of the workforce. These individuals face routine abuse and underpayment due to systemic flaws in migration and economic systems, compounded by language barriers and fear of immigration repercussions. Addressing economic inequality in Australia also means ensuring fair working conditions and justice for all people, including migrants. 

Established in 2021, the Migrant Justice Institute (MJI) is Australia’s sole national research, policy, and advocacy organisation dedicated to combating migrant worker exploitation.  Their work has already influenced Australian laws and government policies, addressing issues such as wage theft and pandemic-related support for migrant workers. 

Their approach is underpinned by three pillars: they carry out research and expose issues linked to migrant exploitation through direct engagement with the migrant community. They forge broad alliances, uniting stakeholders across civil society, government and business to amplify the voices of migrant workers. And they hold business and governments to account, while advocating for more ethical policy reforms and practices.  

 

Jubilee Australia Research Centre: 

Pushing for a just transition to renewable energy that centres the voices of women and First Nations communities  

The Jubilee Australia Research Centre (Jubilee) operates at the crossroads of climate change, economic inequality, gender and First Nations justice. Their mission is to partner with and amplify the voices of local communities in the fight against an extractive and unequal economic system, produce quality investigative research, and advocate for just solutions that centre the rights and voices of communities. 

With the growing demand for transition minerals, crucial for the development of renewable energy technologies, Jubilee has turned its focus to ensuring environmentally and socially responsible mineral extraction policies and practices are in place to prevent the problems of the past from repeating themselves as the world transitions to renewable energy. 

Jubilee supports Traditional Owners’ right to free, prior and informed consent and advocates to ensure the interests and priorities of local communities – particularly women – impacted by mining operations are upheld. They are also working to interrogate mineral demand projections and promote mineral recycling to reduce over-mining and over-reliance on transition minerals. 

By integrating the environmental and community interests and aspirations into Australia’s shift to clean energy and synchronizing extraction with demand, not only is Jubilee helping to attain environmentally sustainable outcomes, but empowering communities to shape and benefit from the economic gains derived from the energy transition. 

An afternoon with Sydney Peace Prize winner, Nazanin Boniadi<

On October 31st the Reichstein Foundation had the privilege of hosting an event with this year’s Sydney Peace Prize winner, Nazanin Boniadi.

Nazanin is a passionate women’s rights activist who has taken time out of her career as a celebrated actress to support the rise of the #WomanLifeFreedom movement in Iran, which erupted following the tragic death in custody of Mahsa Jina Amini in September 2022.

Nazanin spoke to us about the Islamic Republic’s regime of gender apartheid and the ways in which it seeks to oppress women and undermine democracy in Iran. We heard about the inspiring and courageous protestors who are risking their lives in the fight for justice.

Nazanin called on the Australian Government to recognise the Islamic Republic as a terrorist organisation, and to provide safe haven to those who have be forced to flee.

It was an absolute pleasure to meet Nazanin (and her incredible mum!) and learn more about this inspiring women-led social movement that’s shaping history.

Thanks to the Sydney Peace Foundation for the opportunity and for their work to promote peace, justice and human rights around the world.

Meet our latest grant partners<

Over the past two months, we proudly supported seven trailblazing organisations and initiatives committed to driving positive social change across Australia. From bolstering campaigning efforts around the upcoming referendum to combatting migrant worker exploitation and advancing climate justice, these changemakers are making critical contributions to a more equal and just society.  

Environmental Justice Australia

Environmental Justice Australia (EJA) is a national public interest legal centre committed to using the law to protect nature and safeguard our climate. With our support EJA plans to further the work of their pioneering Climate Justice Legal Project (CJLP), coordinated in partnership with the Victorian Federation of Community Legal Centres and the Climate Council. The initiative addresses the disproportionate climate harm faced by marginalized communities through strengthening the capacity of community lawyers and organisations, identifying climate change trends for litigation and policy reform, and amplifying the voices of affected individuals and communities to advocate for swift and equitable climate action. 

Learn more.

Migrant Justice Institute 

Established in 2021, after a five-year collaboration with UTS and UNSW, the Migrant Justice Institute (MJI) is Australia’s sole national research and policy organization dedicated to combating migrant worker exploitation. Their work has already influenced Australian laws and government policies, addressing issues such as wage theft and pandemic-related support for migrant workers. With over 1 million migrant workers in Australia, MJI strives to disrupt exploitation by empowering workers to assert their rights and holding businesses accountable. With our support as their first Australian philanthropic funders they plan to bolster their advocacy and push for the necessary government reforms to combat migrant worker exploitation. 

Learn more.

Economic Media Centre 

The Economic Media Centre (EMC) is changing the narrative around Australia’s economy. Through media training and amplifying the voices of those impacted by economic inequality, they reshape public debates and drive political pressure for equitable economic policies. Since its 2020 launch, the centre has trained 780 advocates and supported over 12,000 media stories, significantly shifting narratives on social security, gender equity, and racial justice. Our support will strengthen their campaigning efforts around the stage 3 tax cuts, helping EMC showcase how these cuts worsen inequality, disproportionately favour the affluent and impact public services. 

Learn more.

Climate Integrity Project 

Climate Integrity is a pioneering project and campaign dedicated to fostering accountability and promoting integrity in Australia’s business Net Zero commitments. This groundbreaking initiative will push for the policies and regulations governing Net Zero commitments to be aligned with scientific standards, ensuring that Australian businesses adhere to genuine and impactful Net Zero pledges. And to combat widespread greenwashing and misinformation, Climate Integrity will campaign for a responsible and transparent approach to combating climate change within the Australian business landscape. 

Australian Council of Social Services 

The Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) serves as the national peak body for the community sector, championing the rights of those facing poverty and disadvantage. With a rich history of 66 years, ACOSS conducts vital policy research, advocacy, and engagement, comprising 4000+ organizations, State and Territory Councils of Social Service, and national sector members. The Foundation’s support will enable ACOSS to enhance and sustain its campaigning capacity, ensuring the voices of marginalized communities are heard in policy discussions. 

Learn more.

First Nations Referendum Rapid Response Grants 

In the lead up to the referendum, grassroots and Indigenous-led campaigning efforts are critical to achieving a resounding YES vote, which is why we are backing the First Nations Referendum Rapid Response Grants program, overseen by the First Nations Justice team at Australian Progress in collaboration with Australian Communities Foundation and GetUp!. The initiative provides one-off grants of $500-$2000 to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organizations, community groups, and individuals to support them in creating culturally safe spaces for education, dialogue, and community-driven campaigns. 

Learn more.

GetUp! 

Our support to GetUp! will help mobilize the organisations expansive network and encourage a resounding YES vote in the upcoming referendum. GetUp! plans to activate its digital campaign infrastructure, effectively reaching and engaging their 1.2 million membership base, while also conducting targeted outreach, crafting persuasive messaging informed by research from Passing the Message Stick, and actively coordinating with other leading campaign organisations. At a pivotal moment in the campaign, this funding will help target, influence and galvanize a wider base of supporters.  

Learn more.

Welcome to Robin Pierro, our new Director of Engagement and Partnerships<

We are thrilled to welcome Robin Pierro as our Director of Engagement and Partnerships! Robin will be taking on a dual role, dedicating her time and expertise to both the Reichstein Foundation and Mannifera. 

In her capacity as Director of Engagement and Partnerships, Robin will play an important part in advancing the philanthropic and advocacy work of both organisations. Her key areas of focus will be on bolstering our communications capabilities, elevating our convening and campaigning efforts, and deepening engagement with our philanthropic peers and grant partners across civil society. 

While this role may be new, Robin has already been working closely with both the Reichstein Foundation and Mannifera throughout the recent development of our new strategic plans and corresponding communications strategies, which ensure we continue to operate at the forefront of social change philanthropy and address the challenges of our time. 

This appointment marks an exciting juncture for both organizations as we transition into the implementation of our new organisational strategies. We’re equally excited about the opportunity to walk-the-talk as funders of social change and experiment with shared leadership, shared resources, and continued collaboration across both entities. 

Robin’s passion for driving systemic change, coupled with her leadership experience in philanthropy, strategic communications, and human rights advocacy, positions her well for this collaborative venture.

In her most recent role as the Global Director for Communications and Marketing at the Fund for Global Human Rights, Robin built and led the foundation’s first communications department. Prior to this, as a Senior Program Manager with Journalists for Human Rights (JHR), she oversaw media development programs throughout sub-Saharan Africa and launched and scaled JHR’s domestic program division. Robin also serves on the board of Finance Uncovered and has consulted with a range of human rights and philanthropic organisations globally. Her career began in social justice filmmaking, and she holds degrees in journalism and human rights law. 

“I’m delighted to be joining two of Australia’s most impactful and progressive philanthropic organisations. I firmly believe in the importance and power of collective action, and I greatly admire how the Reichstein Foundation and Mannifera embody this approach wholeheartedly. I’m also inspired by the work of our grant partners and I’m looking forward to ensuring they have the support they need to continue changing the systems that drive injustice,” says Robin Pierro. 

Please join us in welcoming Robin to the team!