The Australian Ethical Foundation opens its 2023 Visionary Grants program, which will fund up to $500,000 in projects that create positive environmental and social impact in Australia and overseas, particularly those in the validation and start-up phase. 

Expressions of interest for the Australian Ethical Visionary Grants are open until 1st September 2023 with $25,000-$75,000 in funding available for projects running for up to two years. 

The Australian Ethical Foundation invites innovators and organisations to apply for projects in its three focus areas informed by leading climate research Project Drawdown, including reducing carbon pollution, supporting carbon sinks, and empowering young women and girls. 

Each year, Australian Ethical Investment, Australia’s leading ethical investment firm, allocates 10% of its profits (after tax and before bonus) to the Australian Ethical Foundation and has donated over $9 million since 2000 towards initiatives that drive positive outcomes for the planet, people and animals. 

In the 2022 Visionary Grants round, the Australian Ethical Foundation awarded $500,000 to 12 innovative organisations working on initiatives that have a positive impact in Australia and overseas, including Solar Citizens, Grata Fund, Australian Wildlife Conservancy and Rahma Health. 

The Head of the Australian Ethical Foundation, Nick Chadwick, says the Visionary Grants program is an important part of the Foundation’s work. 

“Through our Visionary Grants program, we aim to nurture innovative projects created by individuals and businesses looking to help the world reduce the impacts of climate change and create positive social change.” 

“A breakthrough in technology or innovation in the climate space could be just around the corner. We want to help those fighting the good fight to scale their climate-saving idea,” added Chadwick.  

Successful expressions of interest will be invited to complete a full application by the 18th of September 2023. 

Applicants can register their interest in the Australian Ethical Foundation 2023 Visionary Grants program here: https://www.australianethical.com.au/foundation/visionary-grants/ 

For more about how we assess grant applications, check out: https://www.australianethical.com.au/foundation/visionary-grants/assessment-process/ 

Applicants must be Australia-based but can have operations overseas, and have an ABN, an Australian bank account and be a not-for-profit organisation. 

Related: Organisations working to fight climate change can now apply for a visionary grant