Women of Colour Australia (WoCA) launches WoCImpact1000 to unite 1,000 women of colour through trust-based philanthropy.
Nine WoCA founding donors and women of colour across the country have kick-started a new philanthropic initiative named WoCImpact1000.
The initiative aims to deliver philanthropy by women of colour for women of colour by uniting 1,000 of them nationwide over 10 years to raise $1 million annually that will be distributed to empowering programs and initiatives that drive systemic change.
“I believe in the power of women of colour and in the power of what happens when we back ourselves,” commented Brenda Gaddi, WoCA Founder & Executive Director. “I started WoCImpact1000 with no seed funding, no major backers, just a deep knowing that women of colour would show up for each other, even when systems haven’t. That belief is already being proven true.”
Gaddi emphasised that WoCImpact1000 isn’t just a fundraising initiative but a movement for systemic change.
“It’s about shifting power, not just redistributing resources. It’s about rewriting the narrative that philanthropy is something done for us, not by us or with us. This initiative centres the leadership, knowledge and lived experience of women of colour, and it calls on others to do the same,” she added.
Launching the $1 million WoCImpact1000 initiative
There is a lack of reporting on the portion of philanthropic funding that goes to culturally and racially diverse-led organisations in Australia, though researchers say implicit bias likely plays a role in grant-making. Despite being among the most marginalised communities in the world, First Nations communities in Australia only receive 0.5% of philanthropic funding.
WoCImpact1000 aims to address this structural inequity by building a community of 1,000 women of colour across Australia, who each contribute $1,000 per year to the fund, resulting in $1 million philanthropically donated annually. The initiative aims to amplify the voices, experiences and opportunities for women of colour, and support programs that are fostering a more equitable, inclusive and fair society.
According to WoCA’s latest Workplace Report, 68.4% of women of colour have experienced discrimination at work, and 93.8% of that is racial discrimination.
“I started WoCImpact1000 with nothing but faith that women of colour would show up for each other, even when the system hasn’t. This isn’t just about raising money. It’s about raising power, visibility and each other. For too long, philanthropy has overlooked and underfunded the leadership, ideas and solutions of racially marginalised communities. WoCImpact1000 changes that. It’s a call to action, a reclamation of space and a movement grounded in solidarity. We’re no longer waiting to be seen. We’re resourcing ourselves – together,” Gaddi explained.
Building a 1000-strong WoC community
The WoCImpact1000 community has already kicked off with nine founding members. One of them is Pia Johnson, Artist and Associate Dean of Photography at RMIT University.
“I chose to support WoCAImpact1000 as an ambassador and founding donor because our voices, achievements and contributions must be seen and celebrated,” Johnson explained. “At this critical moment in Australia, we cannot afford to let the experiences and excellence of women of colour remain in the shadows. As an artistic and educational professional, I understand the power of storytelling and learning to shift perspectives and open minds. Through WoCImpact1000, we will make clear that representation matters, support matters and visibility creates the pathways for the next generation to follow.”
Meanwhile, Shazya Khan, Diversity & Inclusion Strategist & Advocate, became a founding donor because she knows first-hand what it means to navigate systems not built for women of colour like her.
“Lasting change comes when those with lived experience help shape the systems that affect them. This is more than charity; it’s power-sharing. It’s a bold, collective act of solidarity and self-determination uniting women of colour to invest in our communities and create the systemic change we deserve. This is my way of giving back, paying it forward and standing in solidarity with others to build the future we all deserve,” Khan said.
For Gloria Yuen, GRC Executive and Non-Executive Director, WoCImpact1000 is a movement of power, trust and belief.
“I’ve always believed in actions – if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem,” Yuen said. “WoCImpact1000 will change the narrative for WoC in giving and supporting one another.”
And for Dr Varina Michaels, Founder and CEO of Paisley Group, Director of Women of Colour Safety and Work (WoCSAW) Research Institute, who works to dismantle structural barriers through community-led and intersectional solutions, women of colour need to have self-determined, sustainable structures.
“I want my daughters to grow up in a world where our voices are valued, our leadership is visible, and our futures are our own. That’s why I am thrilled to join WoCImpact1000 as a founding donor,” Dr Michaels said.
To join or find out more about WoCImpact1000, visit WoCA’s website.
Read also: New research shows First Nations women have the largest gender pay gap
Geraldine is currently the Content Producer for Third Sector, an Akolade channel. Throughout her career, she has written for various industries and international audiences. Her love for writing extends beyond the corporate world, as she also works as a volunteer writer at her local church. Aside from writing, she is also fond of joining fun runs and watching musicals.
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