Leaders recognised for contributions to philanthropic and not-for-profit sectors

Philanthropy Australia

The finalists in the 2024 Australian Philanthropy Awards have been announced, recognising and celebrating extraordinary achievements in contemporary philanthropy.

The finalists include philanthropic initiatives ranging from a mobile car washing service staffed by people with a disability, to a school in Cambodia, to an innovative tool that segments the Australian public according to their views about gender equality.

The judging panels for the Awards were impressed by the quantity and quality of the nominations this year, with a record number of entries – more than double the previous record.

Ann Johnson, chair of the judging panels, expressed her gratitude, stating: “To all the nominees and finalists: thank you for your hard work and dedication to more and better philanthropy. We found your stories inspiring and hope these Awards will inspire others.”

All finalists will be showcased on the evening of Tuesday 16 April at the Art Gallery of NSW, when the recipients of the Award categories will be announced.

Australian Philanthropy Awards 2024 – finalists

Collaboration Award The Collaboration Award recognises organisations, projects, initiatives or programs with demonstrated collaboration that amplified the impact of philanthropy.

  • Canberra Foundations Collaborative
  • Gender Compass
  • Preventing mental health issues in young Australians: a social impact collaboration
  • Voices for Impact

Community Philanthropy Award – presented in partnership with Community Foundations Australia, Australian Communities Foundation, Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal and Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation

The Community Philanthropy Award recognises achievements through funding projects or organisations that specifically support impact through community-led philanthropy.

  • Amplify Pride Fund
  • The Lorena and Richard Uechtritz Foundation – Beacon Laundry
  • Give Where You Live, Pitch Up Geelong powered by The Funding Network
  • Bibbulmun Fund and WA Relief and Recovery Fund (held with the Fremantle Foundation)

Environmental and Climate Philanthropy Award – presented in partnership with the Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network

This award recognises funding projects or organisations that specifically support the environment or have a specific co-benefit to the environment.

  • CANA Small Grants Program
  • Climate 200
  • Climate Whistleblower Program
  • Goodman Wealth Foundation

First Nations Philanthropy Award – presented in partnership with Ninti One Ltd

The First Nations Philanthropy Award Recognises initiatives that support, strengthen and sustain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, community and culture. This award is for funding initiatives that demonstrate direct support of First Nations-led or controlled and operated organisations.

  • Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation Scholarship Program
  • Bibbulmun Fund and WA Relief and Recovery Fund (held with the Fremantle Foundation)
  • Yuwaya Ngarra-li Partnership between Dharriwaa Elders Group and UNSW

Innovation Award

The Innovation Award recognises excellence in innovation, experimentation through programs, projects and initiatives that have enhanced or extended current philanthropic practice, contributing to addressing disadvantage.

  • Climate 200
  • Future Generation Global
  • Snow Centre for Immune Health

International Philanthropy Award – presented in partnership with the Australian International Development Network

The International Philanthropy Award is for grants allocated to domestically-based organisations operating overseas that work towards achieving a better and more sustainable future for all through a global measurement framework, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

  • KJC Farm and Outgrower Program
  • Cambodian Children’s Fund – Neeson Cripps Academy
  • The Intrepid Foundation – Morocco Earthquake Appeal

Inclusion Award

The Inclusion Award recognises and celebrates organisations, projects, initiatives, or programs that have made outstanding contributions to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the philanthropic sector and community.

  • NV Access – Michael Curran and James Teh
  • OC Connections Enterprises Mobile Car Wash and Gandel Foundation
  • The Damion Drapac Centre and Damion Drapac Scholarships for Vocational Doctors

Leadership Award – presented in partnership with Macquarie Group

The Leadership Award recognises an individual, organisation or initiative with outstanding leadership qualities in vision, work, transformational approach or impact.

  • Joseph Skrzynski AO
  • Mannifera
  • Terry Snow AM and Ginette Snow
  • Tom Snow

The Eve Mahlab AO Gender-wise Philanthropy Award – presented in partnership with Australians Investing in Women

The Eve Mahlab AO Gender-wise Philanthropy Award recognises and celebrates achievements in philanthropy that advance gender equity through direct investment in projects or organisations that support women and girls, or the integration of the gender lens.

  • 100 Women
  • MECCA M-POWER
  • Susan Alberti AC – Susan Alberti Medical Research Foundation

/Public Release.