Six finalists selected in Australia’s inaugural Endowments for Impact Challenge
The Endowments for Impact Challenge has announced the six finalists, selected to present their investment proposals to Australia’s leading philanthropic trusts and foundations who are seeking advice for a combined pool exceeding $170 million.
The Challenge is a collective, public tender competition initiated by six of Australia’s leading trusts and foundations to identify and promote investment advisors best able to support responsible mission-driven investment. The finalists, who were selected following a rigorous evaluation process of proposals, are:
These finalists, selected from more than 20 submissions, will present their investment proposals at a special townhall event during the 2025 Impact Investment Summit in Sydney on 27 March 2025. The event will serve as the grand finale of this first-of-its-kind open tender competition, bringing together key stakeholders from across Australia’s philanthropic and investment communities.
“The quality of submissions we received was very strong,” said Abhilash Mudaliar, expert panel judge and Managing Director of Grey Area Partners. “These six finalists demonstrated not only expertise in investment management but also a nuanced understanding of how to align financial returns with measurable social and environmental impact. Their proposals represent leading practice in responsible and mission-driven investing in Australia.”
At the townhall event, finalists will pitch their proposals directly to the participating trusts and foundations. In addition to the judges’ selection of an overall winner, attendees will vote to determine a People’s Choice Award winner, giving the broader community a voice in recognising innovation in mission-aligned investing.
About the townhall event
The (free) townhall event will feature:
Live presentations from each of the six finalists
Q&A sessions with the expert judging panel and audience members
Announcement and presentation of the inaugural Endowments for Impact Challenge winner
People’s Choice Award voting and presentation
Networking opportunities with Australia’s leading impact investors and philanthropists
“We are delighted to support so many foundations in harnessing their endowments for impact,” said David Hetherington, CEO of Impact Investing Australia, which is administering the Challenge. “We encourage anyone interested in the intersection of philanthropy and mission-aligned investing to attend the townhall event and participate in selecting the People’s Choice winner.”
The philanthropic organisations participating in the Challenge are the Besen Family Foundation, Dusseldorp Forum, Inner North Community Foundation, Northern Rivers Community Foundation, Oranges & Sardines Foundation, and Reichstein Foundation. They are joined by key supporters, including Community Foundations Australia, Paul Ramsay Foundation, Grace and Emilio Foundation, Australian Communities Foundation and Fouress Foundation.
Media contact:
Patrice Virlombier, Impact Investing Australia
Email: comms@impactinvestingaustralia.com Tel: 0425 724 769