The Endowments for Impact Challenge has officially opened its request for proposals, inviting investment advisors to lead the way in transforming how trusts and foundations manage their assets for maximum social and environmental impact.
The first-of-its-kind open tender competition seeks to reshape the way philanthropic investments are managed in Australia by inviting advisors to assist six of Australia’s leading philanthropic trusts and foundations in managing a combined investment pool of $170 million.
It can now be revealed that Challenge finalists will be invited to take part in a town hall event held during the Impact Investment Summit Asia Pacific 2025 in Sydney in March, which brings together institutional investors, advisors, foundations, family offices, government, organisations and enterprises to explore how to scale investment for positive impact.
Endowments for Impact Challenge
Investment advisors are invited to showcase strategies that align charitable endowments with responsible, mission-driven investment practices that meet financial goals and drive measurable social and environmental impact.
This groundbreaking initiative, which seeks to reshape the way philanthropic investments are managed in Australia is designed to:
- Showcase the demand for credible, mission-driven investment strategies among Australian philanthropic trusts and foundations
- Assist in the selection of expert financial professionals for effective investment mandates
- Inspire innovative approaches to responsible investing
- Promote transparency, collaboration, and best practices in the philanthropic sector
“The Endowments for Impact Challenge represents an exciting opportunity for investment advisors to demonstrate their expertise in responsible mission-driven investing,” said David Hetherington, CEO of Impact Investing Australia.
“We are eager to see how participants will propose innovative strategies that not only meet financial goals but also advance the missions of these philanthropic organisations.”
Shortlisting and town hall event
Finalists will be shortlisted in February 2025 and will present their proposals at a town hall event during the Impact Investment Summit Asia Pacific in Sydney on 27 March 2025, where the winners will be announced.
Up to six finalists will be invited to present their proposals and take part in a Q&A session at the event, where the winners will be announced.
In attendance will be decision-makers from participating trusts and foundations, other stakeholders in the philanthropic sector, civil society organisations and a broad range of asset holders interested in responsible investment.
The six philanthropic organisations participating in the Challenge are:
- The Besen Family Foundation
- Dusseldorp Forum
- Inner North Community Foundation
- Northern Rivers Community Foundation
- Oranges & Sardines Foundation
- Reichstein Foundation
These organisations are joined by key supporters, including Community Foundations Australia, Paul Ramsay Foundation, Grace and Emilio Foundation, Australian Communities Foundation, and Fouress Foundation.
Impact Investing Australia is administering the challenge.
A report capturing key findings and recommendations will be published in 2025 and shared widely with the philanthropic and financial sectors.
The Challenge draws inspiration from successful models in the UK and Canada. Participating trusts and foundations will use the information drawn from the Australian Challenge and have the discretion to appoint advisors based on their unique needs.
Request for Proposals
Investment advisors, who are Australian Financial Services licensees, wanting to participate in the Challenge must first register at www.endowmentsforimpactchallenge.com.
Request for proposals will then be emailed to registered advisors. Proposals must be submitted by 5pm on December 18, 2024.