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
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.
“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.”
How to attend the townhall event
Where: Impact Investment Summit, International Convention Centre (Room C3.1), 14 Darling Dr, Sydney
Date: Thursday 27 March 2025
Time: 2.30pm – 4.30pm
Cost: Free
Already attending the Impact Investment Summit?
Simply make your way to Room C3.1 within the International Convention Centre for the townhall event, commencing at 2.30pm.
Attending just for the Endowments for Impact Challenge townhall event?
Please visit the Impact Investment Summit’s registration desk within the International Convention Centre upon arrival to sign in for the event. Then make your way to Room C3.1 for the townhall event, commencing at 2.30pm.
For more information about the Endowments for Impact Challenge and to register for the townhall event, visit www.endowmentsforimpactchallenge.com.