Endowments for Impact Challenge set to reshape philanthropic investment in Australia

Calling all investment advisors and the trusts, foundations and asset holders that rely on their support!

We’re excited to announce the launch of the Endowments for Impact Challenge, a pioneering initiative set to reshape philanthropic investment in Australia. This first-of-its-kind open tender competition in Australia invites investment advisors to showcase innovative strategies that better align charitable endowments with responsible mission-driven investment practices.

“This is an important initiative for philanthropy in Australia, as we seek partners who can support us to better align our investments with our values and elevate the standard of investment advice in the sector,” Rachel Ball, CEO of the Reichstein Foundation said.

“It doesn’t make sense for trusts and foundations to focus their missions on the 5% of funds they grant while disregarding those same principles for the 95% they invest. Capital is capital. It all has impact. But many of us need help when it comes to deploying our endowments in line with our mission and values.”

The Challenge encourages advisors to lead the way in transforming how trusts and foundations manage their assets for maximum social and environmental impact with the purpose of:

• showcasing the demand for credible mission-driven investment advice among Australian philanthropic trusts and foundations;
• assisting in the engagement and evaluation of financial professionals for effective investment mandates;
• inspiring innovative approaches to responsible mission-driven investment practices;
• promoting collaboration and transparency within the investment strategies of trusts and foundations.

Participating trusts and foundations include:

• Dusseldorp Forum
• Inner North Community Foundation
• Northern Rivers Community Foundation
• Oranges & Sardines Foundation
• Reichstein Foundation

As supporters of the Challenge, Community Foundations Australia, Paul Ramsay Foundation, Grace and Emilio Foundation, Australian Communities Foundation and Fouress Foundation will be keenly following the outcomes.

Key details

• Registration: Investment advisors (Australian Financial Services licensees) can register their interest in the Challenge at endowmentsforimpactchallenge.com
• Timeline: Request for Proposals will be sent to registered advisors, with proposals accepted from 20 November to 18 December 2024. Shortlisted finalists will be invited to present their proposals to the trusts and foundations (as well as other stakeholders in the philanthropic and community sectors) at a town hall event in Sydney on 27 March 2025.
• Final report: A report capturing key findings and recommendations will be published in 2025 and shared widely with the philanthropic and financial sectors.

Friends in philanthropy and interested NGOs, please get in touch if you’d like to learn how you can get involved. We hope you can join us to promote and facilitate the next big shift in Australian philanthropy: endowments for impact!

For more information and to register, visit endowmentsforimpactchallenge.com