Six finalists selected in Australia’s inaugural Endowments for Impact Challenge

We’re pleased to announce the Endowments for Impact Challenge has selected six finalists 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 the Reichstein Foundation to reshape philanthropic investment in Australia. To realise this ambition, we’ve joined forces with five preeminent Australian trusts and foundations to identify and promote investment advisors best able to support responsible and 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
Philanthropic organisations participating in the Challenge with the Reichstein Foundation are the Besen Family Foundation, Dusseldorp Forum, Inner North Community Foundation, Northern Rivers Community Foundation and Oranges & Sardines Foundation. We are joined by key supporters, including Community Foundations Australia, Paul Ramsay Foundation, Grace and Emilio Foundation, Australian Communities Foundation and Fouress Foundation.
For more information about the Endowments for Impact Challenge and to register for the townhall event, visit www.endowmentsforimpactchallenge.com