The Funding Network Australia (TFN) is pleased to announce Bupa Foundation as its newest Flagship Partner, backing TFN’s work supporting grassroots non-profits and social enterprises across Australia throughout the year ahead.
As Flagship Partner, the Bupa Foundation supports TFN’s collective giving model in full: identifying and selecting high-potential grassroots organisations, funding them through live crowdfunding events, and backing their growth long after the pitch through impact reporting and TFN’s ongoing Alumni program. This catalytic support gives small charities and social enterprises the funding, visibility and long-term capacity to grow beyond a single project and become sustainable organisations. Bupa employees across Australia are invited to attend these events as guests and donors, giving staff a direct, hands-on way to see that impact take shape and back it in real time.
Central to the partnership is ‘Healthy People, Healthy Planet,’ a live crowdfunding event now in its second year and hosted by the Bupa Foundation. The event brings the partnership to life: Bupa Foundation representatives sit on the selection panel, helping choose the grassroots organisations that will pitch on the night, while Bupa’s own people, customers and community stand alongside TFN’s network of supporters to fund the work directly. It’s proof that communities gain most when businesses, philanthropists and grassroots organisations work side by side to transform compassion into action.
“This partnership reflects what’s possible when two organisations bring their strengths together in service of communities,” said Kristen Lark, TFN Chief Executive Officer. “Having the Bupa Foundation as a Flagship Partner means grassroots organisations across Australia get access to funding, visibility and support they wouldn’t otherwise have, and ‘Healthy People, Healthy Planet’ is where that partnership comes to life.”
“What excites us most isn’t the number on the night, it’s what that funding makes possible,” said Olivia Lynch, Senior Manager, Bupa Foundation. “Last year, three grassroots organisations went from having a good idea to having the resources to run with it. Farm My School, CORENA, and A Curious Tractor are proof of what that support can do. That’s what this partnership is really about: giving people who are already doing the work the support to do more of it.”
Registrations are open now for ‘Healthy People, Healthy Planet,‘ taking place Thursday 27 August 2026 at Bupa’s Melbourne office and streamed nationally. On the night, the Bupa Foundation will act as matched funder, doubling money pledged by the audience in support of three grassroots organisations working at the intersection of human health and environmental sustainability.
Applications for this year’s cohort have closed, and the selection panel is reviewing submissions. Three finalist organisations will be announced 31 July 2026, ahead of pitching live at the August event.
Supporters can register to attend ‘Healthy People, Healthy Planet’ in person at Bupa’s Melbourne campus, join the national livestream, or attend the Sydney watching party.
Key Dates
- Finalist Announcement: 31 July 2026
- Event Date: Thursday, 27 August 2026
- Time: 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm AEST
- Melbourne Event: Bupa Melbourne Office, 33 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, Victoria (streaming nationally)
- Sydney Watching Party: Vivcourt Trading, Oxford St Paddington
To register or learn more, visit TFN’s event directory