We make giving simple, collaborative and fun.
The Funding Network Australia (TFN) bring everyday Australians, businesses and philanthropy together through the power of story, connection and community – so more resources flow to the grassroots organisations closest to the work.
Who we are
TFN is Australia’s largest collective giving movement. We build bridges between business, philanthropy and the social sector, transforming compassion into action. We enable grassroots non-profits and social enterprises to access the capital, skills, connections and visibility they need to thrive.
Alongside our flagship live collective giving events, we offer our event model and impact storytelling workshops to the broader philanthropic sector, companies and government. This generates earned income for TFN, reduces reliance on philanthropic funding, and deepens a culture of giving right across Australia.
Together, we’re helping unlock a more equitable, inclusive Australia.
Since 2013, TFN has brought together more than 24,000 people to facilitate over $32 million in support for 600+ social change programs across Australia.
Our Principles
Our Vision
A generous and inclusive society where everyone can thrive, and everyone can contribute to a better world.
Our Purpose
To ignite grassroots giving for impact.
Our Mission
To build the capacity of grassroots non-profits, deepen the culture of giving and facilitate greater community engagement.
Why we exist:
Grassroots charities and social enterprises play a critical role in supporting under-served communities and helping people build the skills and confidence to break cycles of disadvantage.
Yet in Australia, funding is heavily concentrated. The largest 10% of charities receive 94% of all donations and 98 per cent of government funding goes to charities classified as large or extra-large. Smaller organisations doing powerful local work often struggle for visibility and access to capital.
TFN exists to change that picture by:
Shining a light on high-potential grassroots initiatives that are often overlooked.
Creating access to philanthropic capital, skills and networks through our events and Alumni support.
Building capacity, not just funding – helping organisations strengthen their storytelling, strategy and fundraising so they can keep growing long after the event.
How TFN Works
For grassroots organisations
We back effective, community-led social change leaders and give them a platform to reach a broad base of donors and supporters. Through careful selection, pitch coaching and curated events, we help refine their stories, unlock funding and provide ongoing capability-building and networking at no cost to them.
For funders and partners
Our due diligence and selection process makes it easier for donors, corporates and foundations to discover and confidently support early-stage programs. TFN offers a strategic, efficient way to invest in grassroots organisations – and to pool resources with others for greater impact.
For everyday givers
TFN events make giving accessible and joyful. People at every income level can experience the power of collective giving, connect directly with grassroots leaders and choose how they want to contribute – through money, skills, networks or ongoing advocacy.
Lasting Impact
TFN events don’t just raise money on the night – they change how people give and how grassroots leaders grow.
For non-profit organisations
Our wraparound support – from pitch coaching to the Alumni Program – helps organisations turn a single event into sustained momentum.
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100% of our non-profit Alumni say they feel very supported by TFN and rate the model good or excellent.
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95% report improved impact storytelling skills and value the access to a new network of supporters.
For donors and supporters
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Around 85% of donors at TFN events report an increase in their giving behaviour after attending.
- 81% of guests rate TFN events “excellent” and 96% say they’re likely to recommend TFN to others.
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A strong proportion of first-time donors continue to give – and many become regular supporters of grassroots organisations they discover through TFN.
Together, we spark long-term relationships, new champions and a deeper sense of what’s possible when people give together.
Global Impact
TFN Australia is part of a global network that includes affiliates in 14 countries around the world.
The Funding Network was founded in the UK in 2002 and introduced in Australia in 2013 by Lisa Cotton and the late Steve Lawrence AO.
To date, the global network of 24 members operating across 14 countries has raised over £20 million, with £10.2 million in the UK. These funds have supported the work of over 2,700 small non-profit organisations around the world and improved the lives of tens of thousands of their beneficiaries.