11 September 2025
PRESS RELEASE | THE FUNDING NETWORK
The Funding Network Australia (TFN), in partnership with the Bupa Foundation, has raised more than $245,000 at their Healthy People, Healthy Planet live crowdfunding event on 2 September. Held at Bupa’s Melbourne Campus and streamed nationally, the event will enable practical, community-led projects to move from plan to delivery in the months ahead.
“An inspiring night that showed how matched funding can supercharge grassroots work and create real outcomes for healthy people and a healthy planet. As we celebrate 20 years, the Bupa Foundation is proud to have doubled the impact and stood alongside TFN and three outstanding community organisations,” said Roger Sharp, Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer, Bupa Asia Pacific.
Farm My School will establish its proven regenerative farming model at Colac Secondary College, transforming unused school land into a working market garden integrated with the curriculum. The project will increase access to fresh produce for students and families, build food literacy through workshops, and create youth pathways into sustainable agriculture – strengthening a local food system in a community experiencing high rates of food insecurity and poor nutrition. “This support helps us catalyse a healthy, sustainable future in Colac – growing fresh food at school, building skills and strengthening local food systems,” said James McLennan, CEO and Co-founder of Farm My School. Michelle Brownstein, Community Engagement Manager, added: “TFN has built a powerful platform that connects vision with resources – we’re grateful to the Bupa Foundation for backing systemic change where it is needed most.”
CORENA will deliver a new community clean-energy project through its revolving loan fund, helping a grassroots organisation cut emissions and power bills while building climate resilience. As loans are repaid, funds are reinvested into future projects, multiplying impact for years to come.
“Because of your generosity, more community organisations will soon be powered by clean, affordable energy,” said Georgia Cooke, Board Chair at CORENA. “With our revolving fund, every donation multiplies its impact over time – reducing emissions at the source and freeing up resources for frontline services.”
A Curious Tractor will progress an on-country mobile plastic recycling plant, enabling remote First Nations communities to convert local plastic waste into durable panels used to make essential goods such as beds and washing machines. The initiative creates jobs and skills on Country, reduces landfill and delivers culturally appropriate goods that improve health, dignity and daily living.
“Families will soon have beds to sleep safely in and washing machines that work – designed with love and cultural respect,” said Nic Marchesi, Co-founder of A Curious Tractor. “On-country manufacturing creates jobs, reduces waste and restores dignity. Every bed we make together heals both people and planet.”
TFN’s live crowdfunding format inspires and amplifies giving, turning generosity into immediate, tangible outcomes. “Healthy People, Healthy Planet showed what is possible when purpose meets innovation,” said Kristen Lark, TFN CEO. “Backing grassroots leaders through collective giving delivers concrete results on the ground in communities across Australia – and Bupa Foundation’s leadership doubled that impact.”
Presenters highlighted the inclusive atmosphere and the power of meeting donors face-to-face. “It was an unbelievable night – we are overwhelmed by the generosity and the warmth in the room,” said James McLennan. “FMS is honoured to be part of the TFN community, alongside CORENA and A Curious Tractor.”
Beyond the event, TFN’s support continues through the Alumni Programme with capacity building, introductions and ongoing visibility. Each pitch is professionally filmed as part of this ongoing support. The videos help presenters reach wider audiences in the weeks and months ahead and often unlock further funding, partnerships and volunteer engagement. As Kristen Lark noted, “The dollars matter, and so do the new relationships, which extend the life and impact of each project well beyond the night.”
The event formed a centrepiece of the Bupa Foundation’s 20th anniversary, reflecting its long-standing commitment to mental wellbeing, environmental sustainability and community partnership. Senior leaders and staff from across Bupa helped set a generous tone in the room – reinforcing how corporate–community collaboration can accelerate place-based impact at scale.
About The Funding Network
The Funding Network Australia identifies and backs exceptional grassroots non-profits and social enterprises. Through live crowdfunding and capacity-building, TFN channels resources and visibility to emerging changemakers nationwide.
About the Bupa Foundation
Since 2005, the Bupa Foundation has supported organisations working to protect the health of communities. Through partnerships and programs, they’re building mentally healthy and resilient communities and addressing the vital connection between the health of our planet and its people.Healthy People, Healthy Planet formed part of its 20th anniversary programme.