By Kristen Lark
Originally published on LinkedIn
As an American living in Australia, I watch what’s unfolding in my home country with both heartbreak and urgency. The pushback against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), the increasing polarisation of social issues, and the erosion of hard-won rights aren’t just political flashpoints - they are warnings. Warnings that progress is never guaranteed, and that if we don’t stand up for what’s right, we risk losing ground. What’s happening in America matters everywhere because injustice knows no borders. And while Australia has made strides in DEI, we too face the challenges of complacency, underfunding, and structural barriers that prevent real inclusion.
I know one thing for certain: change doesn’t happen because we hope for it. It happens because we fight for it, together. Whether in the heart of Texas or on the streets of Sydney, real change happens when communities unite - not just to talk about justice but to take action. Right now, we need that action more than ever.
At The Funding Network Australia (TFN), we don’t just believe in change; we fund it, fuel it, and bring it to life. Since 2013, we’ve hosted 196 live crowdfunding events, rallying over 20,000 Australians to raise more than $30 million for 550+ grassroots social impact initiatives. These are more than just numbers - they represent real people, real communities, and real solutions. And at the heart of it all? Collective action.
Right now, DEI efforts are under intense scrutiny worldwide. Some see them as unnecessary, others as politically divisive. In the U.S., we’ve seen entire institutions roll back DEI commitments, and even here in Australia, the fight for inclusion is far from over.
Here’s the truth: Diversity and inclusion don’t just make communities fairer - they make them stronger. Studies show that inclusive workplaces drive higher productivity and innovation (Diversity Council Australia), and that economies thrive when marginalised groups are empowered. But let’s be clear: DEI isn’t just about workplaces. It’s about every space we occupy - from schools to boardrooms, from non-profit programs to government policies. While the Australian Government recognises that an inclusive workforce strengthens the nation, systemic barriers persist. (DFAT)
At TFN, we don’t just talk about inclusion - we invest in it. Every time we bring together philanthropists, grassroots leaders, and changemakers, we’re building a stronger, fairer society. Through our upcoming Equity & Inclusion events in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, we are shining a spotlight on the non-profits that have been fighting for inclusion long before it was a trending topic. These grassroots organisations are championing disability inclusion, creating pathways for Indigenous leadership, breaking down employment barriers, and ensuring that all people - no matter their background or age - have the connections and support to thrive.
We cannot sit back and hope that governments or corporations will lead the charge on inclusion. The most meaningful, transformative change happens from the ground up. Grassroots organisations are driving this change, and collective giving is the fuel that propels them forward.
That’s why TFN’s Equity & Inclusion events are so critical right now. At each event, you will hear from changemakers working on the frontlines - leading organisations that are building solutions, not just pointing out the problems. These events are more than just fundraisers; they are platforms for action, spaces where the community comes together to back real solutions with real resources.
If we don’t show up for this work, who will? If we don’t keep investing in inclusion, how many more people will be left behind?
The pushback against DEI is real - but so is our power to resist it. We can choose to invest in organisations that are leading Australia toward a future where everyone belongs. We can ensure that, ten years from now, we don’t look back and regret not doing enough.
The Funding Network has always been about amplifying grassroots leadership, shifting power, and mobilising resources where they are needed most. Now, more than ever, we need to step up.
Join us at our Equity & Inclusion events in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. Hear from the non-profits building a better future. Show them that we see them, we value them, and we stand with them.
Because together we can make our world a place where every person and every contribution matters.