The Futureproof stream supports a series of strategic, collaborative initiatives funded over the FY22-26 period which invest in the future capacity and sustainability of Australia’s for-purpose sector and its leadership.
new approvals
initiatives supported
of funding towards First Nations initiatives
total Futureproof funding approved and distributed
The figures in the infographics above refer only to funding approved and distributed in the 2023/24 financial year.
The Karrkad Kanjdji Trust (KKT) brings together Indigenous ranger groups, communities, and philanthropic partners in a shared mission: to support Bininj (Indigenous) people of West and Central Arnhem Land to live, learn, and work on Country, preserving land and sea, traditions and culture. By providing critical funding for local programs and infrastructure, KKT supports Bininj to realise their aspirations, including educating their children 'both ways'.
It is recognised in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples that establishing and leading education models that are culturally and linguistically relevant is key to self-determination. Many of the communities of West and Central Arnhem Land similarly recognise the need to educate and prepare the next generation of custodians for the two worlds they will grow into – Bininj and Balanda (non-Indigenous). At the request of Nawarddeken Traditional Owners of the Warddeken Indigenous Protected Area in West Arnhem Land, the Nawarddeken Academy was established in 2015. The Academy, a bi-cultural, community-owned independent school, now provides access to full-time education for primary aged students in remote homeland communities.
Before the Nawarddeken Academy, Bininj children had little if any access to education and what education did exist was inadequate in providing cultural learning relevant to the unique environment of West Arnhem Land. Since 2015, the Academy has grown from a single teacher under a tarpaulin in Kabulwarnamyo to three registered independent schools, with additional Nawarddeken Academy sites established in Manmoyi and Mamardawerre in 2021. In 2023, the Nawarddeken Academy, supported by the TFFF and other funders, commenced the process of establishing secondary education and an early learning program, to guarantee Nawarddeken children have the option to remain on Country for the entirety of their schooling. Over the last year, an additional balabbala (bush classroom) has also been built and two secondary teachers have been employed, enabling 30 secondary aged youth to learn and thrive on Country with their families.
Photographs courtesy of Karrkad Kanjdji Trust.
A New Approach (ANA) is Australia’s leading arts and culture think tank, independently funded by 13 philanthropic partners. Its work informs discussion, inspires public policy, and brings together decision makers and industry leaders around evidence-led ideas and pathways for pragmatic action. ANA was influential in Revive, Australia’s first cultural policy in a decade, and is encouraging multi-partisan and cross-portfolio support for Australian arts and culture.
AEIOU delivers high-quality therapy and care for children with autism aged 2-6 years, and supports them to develop essential life skills, independence, and confidence. The previous Townsville centre has operated for 15 years as the only local service supporting children with complex needs. The new, purpose-built centre proposes to be a life-changing asset for the community, as well as those in nearby towns who will be able to access its outreach service.
Working together with Creative Australia to pilot a capacity building service offering for Australia’s Private Ancillary Fund (PAF) sector. This utilises the Australian Cultural Fund (ACF) as a vehicle through which PAFs can more easily provide multi-year funding to arts organisations.
Karrkad Kanjdji Trust was established by the leadership of the Bininj people of Central and West Arnhem Land to support their efforts to preserve Country and culture. It acts as an intermediary between local community organisations and philanthropy, now supporting six Aboriginal-led partners including Warddeken Land Management. TFFF funds are enabling the expansion of Nawarddeken Academy infrastructure at two sites, Manmoyi and Mamadawerre, to provide early learning and bi-cultural secondary education.
Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership (TQKP) is a cross-sectoral coalition, intermediary, and catalyst, bringing together people and knowledge to benefit all children and young people across Queensland. It is committed to improving health, education and family service systems that shape young lives. This partnership has led to the creation of the Queensland Kids Funders Alliance as smarter investment is one of the six key levers of the initiative. TFFF funds are allocated towards the Thriving Queensland Country Kids Initiative and the Thriving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Kids Initiative.
1Two payments received in one financial year, for expenditure over multi-year period.
The Brain Health in Queensland Schools initiative will utilise schools as a context to optimise child development and prevent mental health issues. The initiative will involve a pilot in rural schools, with the potential to benefit all schools in Queensland. Following a sector-wide survey over the last two years, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) and Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) were identified as exceptionally credentialled to lead this initiative. Involving TFFF, Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership (TQKP) and the Queensland Department of Education, this project will meaningfully contribute towards improved mental health and wellbeing outcomes for Queensland children and young people.
The Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) is Australia’s largest child health research institute, ranked among the top three globally for research quality and impact. MCRI designed the Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS) initiative in Victoria in 2020, pairing a Mental Health and Wellbeing Coordinator with an evidence-based training program to support student health and wellbeing. TFFF funding will allow MCRI to deliver a rural pilot of the MHiPS initiative in Queensland schools.
The Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) is a leading neuroscience research institute based at the University of Queensland, with collaborators across more than 48 countries. QBI will design and deliver a complementary workforce development package alongside the MHiPS initiative, focused on pragmatic and scalable solutions that better equip school staff to address the adversities that inhibit learning, and will provide student access to neuroscientific child development knowledge as a key approach to preventing mental illness in adulthood.
