The Funding Network Powering grassroots change through collective giving

With live crowdfunding events and a community-first approach, The Funding Network is proving that every donation can spark extraordinary change.

When Zoe Black, co-founder and CEO of Happy Paws Happy Hearts, took the stage at The Funding Network (TFN) live crowdfunding event in Brisbane in 2018 she wasn’t just pitching for funds: she was pitching for the future of veterans and their families.

Her program, which pairs rescue animals with socially isolated veterans, needed resources to expand. That night, with pledges from individuals, foundations and businesses, Zoe raised close to $50,000. A national TV broadcast about her organisation later eventuated and inspired even more donations. Through the support of TFN, she launched a pilot program, employed specialist trainers and eventually expanded the program across the country.

“The TFN experience was transformational,” Zoe recalls. “The funding was incredible but the real gift was learning how to pitch. That skill opened doors to new funders and helped us grow. The TFN live event was the turning point.”

Stories like Zoe’s capture what TFN is all about: connecting everyday Australians, philanthropists and corporates with grassroots changemakers. Founded in the UK in 2002 and launched in Australia in 2013, TFN brings people together for live giving events where three carefully selected organisations pitch their vision for change.

Unlike open online crowdfunding platforms where anyone can seek funds, TFN’s model involves vetting, coaching and ongoing support, ensuring donors know their contributions will drive impact.

CEO of TFN, Kristen Lark, explains that the live TFN events, held regularly in various locations across the country, are an electrifying mix of inspiration and action together. Audiences hear compelling six-minute pitches and then pledge support on the spot. Donations are often matched and follow-up reports ensure transparency.

“The network is all about inspiring giving,” says Kristen. “Australians are generous but finding early-stage organisations to support can be difficult. We exist to provide that bridge. At a live event, everyone can feel the joy in the room when people give together. It really is extraordinary.”

TFN’s live events often feature diverse leaders tackling entrenched disadvantage and prioritises smaller charities overlooked by mainstream giving. “While 95% of donations in Australia go to just 10% of charities, TFN opens pathways to funding for grassroots organisations.”

Beyond raising money, TFN equips grassroots organisations with the tools needed to thrive, long-term. For example, impact storytelling training helps leaders tell their stories with confidence. TFN’s alumni program also supports nearly 300 organisations with workshops, sector insights and networking opportunities.

“We think of ourselves as a catalyst. Grassroots charities don’t always have fundraising teams. We give them momentum and the capacity to scale their vision.”

Critical to TFN’s impact is support from partners like Equity Trustees, where funding from the Empowering Change program, and specifically the Children & Young People granting pillar, provides vital capacity funding. Equity Trustees has hosted TFN events in Melbourne and supports TFN’s for-purpose Alumni directly through its charitable trusts.

As Kristen reflects, philanthropic partnerships like these ensure that TFN continues connecting donors with changemakers, and building the capacity of grassroots organisations.

“We can’t do this work alone. Partnerships are essential to helping us back grassroots leaders with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.”

Kristen encourages everyone who’s interested to attend a TFN event. “There’ll always be opportunities for giving to ensure that the next grassroots organisation has the platform it needs to change the world. There’s a kind of magic that happens in the room at a live event. You will walk away feeling hopeful and inspired.”

To learn more or join an upcoming event, visit thefundingnetwork.com.au

The Equity Trustees Children & Young People Strategy is one of five granting pillars within our Empowering Change program.  This program exists because of generous and visionary philanthropists.  Various trusts with similar objectives collectively fund to support organisations striving towards a more equitable future for children and young people, particularly in the areas of education, out-of-home care and disability.  Read more about Equity Trustees Children & Young People

“There’s a kind of magic that happens in the room at a live event. You will walk away feeling hopeful and inspired.”