“2024 was a transformative year for Minderoo Foundation.”

Guided by our new 2030 Strategy, we redefined how we work and collaborate by embracing a partner-led approach and ensuring those closest to the challenges are empowered to drive solutions.

This also allowed us to sharpen our focus on three critical areas: advancing gender equality, empowering communities and protecting ecosystems, while having the flexibility to respond quickly to urgent crises through our Impact Missions.

As I reflect on 2024, the progress we’ve made highlights the strength of our partnerships, the dedication of our team and the impact of working together toward a shared vision.

The stories of impact this year show what’s possible when fairness and collaboration guide our actions, and remind us of the difference we can make together.

Gender Equality

This year, we took meaningful steps with our partners towards breaking down the barriers to gender quality, so every Australian has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from a more fair and equitable society.

We supported projects like the Remaking the Norm report, providing workplaces and policymakers with data-driven, actionable steps to overcome decision paralysis and ensure women and girls have the same opportunities and economic agency to thrive. We also launched the Dads’ Action Plan, which calls for reforms to parental leave policies, helping shift outdated stereotypes and empowering families, to make choices that best suit their circumstances.

Whether it’s highlighting the economic benefits of gender equity in the workplace or challenging traditional care roles, we are sparking conversations and action for fair future where every person has the same freedoms and opportunities to reach their full potential.

We were also proud to see Grace Forrest receive the prestigious Roosevelt Four Freedoms Award for outstanding contributions over the past decade in the fight against modern slavery. The amazing team at Walk Free has had another massive year continuing the drive to eradicate modern slavery globally in all its forms.

Remaking the Norm

Communities

I am also immensely proud of our efforts to foster stronger communities. Our $30 million partnership with the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), the largest-ever philanthropic contribution to the Australian arts sector, will deliver world-class facilities and bring global talent to Perth, inspiring children to reach their full potential. It will also celebrate the richness of our diverse cultures and amplify First Nations voices, connecting communities and fostering inclusion through the power of the arts.

It’s also incredible to see the progress we’ve made in early childhood development through Thrive by Five. The removal of the Activity Test and the government’s $1 billion investment in expanding access to early learning centres is an important moment for families across Australia. Along with our partners, our advocacy helped shape policy reform and drive lasting change, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Vibrant, socially connected communities uplift everyone, creating opportunities that benefit all. When we invest in partners like WAAPA, we’re not just supporting the arts, we’re investing in the people, stories and connections that build the foundations of a fair future.

Context: WAAPA

Natural Ecosystems

The health of our environment and the wellbeing of our communities are inseparable, one cannot thrive without the other. In 2024, we continued our commitment to restoring and safeguarding Australia’s precious natural ecosystems by supporting the ongoing restoration of Perth’s culturally and ecologically significant Swan-Canning Estuary. Our support is already having a measurable impact, transforming the underwater landscape, creating habitats for diverse marine species, improving water quality and sustaining local livelihoods and recreation.

We also provided nearly $6 million in grants to help tackle the growing threat of extreme heat and humidity. These funds are supporting science-based solutions, including the development of an early warning system to help protect vulnerable communities from deadly humid heatwaves.

With our partners, we’re taking measurable steps towards a more sustainable future, where people and our natural ecosystems thrive together.

Lethal Humidity

Impact Missions

While our Focus Areas aim to address challenges at their root cause, our Impact Missions ensure we can respond swiftly to crises that demand urgent action. In the Middle East, we provided more than $43 million in humanitarian aid, to help innocent families and children in conflict zones through their most difficult days.

We also continued the push for a Global Plastics Treaty, shining a light on the toxic chemicals found in everyday plastics and the health risks they pose to children, communities and our environment. Informed by world-leading scientific research, our advocacy raised awareness of these hidden dangers and drove momentum for action.

These timely responses remind us that while our mission is ambitious and systemic change takes time, every action we take, whether addressing urgent needs or driving long-term change, brings us closer to realising a fair future.

Global Plastics Treaty

Financial Statement

In FY23, following a period of rapid growth, Minderoo Foundation undertook a strategic review to focus its impact. This reflective process underpinned the development of Minderoo’s 2030 Strategy, shaped through collaboration with our staff, partners and stakeholders.

Despite the focus on strategic planning and the phased implementation of a new organisational strategy, and structure and partner-led approach in FY24, Minderoo maintained its commitment to delivering measurable outcomes, with active commitments for impact totalling $210 million.

Looking ahead, 2025 embeds our new strategic approach and progress towards achieving our mission to forge a fair future.

Financial Statement