New grants for First Nations enterprises
In this edition, we announce the opening of SEDI First Nations Grants, providing up to $120,000 for eligible First Nations enterprises to build capability and grow their impact.
In addition, we share insights from my recent conversation with Philanthropy Australia on the future of impact investing, along with information on the Impact Catalyst program for investors looking to deepen their impact investing practice.
Finally, we round up international developments, including new thinking from GSG Impact on impact economies and leadership news from the Global Impact Investing Network.
Enjoy this month’s update.
David
David Hetherington, CEO
Impact Investing Australia
Grants of up to $120,000 to help First Nations enterprises grow their impact
The Social Enterprise Development Initiative (SEDI) has expanded with the launch of SEDI First Nations Grants, joining the existing SEDI Grants program.
Applications are now open, with grants of between $50,000 and $120,000 available to eligible First Nations enterprises to access specialist services that strengthen capability, support growth and help deliver greater social and economic outcomes for communities.
Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services and delivered by Impact Investing Australia in partnership with Malu Pty Ltd, the grants support First Nations enterprises to access expertise and tools that can help them become more sustainable, resilient and ready to scale.
Funding can be used to access capability support, such as financial services, evaluation and impact measurement, business consulting and legal advice. The grants are not intended to fund general operations, but to help enterprises build the capabilities needed to deepen their impact.
Eligible enterprises must be First Nations enterprises that are already trading and delivering social benefit, with a business model involving entrepreneurial or commercial activity.
Applications will be assessed through a competitive process, with assessment informed by First Nations people. The panel includes experience across First Nations organisations, social enterprise, business, governance and finance.
First Nations enterprises interested in applying can begin by submitting an Expression of Interest.
Where is impact investing heading?
Impact investing is entering an important new phase, with growing interest in how capital can deliver measurable social and environmental outcomes alongside financial returns.
In a recent conversation with Philanthropy Australia’s Giving News, IIA CEO David Hetherington shared his insights on the future direction of the sector, including the role of catalytic capital, the leadership of foundations and trusts, and the importance of stronger market data.
David discussed the role of the Foundations Group for Impact Investing (FGII), the gaps impact investing can help address and how early-stage and catalytic capital can unlock new opportunities.
He also explored how foundations, trusts and ecosystem organisations can work together to accelerate the growth of impact investing in Australia.
Build your impact investing capability with Impact Catalyst
The Wade Institute’s Impact Catalyst program is a 10-day deep learning experience designed for investors and decision-makers who want to develop the skills and confidence to invest for measurable impact alongside financial return.
Delivered in a hybrid format, the program combines practitioner-led learning, real-world case studies, practical frameworks and peer connections with investors and ecosystem leaders.
Participants will explore impact investing foundations, investment opportunities, capital structures, blended finance, impact measurement and emerging areas including climate, gender and First Nations impact.
The program is designed for family offices, investors, emerging fund managers, corporate strategy teams, foundations and professionals looking to build their impact investing capability.
Participants will leave with practical tools, a stronger understanding of risk–return–impact trade-offs, and a personalised impact investment thesis.
When: 3–7 and 17–20 August
International news
Building the foundations of an impact economy
Impact economies are becoming an increasingly important part of the global conversation. But what does an impact economy look like in practice?
In a new article for Impact-Investor.com, GSG Impact CEO Elizabeth Boggs Davidsen explores why building impact economies is the next step towards more inclusive and resilient growth.
The article introduces the Impact Economy Index, the new global benchmark being developed to help countries assess progress, identify priorities and strengthen the conditions needed for impact to thrive.
GIIN announces leadership transition and Impact Forum 2026
The Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) has announced that Co-Founder and CEO Amit Bouri will step down at the end of 2026 as part of a planned succession process.
Over 17 years, Amit has played a significant role in building the global impact investing field – from developing shared frameworks and research to growing a worldwide community of practitioners.
The GIIN Impact Forum 2026 will bring together investors and changemakers from around the world in Amsterdam to explore the ideas and innovations shaping the future of impact investing.
The 27–29 October event will feature more than 50 workshop sessions, with organisations from more than 60 countries represented.