Major Giving Circle
A dedicated new funding collective for individuals and families united in the fight against climate change
What is the MGC?
The Major Giving Circle brings together individuals and families who want their philanthropy to fuel strategic climate impact.
Now in its second year, the MGC is becoming a powerful engine for solutions. In 2025, 22 members raised $1.86 million, strengthening the stability and strategic capacity of the organisations shaping Australia’s climate future, alongside additional rapid-response support throughout the year.
The MGC is backing work that shifts national conversations, challenges fossil fuel industries, strengthens community leadership, elevates First Nations climate justice and advances policy solutions. More than a funding pool, it’s becoming a strategic home where members help shape priorities and back the climate movement with confidence and clarity.
Why now?
Australia sits at a crucial turning point. While the public overwhelmingly supports climate action, progress is too often stalled by political pressure, misinformation and the influence of fossil fuel companies. Communities on the frontlines are already living with climate impacts and the organisations working to protect them need steady, multi-year support.
The MGC offers a high-impact response: philanthropists pooling resources to unlock sophisticated, forward-looking climate advocacy. Together, members help amplify community voices, strengthen democratic leadership, counter misinformation and accelerate the transition to a safe, fair and prosperous climate future.
Grant winners in 2025
We’re proud to support ten organisations whose work spans policy reform, accountability, energy transition, community leadership and climate storytelling.
Expert-led grant making
Australia’s leading climate strategists, policy thinkers and campaigners form the MGC Advisory Committee. Their deep experience across advocacy, community engagement, energy transition, philanthropy and movement strategy informs every aspect of our approach.
Caleb Adams: Director ESG & Sustainable Investment, Evans & Partners Financial Group
Brooke Horne: Deputy CEO, Environmental Leadership Australia
Emma Bones: General Manager, Sydney Environment Institute; Board Director, Groundswell
Tim Buckley: Founder and Director, Climate Energy Finance
Rathana Chea: Co-founder Multicultural Leadership Initiative; CEO Rathana.org
Hasmukh Chand: Strategist - Climate, Energy, Policy & Politics, CANA
Amba-Rose Atkinson: Portfolio Manager, Private Philanthropic Trust
Harriet McCallum: Executive Officer, Mannifera
Stephen Pfeiffer: Major Giving Circle Manager, Groundswell
Arielle Gamble: Co-founder & CEO, Groundswell
Our Advisory Committee helps ensure every dollar of MGC funding is strategic, timely and aligned with the wider movement’s needs.
Join us in making history
A philanthropic commitment to the MGC is more than a donation – it’s a strategic intervention in Australia’s climate future.
By pooling your contribution with other values-aligned philanthropists, you help create a funding engine capable of shifting what’s possible.
Together, members:
Fund effectively: informed by Groundswell’s impact track record and guided by climate experts.
Build knowledge through grantmaking participation and optional immersive learning experiences.
Strengthen community: connecting with thoughtful, impact-driven peers committed to lasting climate solutions.
Our members
With deep gratitude to the families and foundations who have joined the Circle:
SALT Catalyst
Rick Walters & Kate Brettell
Matt Crozier
The Tony Foundation
Mamoma Foundation
Green Eyes Foundation
Australian Ethical Foundation
Pollinate Fund
Jack and Robert Smorgon Families Foundation
The Dusseldorp Forum
5Point Foundation
And many more.
Groundswell Giving operates both as a sub-fund of Australian Communities Foundation ABN 57967620066, as well a separate DGR1 registered charity Groundswell Giving Ltd ABN 86 660 758 985.