What We Do
Most of us want to do something about the climate crisis – but it’s hard to know where to start and what will actually make a difference.
Groundswell exists to make taking action simple and powerful. We bring together people who care, experts who know where funding matters most, and a process that directs our collective resources into the highest‑impact climate solutions.
It’s focused and transparent. And it’s built to drive real change by shifting systems – not just treating the symptoms.
How it works
1. Experts identify the biggest opportunities. We partner with leading climate scientists, economists, policy advisers and campaigners to pinpoint where funding can deliver the greatest real‑world impact.
2. You and the community decide where funds go. Members vote on which high‑impact projects to support, ensuring transparency and collective decision-making every step of the way.
3. Together, we fuel real progress. From policy breakthroughs to scalable energy solutions, we back solutions built for lasting change.
Community Grantmaking
Over $7 million raised
|
148 grant partners
| 300+ members
|
Over $7 million raised | 148 grant partners | 300+ members |
Some of the climate wins the Groundswell community have made possible lately…
Secured $100 million in state investment
This funding will support new jobs across NSW’s coal regions, proving the energy transition can deliver secure, high-wage jobs for the communities that have powered Australia for generations. With Groundswell’s backing, this worker-led coalition is making sure local voices are shaping big decisions on offshore wind, transition planning and job creation.
Put climate reporting on the map
Groundswell funding enabled AAP to embed a climate correspondent ahead of the 2025 election, delivering dozens of stories across 80+ publications, reaching more than 300 regional outlets. By putting climate issues front and centre in overlooked communities, this reporting ensured voters had independent, trusted information when it mattered most.
Won a 30% battery rebate
After years of relentless advocacy, Solar Citizens helped secure a federal rebate on home batteries in an election year – protecting 4 million solar households, debunking nuclear myths, and positioning batteries as the next big step. The policy is set to save households up to $1,100 a year and unlock over a million new batteries by 2030, a critical boost for Australia’s clean energy future.
Exposed a 20-year gas cover up
Obtained explosive FOI documents revealing Santos’ Darwin LNG hub has been leaking huge amounts of methane since 2006 – a scandal regulators knew about but failed to act on. By uncovering this, ECNT is challenging regulatory capture and pressuring the government to fix one of Australia’s most dangerous and costly methane leaks.
Held big polluters to account
Parents for Climate’s legal action forced EnergyAustralia to apologise to 400,000 customers and settle over greenwashing claims – a landmark win setting a new standard for corporate climate accountability. Now, they are preparing legal action to hold the federal government accountable to its emissions reduction targets.
Secured $77 million for Torres Strait resilience
A major federal investment in seawalls and climate infrastructure across five Torres Strait islands marks a vital step in adapting to rising seas. This funding will help safeguard homes, culture and communities on the frontline of climate impacts, with First Nations leadership guiding the path forward.
