Walking in a positive direction

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Who we are

Minderoo Foundation is a modern philanthropic organisation.

We take on tough, persistent issues with the potential to drive massive change.

We incubate ideas and accelerate impact.

We push the limits of what is believed possible.

Minderoo Foundation is one of Australasia’s largest philanthropies, with AUD$2.6 billion funds invested in philanthropic causes. These causes range from eliminating childhood cancer to improving early childhood education, ending modern slavery and driving accountability in and responsibility for global overfishing, plastic pollution, global warming and the tech ecosystem.

We aim to provide a new or unique perspective on seemingly intractable challenges.

How we work

Most of our projects begin with a sense of curiosity – is there a better way?

Through a collaborative, evidence-based approach we strive to solve major global challenges through our key initiatives.

We both support and fund early-stage innovation, develop major programs on the ground in communities, and advocate for change at domestic and international policy forums.

Everything we do is driven by a deep care for people and a mission to improve the world for future generations.

We aim to empower both our employees and others to have a positive impact through inclusion, collaboration and, most importantly, kindness. The world needs more of it.

Key initiatives

Perth Symphony Orchestra
Arts & CultureWe work with big-thinking partners to identify projects that will benefit arts and culture, both in Australia and internationally. Since Minderoo Foundation was established, we’ve supported over 280 partners and counting.Visit initiative
Ella McNeillDirector, Arts & Culture
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Building CommunitiesWe work to foster healthy, strong communities by empowering people to identify their own solutions and drive change to respond to vulnerability. Through our collaborative partnerships, we support individuals and organisations to provide real results for communities.Visit initiative
Louise OlneyDirector, Building Communities
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Cancer research lab
Collaborate Against CancerWhy can’t we live in a world where cancer is a treatable, non-fatal disease? We believe that through leadership, influence and resources, we can help catalyse a global movement of collaboration to accelerate cancer research and improve prevention, detection, and treatment.Visit initiative
Kangaroo Island Begins Recovery Process Following Devastating Bushfire Season
Fire & Flood ResilienceWe want to reduce harm caused by fire and floods by harnessing the collective power of communities, industry, government, philanthropy and the research sector to lift Australia to be the global leader in fire and flood resilience by 2025.Visit initiative
Adrian TurnerDirector, Fire and Flood Resilience
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Uriel Soberanes
Flourishing OceansThe ocean is the largest ecosystem on Earth. It provides the primary source of protein for over one billion people, contains some of the most diverse lifeforms on the planet and is of critical significance from recreational, business and environmental perspectives. As a global community, we must do a better job of helping it regain a flourishing state.Visit initiative
Tony WorbyDirector, Planet Portfolio & Flourishing Oceans
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Students having class in outside auditorium
Frontier TechnologyWe are motivated by a vision of technology that earns society’s collective ‘yes’ because it empowers people – rather than being dehumanising and unaccountable.Visit initiative
Opera House Sails Light Up With Indigenous Artwork On Australia Day
Generation OneGeneration One’s mission is to end the disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in our generation. Informed by the recommendations of the Creating Parity Report, our focus is firmly on reforming specific policies and creating sustainable training and employment opportunities.Visit initiative
Shelley CableDirector, Generation One
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No Plastic WastePlastic is in our communities, rivers and oceans. It is in our water, air, rain and snow, and it is also in our bodies. Plastic pollution is one of the biggest, most urgent threats facing our planet and our health. Our vision is for a world without plastic pollution.Visit initiative
Research Lab
ResearchResearch underpins and informs everything we do – they are part of the Minderoo Foundation DNA. Our R&I team helps to develop new research on critical areas of impact that are important to Minderoo Foundation’s other seven core initiatives, as well as leveraging the knowledge platforms developed by each.Visit initiative
Fiona DavidResearch Chair
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Thrive by FiveDid you know that 90 per cent of brain growth occurs by the age of three years? Our education, health and social policy decisions must reflect this. Our Thrive By Five initiative believes a long-term, evidence-based strategy to create a culture that prioritises children will ensure that all Australian kids have the best start to life.Visit initiative
Jay WeatherillDirector, Thrive by Five
Jay Weatherill
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Walk FreeWalk Free is a global organisation with a mission to end modern slavery in our generation by mobilising a global activist movement, generating the highest quality research, enlisting business, and raising unprecedented levels of capital to drive change in those countries and industries bearing the greatest responsibility for modern slavery today.Visit initiative
Grace ForrestCo-Founder & Head of Strategic Communications, Walk Free
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Our approach

Early Stage

We start with the challenge “it can’t be done”. We are willing to work outside the system to back unconventional solutions. We devote research teams, pilot programs and data to tough issues.

On the Ground

By identifying the connections between issues, we create new models to push the limits of what is believed possible. We engage people at a local level to co-create solutions.

Policy

We get the right people in the room and share our proven models between philanthropists, faith, business and government leaders to develop policies for long term change.

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Our Values

Humility

Be vulnerable, take risks to trust others.

Courage & Determination

NEGU – we never, ever give up.

Empowerment

Go to your leader for advice, not permission.

Enthusiasm

Be the most positive person in the room.

Family

Support each other, always be kind.

Frugality

Think of ways we can do things better, faster, cheaper, safer.

Generating ideas

Always be on the lookout for breakthroughs.

Integrity

Do what you say you’re going to do.

Safety

Look out for your mates and yourself.

Stretch Targets

Always be uncomfortable with your level of challenge.

Modern Slavery Statement

Minderoo is committed to protecting and respecting the rights of all people including our employees, partners, and people who may be impacted by our activities, including those in our supply chains and broader value chains.

Minderoo successfully advocated for Australia’s 2018 Modern Slavery Act, which requires certain organisations and businesses to publish a Modern Slavery Statement. We hope this will lead to greater supply chain transparency, better business practices and play a role in ending modern slavery.

Assessing and addressing the risk of modern slavery in our own supply chains is an absolute priority for Minderoo. In doing so, Minderoo draws directly on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the ILO Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.

Code of Conduct

The Minderoo Foundation Code of Conduct is a set of guiding principles aligned to our Values and culture, and is a way we put our Values into practice. Our Code provides advice and guidance on how to conduct business ethically and in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations and policies.

Our Values of Empowerment and Courage and Determination mean we can all speak up if we think something isn’t right or needs a second opinion.

The Code applies to all those who contribute to the goals of the organisation, including employees, contractors, consultants, board members, volunteers, and temporary or casual workers to ensure the highest possible standards of respectful and ethical business conduct.

SUpplier & Partner Code of Conduct

The Minderoo Foundation Supplier and Partner Code of Conduct outlines our expectations of suppliers and partners and their conduct regarding labour and human rights, workplace health and safety, environment protection and ethical practices.

We care deeply about these issues and this Code is one tool that we use to communicate our expectations, and assess our suppliers’ and partners’ compliance.

The behaviour we walk by is the behaviour we accept. Our values also empower you to demonstrate integrity in all that we do. Should you have integrity concerns, you may confidentially contact our Integrity Hotline by calling 1800 993 849, via email at integrityminderoo@deloitte.com.au or by visiting www.integrityminderoo.deloitte.com.au.

Our climate policy

The science is clear that human-induced climate change is real. Minderoo Foundation accepts the scientific assessment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

When we challenge the impossible, we will fail.
We will fail relentlessly. Until we succeed.

operations

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Operations comprises Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Legal and Compliance. We are responsible for the administration of best practice processes across all our global initiatives to ensure the Minderoo Foundation runs as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Communications

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Minderoo Foundation’s Communications division drives change through dialogues, forums, media coverage, government relations, and public campaigns.

Investments

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We believe program-related investments can stimulate private sector innovation, encourage market-driven efficiencies and attract external capital to philanthropic causes. Our Investments division weighs up returns and social impact to drive positive change.

Our history

Andrew and Nicola Forrest founded Minderoo Foundation in 2001, and continue to drive its philanthropic mission today. Andrew remains Chairman of Fortescue Metals Group, the publicly listed company he founded in 2003, which is one of the world’s main suppliers of iron ore. Dividends from Fortescue fund Minderoo Foundation’s ongoing commitment to philanthropy. We take our name from Minderoo Station, the family homestead where Andrew grew up in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. It has been a part of the Forrest family since 1878. Minderoo is an Aboriginal word meaning permanent and clean water.

Our founders, Andrew and Nicola Forrest, pictured with one of the foundation’s newest members ‘Bobbie’ – the Bright Tomorrows Start Today campaign mascot. 

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Our team

With over 90 staff in six international offices, we have the capacity to mobilise expert teams for local and global projects. At Minderoo Foundation we are committed to hiring the best and brightest, those with the passion and commitment to tackle the big challenges.

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Abiyoso Purnomosakti
Research Analyst
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Christine Lim-Abrahams
Unit Manager
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Steve Burnell
Head of OceanOmics
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Angela Pleydell
Finance Manager
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Hayley Panetta
Director, Impact Portfolio
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Liz Griffin
Indigenous Employment Strategist
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Leslie Delaforce
Indigenous Entrepreneurship Manager
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Juan Larranaga
Policy and Portfolio Manager
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Ben Manifold
Lawyer
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Warren Jansen
IT Infrastructure Engineer

Join our team

Our people are at the heart of everything we do and we seek talented and passionate individuals. Visit our careers page to see what opportunities are available to join our growing team.

Strategic Impact Fund

Minderoo Foundation has allocated $100 million to an impact investing fund that is investing in businesses that take on some of the most persistent problems faced by people and our planet. Why? Because we believe that business can be a force for good.

The Strategic Impact Fund empowers businesses to seek solutions and scale, when their goals are aligned with our areas of focus taking on tough, persistent issues with the potential for massive change.

Funding philanthropy
sustainably

Change can take time, at Minderoo Foundation we always think big and plan for the long-term. Our philanthropy is supported by Tattarang and its portfolio of businesses. This integrated model ensures a level of unparalleled sustainability for our philanthropic activities.

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For any commercial enquiries, visit the Tattarang website.