This year, Mannifera evolved its grantmaking approach and practice in alignment with our new 2023-26 strategic plan. More emphasis has been put on ensuring our partnerships with civil society and First Nations communities shape our grantmaking approach and hold us accountable to the groups we exist to resource and empower. 

Over the course of 2023-24, we awarded 17 grants to organisations working across our five funding focus areas. These grants responded to emerging social issues, advanced our First Nations-led practice, and included signature grants awarded during our annual muster.

Responding to dis/misinformation: 

In February 2024, Mannifera launched a national call for proposals from organisations working to combat the spread of dis/misinformation in Australia. This call addressed the rise of dis/misinformation and the profound impact it is having on our democracy, social cohesion, and public discourse. 

The successful grant recipients are working in distinct but complementary ways to combat dis/misinformation and foster a healthy information environment by advocating for improved journalistic standards, conducting critical research into the drivers of dis/misinformation, and developing new innovative strategies to counteract its spread. So far, $40,000 has been awarded to each of the following organisations:

• Alliance for Journalists Freedom
• Australian Democracy Network
• Australians for a Murdoch Royal Commission 
• Digital Rights Watch
• Human Rights Law Centre

Fostering First Nations Economic Inclusion:

Guided by the expertise of our First Nations advisors, this year we awarded five grants to organisations working to foster economic inclusion for First Nations communities. These grants reflect our ongoing commitment to support First Nations-led initiatives, with a focus on multi-year and renewed funding.

• Galiwin'ku Women's Space - $50,000
• Cape York Grassroots Corporation - $50,000
• Welcome to Country - $30,000
• Wulumbarra (Yorta Yorta) - $30,000
• Maganda Makers Business Club $30,000

Signature Grants Across Focus Areas

During our annual muster, we awarded seven signature grants to existing Mannifera partners, reinforcing our commitment to multi-year funding. These grants support partners making significant progress in their advocacy efforts and foster collaboration within our networks.

• Australian Democracy Network - $50,000 x 3 years
• Centre for Public Integrity - $70,000 x 2 years
• Think Forward - $80,000 x 2 years
• Foundations for Tomorrow - $60,000 x 2 years
• Fair Agenda - $60,000
• WA+ - $20,000
• Women for Election - $40,000