The Australian Unity Foundation

Grant recipients

In 2006, we set up the Australian Unity Foundation to enable us to further support and invest in initiatives that improve the Real Wellbeing of individuals and their communities, empowering them to make lasting social change. Australian Unity contributes a percentage of profits to the Foundation annually and since its inception we have granted over $1.9 million dollars enabling more than 70 community organisation to deliver and grow their impact.

Our philanthropic approach flows from our values of bold, warm and honest and is guided by four key principles; empowerment, sustainability, equity and collaboration

Our key principles

Empowerment “Enabling communities to thrive”

Empowering communities by providing them with the tools to transform themselves delivers lasting change. We support community initiated and led development as we believe that communities and the people within them have the knowledge and understanding to determine the best solutions to enable them to thrive.

Sustainability "Think Big"

Change must always be made with a view to supporting the capabilities, opportunities and potential of future generations. We are committed to creating change that is long lasting and life changing.

Equity "Welcome Difference"

An equitable approach addresses issues of vulnerability and discrimination due to gender identity, disability, ethnicity, indigeneity, race, religion, socio-economic status, age, sexuality and geography and focuses on the social justice, human rights, universal access, fair treatment, inclusiveness and dignity for all.

Collaboration “Big things, little things and everything in between”

We cultivate connection through authentic, open and respectful relationships that make real change. We are passionate about engaging the community beyond financial contribution alone.

What we support

We are committed to helping people thrive. We direct our support to initiatives and programs focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Financial Resilience, Mental Health and Diversity and Inclusion. We support sustainable long- term outcomes that deliver on our commitment to positively impact lifelong wellness, economic empowerment and creating strong communities.

Our 2020 Grant Recipients

In 2020, we awarded grants to the following organisations that have a positive impact in our community focus areas.

One year (2020) Grants

Black Dog Institute

The Black Dog Institute is an independent not-for-profit medical research institute affiliated with the University of New South Wales, Sydney. Learn more

First Nations Foundation

First Nations Foundation (FNF) focus is on building the financial literacy of Indigenous Australians—through advocacy, training and events. Learn more

Jigsaw

Jigsaw is a social enterprise that trains and transitions people with disability into award wage employment. Learn more

Purple House

Purple House is an Aboriginal community-controlled health service in Alice Springs servicing the Western Desert and far into Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory. Learn more

Red Cross

The Young Parents Program (YPP), offers tailored support to a highly vulnerable group in the community—namely pregnant and parenting young women and men—providing accommodation. Learn more

Start Out

StartOut supports people of diverse sexuality and gender (LGBT+) with online mentoring through a digital app. They focus on regional and rural areas where there are usually less role models or seen “out” people compared to metropolitan areas. Learn more

Women’s Information and Referral Exchange (WIRE)

WIRE is the only free Victorian generalist information, support and referral service that provides support on any issue. Learn more

Why choose Australian Unity?

180 years

We've been supporting the wellbeing of Australians since 1840.

Member-owned

Our profits are reinvested back into better products and services for our members and the community.

Wellbeing experts

We've been measuring the wellbeing of Australians for 20 years.

Our products & services

We provide products designed to enable customers and members to thrive

Health insurance

Need a little? Need a lot? We’ve got hospital, extras and overseas visitor cover options to suit most people.

Dental centres

Quality dental care at six convenient locations across Melbourne.

Independent & Assisted living

Aged care, retirement living, home care, Aboriginal home care and allied health services designed to support and empower.

Wealth

A broad range of investment options, financial advisory and trustee services designed to improve your financial wellbeing.

Banking

A good bank is run to benefit its members and customers. We focus on personalised service and competitive rates.

Insurance

With a wide range of insurance policies, you’ll find the cover you need to rest easy.

Making a difference in our communities

We’ve been supporting Australian communities to thrive since 1840. It’s why we were founded, and it’s what continues to drive us today.

Australian Unity Wellbeing Index

Partnering with Deakin University since 2000 to deliver one of the most credible and enduring studies of wellbeing in Australia.

Female friends tapping card, paying for a coffee

Financial Inclusion Action Plan

We’re committed to using our range of skills to improve financial wellbeing and inclusion for all Australians.

Reconciliation Action Plan

We're committed to building strong, respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and businesses.

We're here for you

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