WoCImpact1000

Philanthropy by Women of Colour for Women of Colour

1,000 Women. $1 Million. One Movement.

Funding our own futures

Philanthropy in Australia is deeply unequal. Racially marginalised communities receive less than 0.5% of $13 billion in philanthropic funds¹ — most of that goes to First Nations communities², as it should, given the historic and ongoing injustices of colonisation. At the same time, racial discrimination costs the Australian economy an estimated $37.9 billion every year — around 3% of GDP³. The gap in funding is stark, while the cost of inequity is immense.

For Women of Colour more broadly, there was no national data until Women of Colour Australia (WoCA) stepped up. In the absence of institutional funding, we launched the Women of Colour in the Workplace Surveys (2021 & 2023), engaging over 1,500 women, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

Entirely driven by our community, these groundbreaking studies filled a national data gap and have been recorded in the Australian Parliament (2022), referenced by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, and included on the Australian Human Rights Commission’s resource hub.

We’ve shown what’s possible without backing. Imagine the scale of change when Women of Colour control the resources.

¹ Philanthropy Australia, Giving Trends and Opportunities (2023)
² International Funders for Indigenous Peoples – Sharing Circle Report (2024)
³ Elias, A., & Paradies, Y. (2016). Estimating the mental health costs of racial discrimination. BMC Public Health, 16, 1205. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-016-3868-1

What is WoCImpact1000?

WoCImpact1000 embodies the spirit of “Philanthropy by Women of Colour, for Women of Colour.”

Our purpose is to unite 1,000 Women of Colour across Australia, each giving $1,000 annually, to raise a $1 million fund every year for leadership, advocacy, scholarships and the work behind the work that sustains them.

While inspired by the ethos of collective giving — generosity, solidarity, and shared purpose — WoCImpact1000 is not a traditional giving circle. All contributions go directly to Women of Colour Australia, a registered charity led by and for Women of Colour, to be stewarded through our programs, advocacy, and organisational sustainability.

This is trust-based philanthropy — a radical act of solidarity, shared responsibility, and self-determination.

At the heart of this initiative is the belief that sharing our material and financial resources creates not only a powerful network of opportunity for Women of Colour, but also serves as an act of service to our communities. We know that collective action generates lasting change, and that every contribution helps dismantle systemic barriers.

This deep commitment is also about changing the narrative: shifting Women of Colour from being seen only as beneficiaries of philanthropy to being benefactors — resource-holders, decision-makers, and funders in our own right. By doing so, we challenge traditional models of philanthropy that have too often excluded us, and instead create a trust-based movement grounded in equity and care.

WoCImpact1000 is a 10-year philanthropic initiative, built with intention and persistence. Each year we grow steadily toward our goal: by 2035, 1,000 Women of Colour collectively resourcing $1 million annually to drive structural change.

Building on WoCA’s nationally recognised work — from our flagship Executive Leadership Program to our groundbreaking Women of Colour in the Workplace Surveys — WoCImpact1000 is both bold and necessary. By mobilising our own philanthropy, we are reimagining who gets funded, who makes decisions, and who shapes the future of Australia.

It’s not charity — it’s justice.

Our philosophy

Our giving is:

Trust-based — We fund with trust, not bureaucracy.
Relational — Inspired by Kapwa, the Filipino pre-colonial value of shared identity and collective care, as embodied by WoCA founder Brenda Gaddi, a migrant from the Philippines.
Liberatory — We fund futures where Women of Colour thrive.

We don’t just raise money. We raise each other.

What your $1,000 contribution powers?

Leadership Development

Your support sustains WoCA’s Executive Leadership Program — the only one of its kind in Australia, created by and for Women of Colour. Since launching in 2023, we’ve supported over 40 Women of Colour, including First Nations women, across the public, private, and community sectors. Each year, the program equips participants with the skills, networks, and confidence to drive systemic change.

Research & Advocacy

Our Women of Colour in the Workplace Surveys were the first national research into workplace inequities facing WoC. With no government or external funding, these studies created an evidence base that Australia had never seen before. In 2022, the Parliament of Australia recorded our finding that 60% of Women of Colour experience ongoing discrimination and harassment in ethnocentric workplaces. The research continues to guide policy debates and accountability across institutions.

Equity & Access

The next step is to build a dedicated Scholarship Fund to expand access to our flagship Executive Leadership Program and other opportunities. This fund will open pathways for Women of Colour, including First Nations women, students, and emerging leaders to step into spaces of influence and impact. Your $1,000 contribution helps grow this fund — multiplying opportunity and investing in the next generation of Women of Colour leaders.

Sustainable Impact

WoCImpact1000 also sustains the work behind the work — the people, governance and systems that make everything possible. Guided by the principles of the Pay What It Takes initiative, funds raised ensure our foundations remain resilient and our movement is built to last for the next generation of Women of Colour leaders.

A note on funds allocation: Our model makes Leadership Programs the anchor (40%), while still resourcing research & advocacy (20%), scholarships (10%), and operational sustainability & impact (30%) — ensuring every contribution powers both immediate opportunities and long-term systemic change.

Join the FY25–26 WoC Donor Circle

Now, in our first full fundraising year, we’re inviting 30 Women of Colour to join the FY25–26 Circle. Each Woman of Colour can either make a pledge of $1,000 this financial year or give now through our online page — collectively building the $1 million fund that powers scholarships, advocacy, leadership — and the work behind the work that sustains them.

Momentum is strong — 32 Women of Colour have already pledged their support, and 13 have converted their pledges into donations. With our goal set at 30 donors this financial year, and it only being January 2026, we’re almost halfway there.

This is your invitation to step in and help us reach our first full Circle of 30.

MAKE A PLEDGE

GIVE NOW

Meet our founding donors

A movement seeded in trust.

WoCImpact1000 didn’t begin with a campaign — it began with a leap of faith.

In our first financial year (2024–25), WoCA Founder and Executive Director Brenda Gaddi quietly shared this vision with her closest circle of Women of Colour — grounded in trust, purpose, and a deep belief that our community would rise for one another.

Brenda didn’t just imagine the idea — she was one of the first to say yes.

Since then, one conversation at a time, 8 extraordinary Women of Colour have stepped forward — seeding this movement of radical generosity and shared power before any public launch.

We honour these women as our founding donors — those who said yes first.

I started WoCImpact1000 with nothing but faith. Faith that Women of Colour would show up for each other, even when the system hasn’t. This isn’t just about raising money. It’s about raising power, raising visibility, and raising each other. We’ve waited long enough for change. Now, we’re funding it ourselves.

Brenda GaddiFounder and Executive Director, WoCA

I’ve always believed in actions – if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem. WoCImpact1000 is a movement of power, trust and belief. It will change the narrative for WoC in giving and supporting one another.

Gloria YuenInternational Risk and Compliance Executive

As a Woman of Colour in public service, I’ve seen the difference it makes when diverse voices are not only heard, but centred in decision-making. Being a founding donor of WoCImpact1000 is my way of helping build the resources and power needed for Women of Colour to lead systemic change.

Jade HoskinsDirector, NSW Public Service

My heritage and lived experience have shown me how vital it is for Women of Colour to shape their own futures. WoCImpact1000 is more than funding, it’s collective care in action. I’m proud to stand with other women investing in leadership, equity, and lasting transformation.

Kriti CollessManaging Director, Mgan Pty Ltd

There's been plenty of talk among business, political, and social leaders about the importance of backing culturally diverse women across the country. It's time for leaders to start putting their money where their mouth is, and WoCImpact1000 is a way for people to become part of the solution while delivering impact.

Mylan VuFounder & PR Consultant - Vu Consulting

The decision to support WoCImpact1000 as a founding donor was a simple one; it came from a belief that our voices, achievements, and contributions must be seen and celebrated. It’s time to make visible the experiences and excellence of Women of Colour. This is what WoCImpact1000 will do, so support the movement and be an agent of change.

Dr Pia JohnsonAcclaimed photographer, artist and educator. Associate Dean, Photography in the School of Art, RMIT University.

When I was asked whether I would support WoCImpact1000, I found myself already nodding before the question was completed. The reason I said yes was because I asked myself a different question. If not me, then who? Change happens because ordinary people dare to dream of a different world and are willing to take steps to do something. This is planting a seed for a tree that will gave shade to those I may never meet.

Sharon DeanoSenior Executive, Victorian Public Service

I know firsthand what it means to navigate systems not built for us. Lasting change comes when those with lived experience help shape the systems that affect them. WoCImpact1000 is my way of giving back, paying it forward, and standing in solidarity with others to build the future we all deserve.

Shazya KhanDiversity and Inclusion Specialist

As someone who works to dismantle structural barriers through community-led and intersectional solutions, I know how vital it is for Women of Colour to have self-determined, sustainable structures. I want my daughters to grow up in a world where our voices are valued, our leadership is visible, and our futures are our own. That’s why I am thrilled to join WoCImpact1000 as a founding donor.

Dr Varina MichaelsGlobal Expert (Intersectional DEI, Culture and Leadership) - Paisley Group

In the media

Frequently asked questions

We understand you might have questions. Here are some answers to help you decide how you'd like to support WoCImpact1000.

Can I contribute a different amount?

Yes! While WoCImpact1000 invites 1,000 Women of Colour to give $1,000 annually, we welcome one-off or smaller recurring donations. Every gift strengthens this movement. Make a general donation to our Power the Work initiative here.

Are donations tax-deductible?

Yes. Women of Colour Australia is a registered charity with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status. All donations over $2 are tax-deductible in Australia, and you’ll receive a receipt upon donation.

Is this only for Women of Colour?

WoCImpact1000 is led by and for Women of Colour — it’s a space where our leadership, generosity, and decision-making are centred. However, allies, philanthropic organisations, and values-aligned businesses are warmly invited to support the initiative through donations, partnerships, or amplification. Every contribution strengthens the movement and expands what’s possible for Women of Colour in Australia. For partnership or structural support enquiries, email us at hello@womenofcolour.org.au.

How is WoCImpact1000 different from a traditional giving circle?

Traditional giving circles pool funds and collectively decide how to distribute grants to multiple organisations. WoCImpact1000 operates differently: all funds are entrusted directly to Women of Colour Australia — a registered charity led by and for Women of Colour — to resource leadership programs, advocacy, scholarships, and long-term sustainability. Rather than collective grantmaking, donors contribute to a shared fund that WoCA stewards transparently and strategically to deliver systemic impact.

How will the $1 million fund be managed?

Funds raised through WoCImpact1000 will be stewarded by Women of Colour Australia with strong governance, accountability, and transparent, community-informed decision-making. Our priorities include scholarships, culturally safe leadership programs, advocacy initiatives, and building resilient foundations for the long term. We’ll publish regular reports to keep our community informed and accountable.

We exist to champion Australia's Women of Colour through programs of education, community support initiatives and advocacy work. Learn more about us here.

The origin of the phrase 'women of color'

"Women of Color is not a biological designation. It is a solidarity definition. A commitment to work in collaboration with other oppressed women of color who have been minoritized. It is a term that has a lot of power." Loretta Ross
Learn more here

Women definition

Women - Transgender and cisgender, all those who experience or have experienced oppression as women, including non-binary and gender non-conforming people and all those who identify as women. Self-definition is at the discretion of the individual.
Definition credit: wire.org.au

ALLY definition

A - always centre the impacted
L - listen and learn from those who live in oppression
L - leverage your privilege
Y - yield the floor
*Mnemonic credit: Kayla Reed Executive Director ACTION St. Louis