WoCImpact1000: 1,000 Women. $1 Million. One Movement.
Support leadership and equity for Women of Colour in Australia
Join WoCImpact1000 — a trust-based movement funding leadership, advocacy, and scholarships for Women of Colour across Australia.
Why It Matters
Women of Colour are under-represented in leadership and under-funded in philanthropy.
Less than 0.5 percent of Australian philanthropic dollars reach initiatives led by and for racially marginalised communities.
WoCImpact1000 is changing that story — a trust-based giving movement led by Women of Colour.
Together, 1,000 women will raise $1 million each year to create lasting change.
Where Your Donation Goes
Leadership Programs (40%)
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.
Caption: 2023 WoC ELP graduates — building confidence, connection, and community.
Caption: Women of Colour in the Workplace Report — research that shifts systems.
Research & Advocacy (20%)
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 (10%)
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.
Caption: WoC ELP 2024 graduates — building pathways to leadership and belonging.
Caption: The Women of Colour Australia team — sustaining the systems, people, and structures that power long-term change.
Sustainable Impact (30%)
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.
Impact In Action
“This program transformed how I see myself as a leader. For the first time, I felt seen, safe and powerful.”
— 2024 Participant, WoC Executive Leadership Program
“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.”
— Founding donor, WoCImpact1000
Join the movement
You’re not just donating — you’re investing in a future where Women of Colour lead across every sector.
Together, we’re building the first circle — 30 founding donors in our first year.
Be part of this legacy.
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 — but anyone who believes in our vision and purpose can walk alongside us. Whether you’re a Woman of Colour, an ally, or simply someone who cares about justice, your support is welcome.Can allies or organisations contribute?
Absolutely. We invite individuals, philanthropic organisations, and values-aligned businesses to contribute or partner with us. If you represent a foundation or company and would like to support structurally, please get in touch — we’d love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected].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