Work / Innovation
The Judith Neilson Foundation backs ambitious, creative solutions led by those closest to the challenges. Our Innovation Portfolio looks globally and acts locally, grounded in community, lived experience and practical action.
We support early ideas and growing initiatives that aim to make systems fairer, cities more liveable and opportunities more inclusive. This portfolio is about testing, learning and adapting, to back bold thinking and the people behind it.
Urban Futures: Tackling urban challenges through innovation
In many parts of the world, cities are growing fast but basic services aren’t keeping up. Too many people still lack access to safe housing, clean water, sanitation and reliable energy. These challenges often fall hardest on women, people with disabilities, and low-income communities, who face real obstacles to safety, mobility and opportunity.
We support innovations that make cities more inclusive, liveable and fair, building solutions with and for the communities most affected.
Our priorities in
Innovation /
Design for inclusion
New ideas that improve everyday safety, access and participation, especially for people left out of traditional urban planning.
Construction for resilience
Community-led approaches and materials that make buildings and infrastructure stronger, greener and better suited to local needs.
Systems for transformation
Tools and technologies that help people access services, jobs and opportunities in growing cities.
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Innovation that shifts systems
We support people reimagining what is possible, using creativity, knowledge and lived experience to create lasting change in the places that need it most.
We back big ideas defined by depth, not just reach. These are solutions rooted shaped by lived experience and built to solve real world challenges.
Abi Taylor / Director of Programs, Innovation
Innovation takes centre stage at the Judith Neilson Foundation
Philanthropy isn’t just about funding—it’s about possibility. It’s about asking better questions, testing bold ideas, and adapting to meet changing needs. That mindset is taking shape at the Judith Neilson Foundation through a new focus on innovation, led by two new team members: Abi Taylor, Program Director for Innovation, and Sascha Oliver, Innovation Program Officer.
Together, they bring experience in social justice, human rights, and systems thinking—and a shared belief that innovation in philanthropy means more than novelty. It’s about creating space for experimentation, backing what works, and supporting the people closest to the issues to lead change. In this conversation, Abi and Sascha reflect on what drew them to this work, what they’re exploring at the Foundation, and how philanthropy can help ideas take root and thrive.
Partner spotlight
We fund initiatives that challenge the status quo and promote innovative approaches.
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