Judith Neilson Foundation commits A$10 million uplift to Africa grants amid global aid cuts

The Judith Neilson Foundation is committing a A$10 million boost to its Africa grant making in the year ahead, in addition to its planned growth in funding across the region.

This one-off investment comes at a time when international development assistance is being sharply reduced as major donors pull back, leaving social impact organisations in sub-Saharan Africa under increasing pressure.

The funding aims to provide flexible, catalytic support during a time of global uncertainty, helping organisations respond to evolving needs and continue pursuing long-term, community-led change.

This is a moment when philanthropy has to step up,” said Simon Freeman, CEO of the Judith Neilson Foundation. “While A$10 million is modest compared to the scale of what’s being withdrawn, we hope it plays a catalytic role and adds to the collective effort underway across philanthropy to respond with care, urgency, and purpose.

The Judith Neilson Foundation remains committed to supporting social impact organisations across Africa and Australia that are working to address complex challenges and build more inclusive, resilient societies.