Social Change Central

Today we’re proud to announce that Social Enterprise Australia has purchased Social Change Central's Resource Library and News Archive - ensuring the resources built over a decade continue to benefit social enterprises across Australia. After ten years supporting Australia’s social enterprise sector, our platform will close - but the work lives on. Since launching in 2016, Social Change Central grew into a trusted online platform and national gateway connecting Australian social enterprises, entrepreneurs, and purpose-driven organisations with funding opportunities, sector news, jobs, events, tools, guides and practical support - sharing more than a million opportunity alerts and sector newsletters with a community of over 50,000 changemakers to help organisations grow their impact. This transition has been long planned and carefully considered. The social enterprise ecosystem has evolved significantly since 2016, with stronger national infrastructure, deeper collaboration, and more support now available nationwide. That progress is worth celebrating - and we’re proud to have contributed to it, and confident the sector is well placed to carry it forward. Social Change Central’s platform will close on 15 May 2026. Current subscribers will be contacted directly with information about transition arrangements. To every changemaker, partner and funder who supported and shaped Social Change Central over the years - thank you. This chapter is closing, but the social enterprise movement continues - and we’re excited to see what comes next. Read the full announcement here: socialchangecentral.com/soci… #SocialEnterprise #Australia #ImpactEconomy #SocialImpact #SocEnt #SocEntAus #ProfitForPurpose @socentaus

Design that Leads. Design that Listens. If your project is improving lives, strengthening communities, or shifting systems for the better, the 2026 @GoodDesignAus Australian Good Design Awards are open for entries. In 2025, Social Impact Winners included Deadly Democracy by ylab with the @AusElectoralCom and FLIP THE VAPE by Mo Works, commissioned by @VAHS1973. Enter your work today: socialchangecentral.com/oppo… Entries Close 24 April. #GoodDesignAwards #AustralianGoodDesignAwards #GoodDesign #Design #Innovation #DesignAwards #SocialImpact #DesignForGood #HumanCenteredDesign #ServiceDesign

Entries are now open for the 2026 Australian Good Design Awards, presented by @GoodDesignAus, recognising the power of design to drive meaningful social impact. Past Social Impact winners including YLab and the @AusElectoralCom for Deadly Democracy, @eventful_co for Beyond Voice: Students as Partners in Improvement, @IslaUrbana, and @HealthMatchio with @Snowmelt_io for Quantifying Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Clinical Trials show how thoughtful design can respond to challenges in civic participation, education, water security and health equity. Read on for inspiration, practical entry tips, and a closer look at how the awards can help purpose-led organisations build credibility, raise visibility and gain recognition for work creating real change. Read more: community.socialchangecentra… #AustralianGoodDesignAwards #GoodDesignAustralia #GoodDesignAwards #SocialImpact #DesignForGood #PurposeLed #Innovation #SystemsChange #SocialEnterprise #ImpactDesign #DesignLeadership.

How do you turn “nature-positive” from a nice idea into something people can actually do on a Tuesday morning? Dr Judy, founder of @PlantingSeeds, has a very practical answer: build urban biodiversity corridors one school, workplace and suburban verge at a time. Through the B&B Highway (“Beds & Breakfasts for Birds, Bees & Biodiversity”), PlantingSeeds helps communities plant, install pollinator habitat, and learn citizen science - creating connected pockets of shade, cooling and habitat across our cities. Dr Judy was also named a Westfield Local Hero, using the platform to grow awareness and bring more people into the work. If you’re curious about what’s working, how it’s scaled, and why the Local Heroes program matters (and how to nominate someone in your community), the full interview is here: community.socialchangecentra… Nominations for Westfield Local Heroes are now open - if you know someone making your community better, this is the moment to back them in. #WestfieldLocalHeroes #UrbanBiodiversity #Community #ClimateResilience #SocialImpact #Changemakers #SocialEnterprise #SocalEntrepreneur #Volunteering #CommunityDevelopment #CommunityHealth #Disability #Charities #NFPs #Sustainability

Recognising and Rewarding Design That Leads. Entries are open for the @GoodDesignAus 2026 Australian Good Design Awards, and we are looking for work that creates measurable change, not just beautiful outcomes. Last year’s Social Impact Winners showed what’s possible, including @YLabsGlobal and @AusElectoralCom for Deadly Democracy, plus projects like Beyond Voice (commissioned by The Eventful Learning Co). Ready to join them? Enter now: socialchangecentral.com/oppo… Entries Close 24 April. #GoodDesignAwards #AustralianGoodDesignAwards #GoodDesign #Design #Innovation #DesignAwards #SocialImpact #DesignForGood #HumanCenteredDesign #ServiceDesign

March opportunities are calling - and there’s plenty worth diving into. This month’s round-up includes early-stage founder support, grant funding, community recognition + visibility, leadership development, circular economy acceleration, scale-ready concessional finance, and buyer-focused networking. Featuring opportunities thanks to @AMPFoundation @ImpactBoomOrg @Westfield @GoodDesignAus @Collab_4_Good @TheBFGN @StartSomeGood @SocialTradersAU and more. Read the full list, details + key dates: community.socialchangecentra… #socialenterprise #socialimpact #impactinvesting #forgood #changemakers #purposeled #accelerator #grantfunding #leadershipdevelopment #circulareconomy #socialprocurement #australia

Big ideas don’t create impact by accident - they need the right spark. If you are an early-stage founder with a vision for social change, @AMPFoundation Tomorrow Makers SPARK could be the support you need to move from concept to something real. With up to $20,000 in grant funding, practical workshops delivered by @ImpactBoomOrg, and a community of purpose-led founders behind you, this is a chance to test your idea, sharpen your model, and take the next step with confidence. Read the blog and apply now: community.socialchangecentra… Applications close 4 March 2026, 2pm AEDT #TomorrowMakers #TomorrowMakersSPARK #AMPFoundation #ImpactBoom #SocialEnterprise #BusinessForGood #ForPurpose #PurposeDriven #Changemakers #ImpactEntrepreneurship #ImpactLeadership #CommunityImpact #SocialInnovation #SystemsChange #GrantOpportunity #FundingOpportunity #StartupSupport #Founders #Australia #SocialImpact

It’s time to celebrate the unsung heroes making a real difference in communities across Australia! Through Westfield Local Heroes, one local hero at each Westfield destination will receive a $20,000 grant, with two additional finalists awarded $5,000 each to support their vital work. Know someone creating positive change? Learn more and nominate today: socialchangecentral.com/oppo… Nominations close 12 March 2026. #WestfieldLocalHeroes #LocalImpact #CommunityImpact #GrassrootsChange #FundingOpportunities #SocialGood #CommunitySupport #NotForProfitSector #PurposeDriven @ScentreGroup

Big ideas start here and grow into impact! Are you an early-stage founder with a vision for social change? @AMPFoundation Tomorrow Makers SPARK, in partnership with Impact Boom supports social entrepreneurs with mentoring, weekly workshops, peer connection - and up to $20,000 in grant funding. Join the community where alumni like Diana Quiceno (BLD Engineers), Andy de Groot (Queer Food) and Tahlia Isaac (Project:herself) are building social enterprises that strengthen communities across Australia. Apply now: ampfoundation.com.au/our-pro… Applications close 4 March 2026, 2pm AEDT #TomorrowMakers #SocialEnterprise #EconomicEmpowerment #ForGood

The @AMPFoundation Tomorrow Makers IGNITE combines significant grant funding, structured capability-building and hands-on mentorship to help social enterprises become market-ready within 12 months. Tomorrow Makers IGNITE has supported founders from Top Blokes Foundation (Melissa Abu-Gazaleh), Yarn Speech (Rebecca Keeley), She Shapes History (Sita Sargeant), Remote OpShop Project (Tanya Egerton) and Disinfluencer (Simone Eyles). Apply now: socialchangecentral.com/oppo… Expressions of interest close 16 February. #SocialEntrepreneurship #ImpactStartups #PurposeLed #NotForProfit #ForGood #ImpactDriven #StartupSupport #GrantsAustralia #ImpactEcosystem #SocialChange

Westfield Local Heroes nominations are now open! Do you know a changemaker, lifesaver, volunteer or community leader who goes above and beyond for their local community? Now’s the time to recognise them. Nominate a local hero for the chance to secure $20,000 in grant funding for the organisation they represent and help amplify their impact. Learn more and nominate your Westfield Local Hero: westfield.com.au/local-heroe… Nominations close 12 March 2026. #WestfieldLocalHeroes #LocalHeroes #CommunityChampions #Changemakers #ForGood #SocialImpact #CommunityLeadership #Volunteers #NotForProfit #PurposeDriven

Thinking about applying for Tomorrow Makers IGNITE but not quite sure if it’s right for you? Powered by @AMPFoundation, in partnership with @ImpactBoomOrg and Business For Good Network (BFGN), this blog breaks down five practical reasons why the IGNITE program could be a strong fit for early-stage social enterprises ready to grow. From access to up to $110K in funding, to tailored mentoring, flexible learning, and a supportive peer community, it clearly outlines what participants actually get - and how the program supports real-world impact. If IGNITE is on your radar, make sure you read this before submitting your EOI: community.socialchangecentra… #SocialEnterprise #ImpactInvesting #ForPurpose #SocialImpact #PurposeDriven #ImpactEntrepreneurs #StartupFunding #GrantFunding #AustralianFounders #ImpactAustralia #Changemakers

The @AMPFoundation Tomorrow Makers IGNITE supports early-stage social enterprises with up to $110,000 in grant funding, tailored capacity-building, expert mentoring and a national peer network - helping founders move from tested to trading. 2025 Tomorrow Makers IGNITE alumni include Exam Insights (Bradley Cox), @FoodLadder (Kelly McJannett), Love Ya Corporate Catering (Levi-Joel Tamou), Fair Threads (Luke Anderson) and Accessilife (Maria Jerez). Apply now: socialchangecentral.com/oppo… Expressions of interest close 16 February. #SocialEnterprise #ImpactInvesting #ForPurpose #SocialImpact #PurposeDriven #ImpactEntrepreneurs #StartupFunding #GrantFunding #AustralianFounders #ImpactAustralia #Changemakers

Looking for funding, visibility, leadership development, wellbeing support or systems-level learning? This month’s roundup brings together a practical mix of opportunities designed to help social enterprises and changemakers strengthen, sustain and scale their impact. You’ll find major grant funding and founder support backed by @AMPFoundation, community recognition and national visibility through Westfield Local Heroes, an introduction to leadership development from Social Impact Hub, wellbeing and capacity reset sessions hosted by Business For Good Network (BFGN), and global policy and employment system insights led by @boxenterprises. Explore the full roundup and choose the tools that best support your next phase of impact: community.socialchangecentra… #socialenterprise #socialimpact #changemakers #forpurpose #impacteconomy #grantopportunities #leadershipdevelopment #systemschange #communityimpact #notforprofit

Impact enterprises and purpose-driven businesses now have until Monday, 2 February to apply for Catalysing Impact - a @QBEaus Foundation-funded initiative delivered by Social Impact Hub. The program supports organisations working in climate resilience or inclusion with a practical mix of grant funding, tailored advisory support, and investment readiness guidance - helping enterprises strengthen strategy, build financial resilience, attract and secure capital. The 2026 cohort will build on this momentum, supporting more organisations ready to deepen and extend their impact. Application deadline extended to this Monday, 2 February - don’t miss this unique and valuable opportunity. Apply now: socialimpacthub.org/catalysi… #SocialImpact #SocialEnterprise #ImpactInvesting #PurposeDriven #ClimateAction #Inclusion

Nominations for the Australian Impact Investment Awards are open, and we’re especially excited to see the Impact Enterprise of the Year Award included again this year. The Australian Impact Investment Awards offer organisations and individuals the opportunity to showcase and be recognised for their expertise, commitment and outstanding activity across the Australian impact investing ecosystem. Self-nominations and peer nominations are welcome. Past Impact Enterprise of the Year winners reflect the strength and diversity of impact enterprises in Australia, including @HuttStCentre @Covidence @XceptionalTech @GoterraAus and more. Recent winners across the ecosystem also include @australianunity @GoodReturnOrg @LeapFrogInvest @STC_Ventures @SEFAinfo @ImpactInvestAus @QBE, among many others. The Awards, sponsored by @dfat and powered by Impact Investing Hub and Social Impact Hub, will be hosted at the 2026 Impact Investment Summit Asia Pacific, bringing the sector together to celebrate leadership, innovation and impact at scale. Learn more and nominate here: impactinvestinghub.org/impac… #ImpactInvestment #ImpactEnterprise #ImpactInvesting #SocialEnterprise #ImpactEconomy #SocialImpact

As we tumble toward the end of the year, social enterprises and purpose-driven organisations are showing no signs of slowing down - staying committed, staying focused, and transforming momentum into meaningful change. From award-winning leadership and new employment pathways to creative sector investment, festive social-impact products and powerful community partnerships, here’s a snapshot of some of the inspiring wins, work and progress taking shape right now… • AMES Australia launched a new inclusive employment program. • Belongside Families released a redesigned website to better support families. • Best Lives became an Inclusive Employment Australia provider, offering free disability employment support in WA. • @creativeplusbiz launched IGNITION SA, a two-year mentoring and wellbeing program for creatives. • Enable IT Recycling & In the Click Social Enterprise were featured in Ambulance Victoria’s Annual Report for their impact partnership. • Fruit2Work launched festive hampers supporting second-chance employment. • FutureTech Australia completed its first crowdfunding campaign with @parracity and @StartSomeGood. • Gather My Crew won two @VolunteeringVic Awards, including Premier’s Organisation of the Year. • Human Quotient Group was named a finalist in two categories of the 2025 Prime Minister’s Veteran Employment Awards. • Humans of Purpose partnered with @penrithcouncil for the 16 Days of Action against gender-based violence. • Local Impact Melbourne appointed Sarah Franklyn as its new Chair. • @MilkCrateTheatr's Jessica Pantano won Most Outstanding Employee at the @Businessnsw State Awards and its creating Impact initiative was nominated for a 2025 @SIMNA_AU Award. • @PancareAus featured on @9NewsAUS highlighting upper GI cancer awareness. • Resparke founder Alison Harrington was profiled by @CommBank Business and Institutional. • @SisterWorks launched Corporate Hampers supporting migrant, refugee and asylum-seeking women. • Solutions2you® launched a podcast series on conscious leadership. • @SASocEnt hosted its final Business for Good mentoring session of the year. • @STREATmelbourne released its Christmas social-impact hampers and gifts. • The Big Sister Experience appeared on @tickercotweets. • VESPIIA CEO Shannon Hennessy was named a finalist in the Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Awards. • VMCH opened its fifth social enterprise café, Where Is My Coffee?, in partnership with community housing provider Unison. • ZapCat launched an Energy Efficiency estimate tool for renters and low-income households. Check out the full roundup and all the links: community.socialchangecentra… Subscriber with news to share? Let us know! Not yet a subscriber? Join today: socialchangecentral.com/subs… Image credit: VMCH #SocialEnterprise #SocEnt #SocialImpact #Inclusion #CommunityImpact #PurposeDriven #ChangeMakers #ImpactNews #Australia #Sustainability #SocialGood #InnovationAU

Best Opportunities for Social Enterprises & Entrepreneurs | December 2025: community.socialchangecentra… November hits like a dynamic playlist for impact-led orgs - every track a chance to grow your impact, packed with fresh opportunities on capital, community and capability, curated to help you fund, grow and amplify your mission. Hit play with @SocialTradersAU's landmark report Social Enterprise: Powered by Trade and Driven by Purpose, created with Paul Ramsay Foundation and @RMIT, drawing on data from more than 750 certified social enterprises and featuring insights from Melissa Wheeler and Josephine Khalil, then tune in to unpack Queensland's first Social Enterprise Roadmap with @QSocEnt and the Office of Social Impact. Check out what civic wealth creation is all about with @parracity, @UNSW's @CSIsocialimpact, @SEFAinfo, @StartSomeGood, @UWSuccessWorks and the @SECouncilNSWACT - and listen to inspiring pitches from local organisations and changemakers at Pitch for Good Parramatta from StartSomeGood, City of Parramatta and @GatewayBankAU. Circular innovators can apply for Green Industries SA (GISA)’s Circular Business and Market Development Grants, with First Nations organisations encouraged to lead or partner. Side B brings community and skills: Impact Unplugged with SECNA, @101Storytellers, The Impact Collab, Welcome Merchant and @KitchenSangee; Collab4Good’s Social Enterprise Aware micro-credential; and Australian Progress in conversation with @anatosaurus of ASO Communications / @WordsToWinBy on narrative power. Get all the links and dates here: community.socialchangecentra… #SocialEnterprise #SocEnt #SocEntAu #SocialImpact #Impact #Crowfunding #SocialProcurement #CircularEconomy

Celebrating Australia’s most generous workplaces! Congratulations to this year’s GoodCompany Award winners - the organisations leading the way in embedding purpose and generosity into business: @Mirvac, @originenergy, @Accenture, @Optus, and @Zurich. Mirvac topped the 2025 rankings as #1 Best Workplace to Give Back, recognised for its culture of volunteering, matched giving, and partnerships with @SocialTradersAU and The Pinnacle Foundation - proving that when impact is embedded into everyday work, everyone benefits. A huge shout-out to all the organisations that applied, and to every business doing good in their own way - through volunteering, payroll giving, sustainability, and purpose-driven leadership. Together, you’re helping build a kinder, stronger, and more sustainable Australia. Read more about the 2025 @goodcompany_oz Award winners and key trends in corporate giving: community.socialchangecentra… Image credit: CommUnity Construction, Social Traders and Mirvac Supplier Development Program #SocialImpact #CorporateGiving #PurposeDrivenBusiness #Volunteering #Bcorp #ESG #Sustainability #GoodCompanyAwards #DoGoodBusiness

Coast to coast, Australian social enterprises and purpose-driven organisations are transforming ideas into action and action into impact. From advancing inclusion and empowering communities to building a more sustainable future, here’s a snapshot (of a snapshot) of some awesome social purpose organisations making a difference.... Aussie Veterans Coffee is coming to Echuca, inviting locals to experience the Murray River aboard the iconic Echuca Paddlesteamers. Best Lives is hosting the Central Park Plunge 2025 and rallying participants to raise funds for inclusive programs empowering people with disability. @ChocOnPurpose has won Top Gold at the 2025 @adelaideshow. @Collab_4_Good Co-founder Sarah Gun is a finalist for the @winnovationsa Awards 2025. @Collectiveleis has secured a three-year contract to deliver Minds Collective Football Club supporting mental health recovery. Conservation Management is transitioning into Our Common Place, a new for-purpose organisation focused on collaboration and community. @creativeplusbiz CEO Monica Davidson has presented at SXSW Sydney 2025. @101storytellers is running Impact Story Lab, a monthly day of co-working, connection, and collaboration. Enable Social Enterprises is a finalist in the 2025 @HumeCityCouncil Business Awards for Circularity and Inclusive Workplace. @fittedforwork is running its sixth Designer Sale Fundraiser and has launched a Giving Circle to advance women’s economic independence. Gather My Crew has received a 2025 Connecting Carers in their Community Small Grant from Carers Victoria. Greatest Good has released its Australian Christmas Gift Guide, featuring products that give back. @GreenCollect is a finalist for the WIAR Workplace of the Year Award and has launched a refreshed website showcasing its circular impact. Imagine Reevolution is hosting its inaugural Gala Dinner celebrating community, connection, and mentorship. @Lend4Good has published its latest newsletter featuring new campaigns and investment updates. @MilkCrateTheatr has received an @auspost Grant to expand creative programs that build connection and wellbeing, and is collaborating with @Twenty10 on storytelling and theatre workshops for young queer people. @nvrnotcreative has launched Never Not Finishing School, a seven-week bridge from study to industry for emerging designers. @YawuruAU has been named Large Not-for-Profit of the Year at the @BroomeCci Awards. Opendoor Geelong Centre has unveiled a new look and relocated to a vibrant new space to continue its community work. REDinc has received a 2025 @essentialenergy Grant to support new solar initiatives. @SisterWorks has been featured by @greaterdandy for empowering migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking women. @AspectAus Working in a New Culture program is helping newcomers build their careers in Australia. @JaneGoodallInst has announced the passing of Dr. Jane Goodall, UN Messenger of Peace, whose legacy of compassion and conservation continues to inspire changemakers everywhere. @WaridaWholistic invites readers to explore The Secret of Self-Discovery, a guide to finding purpose and direction. @boxenterprises is a 2025 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards finalist in the social enterprise category and has welcomed new Board Members Josephine Khalil and Robyn Griffiths. Explore the full roundup for all the details and links here: community.socialchangecentra… If you're a Social Change Central subscriber with news to share - let us know! Not yet a subscriber? Join today: socialchangecentral.com/subs… Image credit: @101Storytellers #SocialEnterprise #SocEnt #SocEntAu #SocialImpact #SocImp #PurposeDriven #Changemakers #CommunityImpact #ForPurpose #CollectiveImpact #SocialInnovation #ImpactEconomy