ECSTRA FOUNDATION LIMITED
About
Ecstra Foundation is an Australian philanthropic organization dedicated to improving financial wellbeing for individuals and communities across Australia. They achieve this by investing in partnerships, programs, and people that deliver effective financial education at key life stages, enhance community financial capability, and address structural barriers to financial inclusion and economic security. The foundation's initial funding was provided through the Australian Securities and Investment Commission's (ASIC) Enforceable Undertaking regime. [18]
Tips for Applicants
Ecstra Foundation proactively sources financial capability project partners and is generally not seeking unsolicited requests for support. [17] However, they are open to answering financial capability and general inquiries. Potential partners should align with their focus on financial education and capability at key life stages, improving community financial wellbeing, and addressing structural barriers to financial inclusion and economic security. They work with diverse partners including charities, community organizations, social enterprises, and researchers, often on a multi-year basis. [17, 18, 19]
Giving Philosophy
Ecstra Foundation takes a systems approach to grant-making, focusing on partnerships, programs, and people to build financial capability and wellbeing. They evaluate and share outcomes and insights to drive effective financial education. The foundation supports consumer organizations, community legal services, financial counselling bodies, sector peaks, and front-line service providers to address structural barriers to financial inclusion. [17, 18] They also work directly in communities, schools, and other learning environments to design, deliver, and measure financial education initiatives. Ecstra advocates for the crucial role of financial wellbeing in overall health to influence policy and drive systemic change. [18] They prioritize accessible and inclusive programs, often focusing on those in lower socio-economic areas and regional/rural locations. [4, 19]
Notable Grants
Giving History
ACNC Financial History
| Year | Grants Given | Revenue | Total Assets | Net Assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2023 | $6.4M | $1.4M | $49.1M | $42.6M |
| FY2022 | $6.4M | $697K | $56.3M | $50.1M |
| FY2021 | $5.4M | $924K | $66.3M | $61.9M |
| FY2020 | $7.0M | $1.1M | $71.7M | $67.2M |
| FY2019 | $3.2M | $77.4M | $77.5M | $73.8M |
| 5yr total | $28.5M | Source: ACNC Annual Information Statements | ||
Programs & Opportunities (3)
Strong Communities Grants
Grants focused on building financial capability within communities, particularly for those experiencing financial stress or disadvantage, including initiatives creating employment pathways and embedding financial education alongside job training. [10]
Money Lessons for Life Education Partnerships
Partnerships to develop and deliver financial education in schools, at home, and other learning environments, ensuring broad access to money skills and financial planning. [5, 19]
Consumer Care Financial Services
Supports organizations working to improve consumer outcomes and assist individuals in financial need. [5, 19]