← Back to Foundations
Annual Giving
$500K
Grant Range
$10K – $5.0M

Tips for Applicants

The Neilson Foundation explicitly states it does not solicit funding requests. Given their proactive approach and the fact they have a dedicated gifting committee that meets annually, potential beneficiaries should not apply directly. Instead, focus on building relationships and demonstrating innovation and potential for programmes to eventually attract government support.

Giving Philosophy

The foundation takes an innovative, long-term approach to philanthropy, preferring to support early-stage initiatives with the goal of helping them mature to the point where they can justify government funding. They do not solicit funding requests and instead proactively identify and support programmes they believe in. The gifting committee meets annually to review progress and may extend, enhance, or redirect funding based on programme maturity.

Notable Grants

Over $186 million disbursed since 2007 (cumulative)

ACNC Financial History

YearGrants GivenRevenueTotal AssetsNet Assets
FY2023
$11.8M
$13.2M$256.8M$256.8M
FY2022
$13.5M
$21.2M$233.6M$233.6M
FY2021
$11.5M
$51.6M$269.4M$269.4M
FY2020
$11.9M
$3.8M$229.4M$229.4M
FY2019
$11.0M
$28.4M$237.5M$237.5M
FY2018
$11.1M
$26.7M$220.1M$220.1M
FY2017
$9.1M
$32.5M$204.6M$204.6M
7yr total$79.8MSource: ACNC Annual Information Statements

Focus Areas

communityindigenous
Geographic
AU-National
Recipients
communityyouthageddisadvantagedindigenous

Financial Details

Source of Wealth
Kerr Neilson is a prominent Australian investor and philanthropist, formerly CEO of Platinum Asset Management. He made his wealth through the finance/investment management industry, building Platinum Asset Management into one of Australia's largest fund managers before stepping down as CEO.

Board & Leadership

ACNC
ACNC
Linked from structured person roles rather than unstructured foundation summary text.

Data Sources

Profile quality: low
Foundation profile updated: 26 April 2026 (52 days ago)
Website pages scraped: 3
Added: 27 February 2026 (110 days ago)
View on ACNC Register →