The three partnerships reflect Coaxial Foundation’s ambition to back organisations with the expertise and track record to expand opportunity and create lasting change.

Nicola Forrest, through Coaxial Foundation, will support:

  • Antler, an up to $30m partnership providing up to $10m of non-dilutive funding, co-investments and program support over four years to help Australian female founders access the capital, networks and support needed to build thriving businesses, alongside a $20m investment into Antler Australia Fund III.
  • Cape York Partnership with $30m over six years to support learning and development initiatives for young Aboriginal children in the Cape.
  • National child and family peak SNAICC, a three year partnership with $7.1m of funding via grants and philanthropic support to improve SNAICC’s ability to support early childhood learning outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children across Australia.

These partnerships are among the first commitments following an initial donation of more than $500 million by Nicola Forrest AO to Coaxial Foundation, through $125 million in cash and 25 million Fortescue shares. These partnerships represent the beginning of a broader program of long-term investment in targeted initiatives with the potential to create meaningful impact.

Ms Forrest, who established Coaxial in 2023 as her primary vehicle for philanthropy – focusing on children, women and communities – said the partnerships reflect the beginning of long-term, practical collaborations.

“Australia does not have a shortage of talent, ambition or people committed to making things better. Too often, what is missing is access to opportunity, capital and the sustained support required to turn potential into outcomes,” Ms Forrest said.

“These partnerships reflect two things I believe strongly, that philanthropy has a critical place as an initial catalyst for change, and that over the medium term, sustainable improvement in the lives of Australians requires people who can imagine, create and grow businesses in communities across the country.

“Thirty years in business and philanthropy have taught me that good intentions are not enough. Lasting change requires strong partners, evidence, disciplined execution and the willingness to stay the course.

“Today’s announcement is just the start of the types of impact partnerships we plan to develop through Coaxial Foundation.”

Coaxial Foundation has made a multi-year commitment to Cape York Partnership to support its work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families across Cape York.

The partnership will support CYP’s community-led work to strengthen opportunities for children and families, recognising the importance of investing early and backing solutions designed and delivered with deep local knowledge.

Fiona Jose, Executive Co-Chair of Cape York Partnership, said closing the gap within a generation would require long-term investment in reform designed with, and delivered by, Cape York communities.

“A child’s future should not be determined by whether they are born in a remote First Nations community or elsewhere in Australia.

"The early years are the greatest opportunity we have to change a child’s life trajectory. When children arrive at school with good health, strong early learning foundations and the support of a safe, nurturing home, they are far better placed to succeed in education and in life.

“This partnership provides the sustained backing required to take a long-term view, to work alongside families and communities, strengthen what is working, learn from what is not, and innovate where there are gaps and a clear need for further development. It enables us to build practical solutions that endure beyond a single funding cycle.

"Coaxial Foundation’s support enables us to build on that local strength and advance our shared ambition for First Nations children in Cape York to have the same opportunity to succeed in education and in life as other Australian children, and to close the gap within a generation.”

Coaxial CEO Philippa Watson said the Foundation’s initial partnerships demonstrate Coaxial’s focus on backing practical, high-impact opportunities to expand access for women and children.

“Coaxial’s initial partnerships reflect something we know to be true – that investing in women and in children is a high-return strategy,” Ms Watson said.

“Through Antler, we are investing in female founders at the earliest point in their start-up journey. We are delighted to be involved both as an investor and to sponsor a broader grant program that will help ensure female entrepreneurs in Australia have the best shot at turning their great ideas into successful businesses.

“With CYP and SNAICC, we are supporting two organisations to extend the impactful work they already do with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.

“The Foundation’s partnerships with CYP and SNAICC are long-term commitments to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. Together, they will provide children access to early learning opportunities that can be scaled to strengthen family systems and improve outcomes.”

Coaxial Foundation’s partnership with Antler will establish Momentum, powered by Coaxial, a dedicated four-year program to find, fund and support female founders. The partnership will combine Antler’s global venture platform with dedicated funding and investment support from Coaxial Foundation.

Originally published by Coaxial. View the announcement.