4 November 2024
By The Funding Network
Sparked by ongoing discussions our CEO, Kristen Lark, has had with First Nations leaders across the philanthropy and non-profit sectors, this initiative was further strengthened through our partnership with Darryl Majid of Esparq Ventures and close collaboration with our First Nations Advisory Council.
Led by First Nations entrepreneur Darryl Majid, Esparq Ventures is built on lived experience and a deep knowledge of First Nations-led social enterprise and business. Esparq are setting out to redefine the entrepreneurial landscape for First Nations peoples with the vision of transforming the First Nations social enterprise ecosystem.
“TFN’s trust-based philanthropy model works because it shifts the focus from imposing rigid structures to empowering our entrepreneurs with the flexibility and resources they deserve. Traditional funding often demands that we fit into boxes that don’t align with our values or ways of working. By offering untied, flexible funding, the TFN approach allows First Nations businesses to grow in a way that reflects their communities and culture, without constantly having to prove their worth. This builds genuine trust and self-determination - key ingredients for lasting impact. It’s not about making these leaders jump through hoops; it’s about believing in their potential and giving them the freedom to lead.”
— Darryl Majid, Esparq Ventures
(L-R) Bek Lasky, Liandra Gaykamangu, Corey Tutt
Esparq has assembled an advisory council of TFN’s First Nations Alumni to guide the selection of presenting organisations and provide support throughout the process. The council, made up of leaders from DeadlyScience, Enterprise Learning Projects (ELP), and Ngarrimili, brings valuable experience to the initiative.
Bek Lasky knows firsthand the challenges faced by Indigenous leaders in securing funding for their enterprises. In her work as Alumni Program Manager with CareerTrackers, and recently as former CEO of #TFNAlumni Ngarrimili, she has seen the same pattern emerge.
"Finding funding for early-stage Indigenous businesses can be exhausting, and for many First Nations leaders, the constant need to prove ourselves can lead to burnout and even complete withdrawal from the sector. We need better, simpler, and less complicated ways to access the critical support necessary to grow."
— Bek Lasky
Bek’s passion for creating sustainable support systems is part of what has driven the thinking behind TFN’s First Nations pilot event. We’re aiming to demonstrate that collective giving and access to a powerful network of individuals, foundations, businesses and philanthropists offering more than just funding, is a viable model for supporting First Nations enterprises.
Liandra Gaykamangu, knows that funding alone isn’t enough for sustainable growth -networks are just as vital. As founder of LIANDRA & Executive Director of Enterprise Learning Projects, Liandra has observed that these networks offer the mentorship and opportunities that businesses so often need when they're starting out.
"Funding is a key part of business growth, but without access to the right networks, Indigenous businesses can struggle to grow sustainably. A strong network of people who believe in your vision, and are willing to share their expertise, skills, and connections, can make all the difference. These networks offer the mentorship and opportunities businesses need to open doors. When combined with the right funding support, businesses have the best chance for long-term success."
— Liandra Gaykamangu
Our pilot First Nations funding event aims to demonstrate that critical funding support is only half of the picture. The TFN approach opens doors to professional development opportunities - both through the network and our dedicated Alumni Program, which offers ongoing support, pro bono services, workshops, events, and partnerships.
When Corey Tutt shared his story at a TFN funding event in 2021, he was hoping to raise enough money to hire DeadlyScience’s first employee - himself. Today, DeadlyScience is supporting more than 800 regional and remote schools, inspiring Indigenous kids to embrace their legacy and future as First Scientists.
"The Funding Network has been instrumental in our growth. Not only did they facilitate crucial funding for our programs and introduce us to an expanded network, they believed in our potential, and that was invaluable. The skills we learnt allowed us to be more confident with sharing our story with funders, and those skills continue to help us scale our impact. I believe TFN is uniquely suited to build the capacity of grassroots organisations."
— Corey Tutt OAM
With Darryl Majid and TFN’s First Nations Alumni Advisory Council leading this initiative, we are ensuring that it is shaped by those with lived experience in the community, providing a collaborative foundation for future success. We invite you to join us on Thursday, the 28th of November 2024 from 6:15pm for a special giving event featuring three high-potential First Nations enterprises working and delivering social impact in regional Australia.