Australian billionaire Nicola Forrest has donated more than $500 million to her Coaxial Foundation in 2026, with the funding supporting initiatives for Indigenous children and female entrepreneurs. The donation, comprising $125 million in cash and 25 million Fortescue shares, has enabled the foundation to announce its first three major long-term partnerships. These include up to $30 million for venture firm Antler to support up to 250 Australian female founders, $30 million over six years for Cape York Partnership to fund early learning initiatives for Aboriginal children, and $7.1 million over three years for SNAICC to improve early childhood learning outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Nicola Forrest ’s foundation announces its first three major partnerships
Coaxial Foundation announced its first three major long-term partnerships as part of its commitment to expanding opportunities for women and children. The foundation said the partnerships were selected to support organisations with the expertise and experience needed to create lasting change.The announcement includes an up to $30 million partnership with Antler, a $30 million commitment to Cape York Partnership over six years, and a three-year partnership worth $7.1 million with SNAICC. These initiatives will provide funding, investment opportunities and programme support across entrepreneurship, early childhood learning and family development.
Antler partnership will provide funding and business support to women founders
One of the foundation’s major commitments is an up to $30 million partnership with Antler, a global early-stage venture firm. The partnership will support up to 250 Australian female founders by providing access to funding, business networks and support during the early stages of building their companies.According to Coaxial Foundation, the partnership includes up to $10 million in non-dilutive funding, co-investments and programme support over four years. It also includes a $20 million investment into Antler Australia Fund III. The initiative aims to help female founders access the capital and resources required to develop their businesses.The partnership will also establish Momentum, powered by Coaxial, a dedicated four-year programme designed to identify, fund and support female founders. It will combine Antler’s global venture platform with funding and investment support from Coaxial Foundation.
Forrest’s foundation backs early childhood development in Cape York
Coaxial Foundation has committed $30 million over six years to Cape York Partnership, an organisation working with Aboriginal communities. The funding will support learning and development initiatives for young Aboriginal children in the Cape.The partnership forms part of the foundation’s broader commitment to improving opportunities for Indigenous children and families. Through the initiative, Cape York Partnership will receive long-term financial support for its work in early childhood learning and development.
SNAICC partnership aims to strengthen early learning for Indigenous children
The foundation has also announced a three-year partnership worth $7.1 million with SNAICC – National Voice for our Children, the national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.The funding will be provided through grants and philanthropic support to strengthen SNAICC’s ability to support early childhood learning outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children across Australia. The partnership will focus on helping the organisation extend its existing work with Indigenous families and communities.Coaxial CEO Philippa Watson said the foundation’s partnerships with Cape York Partnership and SNAICC were long-term commitments to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. She said the initiatives would provide children with access to early learning opportunities that could be scaled to strengthen family systems and improve outcomes.
Forrest outlines her vision for long-term philanthropic investment
Nicola Forrest said the partnerships reflected her belief that philanthropy could act as an initial catalyst for change, while sustainable improvements required long-term investment and support.In the official media release, Ms Forrest said: “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.”She also highlighted the importance of working with experienced organisations and maintaining long-term commitments. Reflecting on her experience in business and philanthropy, she said: “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.”Coaxial Foundation said the three partnerships were among its first commitments following Forrest’s initial donation of more than $500 million. The foundation described the announcement as the beginning of a broader programme of long-term investment in initiatives intended to create meaningful impact.