PERPETUAL IMPACT FUND 2025: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

It’s that time of year again—applications for the 2025 Perpetual Impact Philanthropy Application Program (IPAP) open in October 2024, with funding to be distributed in June 2025. This renowned grant program continues to provide a vital source of funding for non-profits and social enterprises that demonstrate a clear ability to create lasting, transformative change.

Backed by an ASX-listed financial company, Perpetual distributes over $100 million annually from the charitable trusts and endowments it manages. In addition to funding both pilot and established projects across various sectors, Perpetual offers something rare in the grant-making world—capacity-building and operational funding, recognising the resource challenges facing non-profits.

1. What Makes Perpetual Different?

Perpetual’s philanthropy program stands out for its catalytic giving model. The focus is on funding initiatives that continue to create sustainable impact long after the project has ended. Catalytic philanthropy means investing in projects that break the status quo, leverage collaboration, and foster systemic change.

If you’re a change-maker aiming to drive transformative societal shifts, Perpetual’s funding could be the catalyst you need. Their model demands that applicants show how their project will act as a springboard for future innovations—not just a band-aid solution.

2. Align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

As with previous years, Perpetual will ask applicants to identify up to three SDGs that align with their project or organisation’s mission. This year, it’s more than just checking a box; the impact of your project needs to be clearly tied to global, national, or regional SDG frameworks. For example, if your project addresses climate action, you need to show how it contributes to the bigger picture of SDG 13.

Many organisations have struggled with embedding SDGs effectively. Ensure that your application integrates these goals throughout your proposal to create a coherent narrative that resonates with Perpetual’s reviewers.

3. Show Your Organisation’s Strength

To stand out in a competitive field, it’s crucial to demonstrate your organisation’s robust governance and leadership. Perpetual looks for well-run organisations that are not only capable of delivering their proposed projects but are also sustainable and well-governed.

The key elements that Perpetual will focus on include:

• Strategic alignment: Show how your project supports your long-term vision.
• Leadership capability: Demonstrate that your team is equipped to manage challenges and scale the impact.
• Governance structures: Highlight how your organisation’s governance ensures sustainability.

Perpetual’s application will dig into your KPIs and performance indicators to ensure that your organisation is delivering measurable impact. Be prepared to discuss external forces and risks and how you plan to mitigate them.

4. Data-Driven Impact

Quantifying your impact is a non-negotiable aspect of this grant application. Perpetual wants to see both quantitative and qualitative data that demonstrates the effectiveness of your previous work and the potential of your current project.

Applications for Perpetual often fall short when it comes to data collection and analysis, so it’s worth investing time to improve this aspect of your application. Ask yourself, “What do funders need to know?” and make sure your data tells a compelling story about your success and future potential.

Timeline and Process

• Applications Open: October 2024
• Applications Close: December 2024
• Eligibility & Assessment: December 2024 to March 2025
• Notifications: March 2025 for ineligible applicants
• Final Selections: June 2025​

Grant’d Tip: How to Stand Out

To increase your chances of success, don’t just focus on the project; focus on the big picture. Funders like Perpetual are looking for organisations that can demonstrate a holistic approach to impact—clear goals, measurable success, and strong alignment with global frameworks like the SDGs.

By putting these strategies in place, you’ll be well-positioned to secure funding from this sought-after program and drive long-term social change.

Find out more and apply here.