Minderoo Foundation's Bold $150M Commitment to Transform Western Australia
January 26, 2026
Minderoo’s Strategic Impact Fund has deployed about 150 million into WA projects, backing ocean innovation, social and affordable housing, catalytic capital to de-risk investments, and efforts to protect carbon sinks, such as Enzide to curb plastic harm.
In the past year, Minderoo committed over 63 million to WA partners and projects across health, education, and community programs.
Minderoo donated 2 million to Telethon 2025, continuing a long-running support that totals about 30 million toward WA research and programs.
Minderoo Foundation pursues a deliberate, evidence-based philanthropy focused on long-term impact in Western Australia, guided by local partnerships and community insight.
As a modern philanthropic partner, Minderoo backs scalable, evidence-based solutions to drive systemic change in WA, with an eye toward greater impact in 2026 and beyond.
Arts and culture remain a major priority, with ongoing support for the Minderoo Artist Fund, Minderoo Pictures, and the Black Swan State Theatre Company, plus a landmark 30 million gift to WAAPA at Edith Cowan University as part of a 25-year partnership.
The foundation backs the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation to keep the STS Leeuwin II sailing, inspiring youth and connecting them with the ocean.
John Hartman, Minderoo Foundation CEO, frames these efforts as aligned with Western Australia’s identity and the foundation’s 25-year milestone.
Minderoo funds research and education in WA, supporting the OceanOmics Centre at UWA, the Forrest Research Foundation to attract top researchers, and a Perth trial led by Prof. Michaela Lucas on plastic chemical exposure.
The Early Years Partnership, a decade-long collaboration with the State Government, aims to boost child well-being and school readiness in four WA communities, including initiatives like a four-wheel-drive bus for Pandanus Park and a new early childhood hub in Katanning.
Key WA partnerships include culturally safe health pathways for First Nations with the Ngangk Yira Institute for Change and a new Dalyellup Foodbank facility to tackle food insecurity and improve child outcomes.
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The West Australian • Jan 26, 2026
John Hartman: Minderoo Foundation’s philanthropy approach ‘deliberate’ to create life-changing impact for WA