The State of Gender-wise Giving Survey is a landmark initiative by Australians Investing In Women (AIIW), designed to provide a unique national benchmark of how Australian philanthropic funders consider and apply a gender lens in their work. It enables the understanding of gender lens as a pathway to more equitable and effective giving.
Gender inequality remains a significant barrier to unlocking Australia’s potential, with an estimated $128 billion in economic value per annum on the table if rigid gender norms shift.
Your organisation’s participation will help in building a clearer picture of current practice and identifying opportunities to strengthen the impact of giving and investment.
We want to hear from organisations across the spectrum, including those for which gender is not currently a consideration.
There are no right or wrong answers. The intent is to understand practices and identify trends.
Responses will be reported only in aggregate, providing a snapshot of broader-sector perspectives and trends.
The survey is open from 1 October 2026 and will close 16 November 2026.
TAKE THE SURVEY NOW
Read the FAQs and download a PDF copy of the survey questions.
About the survey
The State of Gender-wise Giving Survey captures how foundations, trusts, and other philanthropic organisations are thinking about gender in their grantmaking and investment decisions—and how these considerations are shaping strategy, funding priorities, and impact. By providing rich baseline data, the survey serves as a critical tool to track change over time and guide a collective shift toward more inclusive, equitable philanthropy in Australia.
Since its launch in 2023, the survey has been conducted in collaboration with leading research firm Evolved Group, using their award-winning Human Listening™ platform. It engages philanthropic leaders from across the country and reflects the diversity of approaches and attitudes across the sector—from those already applying gender analysis consistently, to those just beginning the journey.
The findings shine a light on both the growing awareness of gender inequality and the opportunities that still exist to embed gender-wise practice more deeply. They also reveal the appetite for practical tools, peer learning, and sector-wide guidance to accelerate progress.
By sharing these insights, AIIW aims to foster transparency, accountability, and shared learning. The survey is part of our broader strategy to inform and influence giving that is effective and equitable—ensuring women and girls are visible and accounted for in funding decisions.
Whether you are a funder seeking to assess your current practice, a partner organisation working to promote systems change, or a policymaker looking for evidence-based recommendations, the State of Gender-wise Giving Survey offers valuable insights to support your next steps.
We invite all stakeholders to explore the findings, reflect on where we are as a sector, and consider how we can collectively strengthen our commitment to gender equity through philanthropy.
Read the full results and join us in advancing a more gender-wise future for Australian giving.
