WELA x Reichstein Foundation

At WELA, we know that diverse leadership is essential to solving today’s environmental and climate crises, and that real change is already being driven by communities. Over 100 members of our Giving Circle have come together to pool resources, share decision-making, and fund women and gender-diverse-led climate and environmental initiatives across Australia.

This collaborative model of giving ensures that funding goes directly to initiatives with the greatest potential for impact—and that the people shaping these decisions are the communities themselves.

The Reichstein Foundation has watched this community grow and is now pitching in to support the work these members have already created. As a long-term supporter of WELA, the Foundation champions systemic change in Australia through initiatives that advance gender, environmental, economic, and First Peoples’ justice. By funding projects that address these interconnected spheres, the Foundation helps create solutions that are equitable, sustainable, and community-driven.

For the upcoming Giving Circle small grant round, their generous $20,000 contribution will enable WELA’s Giving Circle to award two additional $10,000 grants to women and gender-diverse-led initiatives tackling climate and environmental challenges, pooled together with funds from Giving Circle members.

The Reichstein Foundation’s approach is grounded in a clear understanding: capital is never neutral. As explored in their blog Gender-wise climate giving — “It’s all upside”, where funding flows, and who it reaches, shapes outcomes. Climate change does not affect everyone equally, and solutions that fail to consider gender dimensions risk entrenching inequality. As Rachel Ball writes:

“How we put our capital resources to work matters, not least for the people, places and causes we seek to serve. In the absence of clearly defined targets within philanthropy, there are still a few simple steps that climate funders can take to significantly improve the flow and impact of their capital, including to:

• align grant-making efforts with diverse leadership within the climate movement, ensuring that women and gender-diverse people lead and influence decisions;
• prioritise organisations and projects that are gender-aware — those that actively consider gender-specific issues and demonstrate a commitment to advancing gender equality; and
• develop a deeper understanding of the gender dimensions inherent in climate work, recognising that these aspects are not always immediately obvious.”

Evidence continues to show that women are disproportionately impacted by climate change, while remaining underrepresented in the industries and decision-making spaces shaping climate solutions. At the same time, research—including WELA’s own Gender, Climate and Environmental Justice in Australia report—demonstrates that integrating a gender lens leads to more effective, equitable and sustainable outcomes. In other words, applying a gender lens isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s essential to achieving lasting impact.

“As WELA’s work illustrates — and international evidence backs up — more women in decision-making ensures better environmental outcomes. If we’re to make the most of the opportunities for renewal presented by our current environmental crises, women must play a key role in leading and shaping a future in which people and the planet can thrive. WELA’s work has never been more important.”

– Jill Reichstein OAM, Chair, Reichstein Foundation

This partnership is a testament to the Foundation’s belief in sustained, strategic support, and in the Giving Circle’s model of community-led, collaborative philanthropy. Together, we’re funding the women and gender-diverse leaders who are creating bold solutions to today’s environmental and climate crises, and building the future we want to see.

Learn more about the Giving Circle and join here.