What We Do
Climate change is here, now, and it’s accelerating. Scientists tell us we have less than a decade before climate change crosses thresholds that are much more dangerous and harder to respond to.
At its core, Groundswell funds climate action to keep fossil fuels in the ground and accelerate a just transition to a decarbonised world. Because you can’t bank on one project to fix climate change, we fund and support an entire ecosystem to collectively work together.
Since launching in 2020, the Groundswell community has raised and distributed over $2.8 million to grassroots climate advocacy right across the country, collectively building momentum for ambitious climate action.
Community Grantmaking
Over $3 million granted
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104 grant winners
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700 members
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Over $3 million granted | 104 grant winners | 700 members |
Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility (ACCR) is suing Santos in a world-first legal challenge, alleging the oil and gas giant's net-zero claims are misleading and deceptive. ACCR argues that Santos's plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2040 lacks credible pathways and relies on unproven technologies. This groundbreaking case seeks to hold Santos accountable for greenwashing and ensure companies backup their climate pledges with concrete action.
Rewiring Australia secured $5.4 million in federal funding to launch Electrify 2515, a world-first pilot program transforming a coastal community south of Sydney into a model for home electrification. This is a bold and ambitious step towards Australia’s net-zero future that will not only help coastal residents replace gas appliances with electric alternatives, it will provide the critical real-world data to support a scaled up renewable roll out across Australia.
Lock The Gate shut down two proposed coal mines, preventing more than one billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from being released into the atmosphere. Glencore and Yancoal were forced to withdraw their proposal in NSW from consideration under federal environmental laws after state planning officials raised concerns about the development’s greenhouse gas emissions. This is significant because it’s the first time a government has asked a company to reconsider its plans because of the emissions and climate impact.
Hunter Jobs Alliance successfully campaigned for the establishment of a $60 million Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence at a Newcastle TAFE. This marks a crucial moment in the region's transition to a sustainable future. The Centre will play a pivotal role in addressing skills shortages and securing clean energy jobs, ensuring the region’s workforce is prepared to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead.
Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) scored a major victory for marine conservation, forcing TGS to withdraw its plan for a colossal seismic blasting project in the Southern Ocean. AMCS mobilised 30,000 people to submit comments opposing the project, which originally targeted an area larger than Tasmania, including a Commonwealth marine park. This people-powered campaign, combined with protests along the Victorian coast, successfully protected a vital marine ecosystem from a devastating threat.
Grata is supporting Uncle Pabai and Uncle Paul’s Australian Climate Case – two Traditional Owners and Native Title rights holders from the islands of Boigu and Saibai in Zenadth Kes (the Torres Strait) suing the Australian Government for negligence. If successful, this may force the government to reduce emissions in line with the best available science.
