Dear Friends and Colleagues,
Recent months have reminded us of the unique power of philanthropy, especially when it steps in to listen and back bold ideas to help drive progress in areas where support is lacking.
Whether it’s supporting community-led innovation in the Northern Territory, advancing long-overlooked research into Tick-Borne Disease, or helping more educators bring evidence-based reading instruction into classrooms - each story reflects the impact philanthropy can make when it acts with heart and purpose.
In this edition, you’ll read about these moments and more: from elevating patient-led Tick-Borne Disease research, to a high-impact literacy workshop shaping teaching practices, to the launch of our Snow Scholarships with University of Canberra for students facing barriers to education. You’ll also see a callout for our next round of Snow Entrepreneurs - visionary changemakers tacking complex community challenges with practical solutions.
Thank you for being part of, and taking an interest in
this work. Together, we can keep backing the people, places and ideas that create lasting change.
Enjoy the read!
Best wishes,
The Snow Scholarships - created through a partnership between Snow Foundation and University of Canberra - are now open for applications, closing 12 October 2025. Created predominantly for students from Canberra and regional/rural NSW, the scholarship supports passionate and purposeful youth facing barriers, to not only get to university, but to thrive while they’re there.
Each Scholarship is valued up to $30, 000 pear year, providing residential, academic, leadership development and wellbeing support. We're looking for students who are curious, resilient, and committed to making a difference. Up to 16 scholarships will be awarded annually, including at least four to First Nations students. Successful applicants will join an inclusive, diverse cohort when they commence studies at UC in Semester One, 2026.
Warumungu Elder Dianne Stokes in Jurnkkurakurr (Tennant Creek).
Snow Foundation on Country in the Northern Territory: Real Solutions, Led by Community
Innovative, community-driven solutions are taking shape in the Northern Territory - led by Aboriginal knowledge, cultural strength, and bold local leadership.
We recently travelled to Jurnkkurakurr (Tennant Creek) and Mparntwe (Alice Springs) to witness powerful and progressive community-led initiatives in action. The visit was an important reminder of what’s possible when communities lead and philanthropy follows with listening, learning, and long-term backing.
From Goods by A Curious Tractor's washable, stackable Greate Beds - co-designed with Aboriginal communities and described as “deadly and transformative” by Warumungu Elders - to Wilya Janta’s cultural and climate-appropriate housing prototype made with mud bricks and wisdom, the trip offered inspiring examples of innovation shaped by Country and culture.
We also spent time with Children’s Ground and Orange Sky in Mparntwe, where their mobile laundry service is strengthening health outcomes and fostering connection in remote communities.
Nic Marchesi from A Curious Tractor's 'Goods' building the Greate Beds with community and Warumungu Elder Dianne testing hers!
Norman Frank Jupurrurla, Founder Wilya Janta, Warumungu Elder, Cultural Leader.
Community members using the Orange Sky laundry truck with Children's Ground.
Calling on early-stage social entrepreneurs to apply for Cohort Three of our Snow Entrepreneurs – Fellowships for Social Change program!
Offering funding and tailored wrap-around support to help build and scale social impact organisations, the program backs visionary leaders who are creating practical solutions to entrenched disadvantage, offering them the holistic support they need to grow, adapt, and thrive.
Snow Foundation is seeking passionate entrepreneurs building innovative, early-stage initiatives - ideally with some self-generated revenue that address a clear community need and have a sustainable growth plan. Projects should align with our themes: Gender, First Nations, Youth and LGBTIQ+.
Watch the recording of the information session for more detail:
Advancing Tick-Borne Disease Research: Insights & Progress
What a powerful night with leading doctors, Northern Sydney Local Health District and NORTH Foundation - bringing together advocates, researchers and community voices to tackle an overlooked health issue: tick-borne disease. Snow Foundation Chair Ginette Snow and CEO Georgina Byron and shared their personal connection, highlighting the urgent need for better diagnosis and support.
We’re proud to back this critical, patient-led research to improve testing, treatment and care. It's already making a difference to people like Lilli - watch her story. Philanthropy plays a key role where government falls short. Help to drive the next breakthrough by visiting and giving: NORTH Foundation.
Teaching Reading Explicitly Workshop
Over 160 educators came together in April for our Teaching Reading Explicitly workshop with Dr Lorraine Hammond AM, united by a shared goal to lift literacy outcomes in Canberra. The response was incredible, with 100% of survey participants saying they plan to apply what they learned in their own classrooms.
The day showcased strong momentum for evidence-based reading instruction in public schools. As Snow Foundation Executive Director Scarlett Gaffey said, “we believe in evidence, we believe in equity, and we believe in our schools.” Learn more from the Grattan Institute’s Reading Guarantee report: grattan.edu.au/report/reading-guarantee.
