FAQs

The Tomorrow Makers IGNITE program supports social enterprises in their startup phase through a 12-month grant and capacity development program that will ensure they commence trading within that 12 month of starting the program.

You’ll receive a grant of up to $110,000 to provide financial support to further develop the social enterprise and fund the bespoke capacity building support you will receive through resources, tools and programs to progress the social enterprise to be market ready. You’ll also receive support from sector and business experts, and a mentor.

Each Tomorrow Maker must participate in the Tomorrow Makers IGNITE peer support program, delivered by Impact Boom, which involves:

Professional development and impact plan construct
Monthly online group workshops
Access to Business For Good Network
Online learning modules
A two-day Reignite Impact Leader’s Retreat on 28 – 30 July 2025
Attending the Tomorrow Makers SPARK Showcase on 25 November 2025 followed by a one day immersive on 26 November 2025 in Sydney
Celebrate the completion of the 2025 Tomorrow Makers IGNITE program in Sydney in May 2026

Up to 8 IGNITE Tomorrow Makers will be awarded. Each recipient may be an individual or a team of up to two people.

You’ll receive a grant of up to $110,000 to provide financial support to further develop the social enterprise and fund the bespoke capacity building support you will receive through resources, tools and programs to progress the social enterprise to be market ready. You’ll also receive support from sector and business experts, and a mentor.

Social enterprise

Up to $100,000 can be used to fund the startup associated costs of the social enterprise (salaries, operational costs, development and prototyping costs, travel and additional capacity building costs outside the $10,000).

Capacity building

A minimum of $10,000 of the grant to be used for capacity building.

The funding can be used to cover:

Engaging sector and business experts aligned with your professional development and impact plan construct objectives with a service provider aligned with the Tomorrow Makers program or service provider with the mutual agreement of the AMP Foundation and the Tomorrow Maker.
Mentoring and coaching
Short courses (max 4 weeks) and conferences

The grant will be distributed in two instalments based on the completion of key milestones. The timeline for the distribution of the grant is as follows:

50% of grant funding in week 1 after commencing the program
50% of grant funding in November 2025 upon completion of the 6 month milestone

Tomorrow Makers can select an aligned service provider to support their capacity building in the areas of mentoring, coaching, sector and business experts aligned to deliver the professional development and impact plan objectives, from the following list of providers or service provider with the mutual agreement of the AMP Foundation and the Tomorrow Maker.

You will be provided assistance to connect with the appropriate provider once the program has begun.

Service Provider	Location
Australian centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE) is a national organisation specialising in providing services to the social enterprise sector, as well as partnering with our global partners SEA (Social Enterprise Academy) to deliver Learning and Development programs nationally.	They operate nationally, are based in Victoria and have a presence in NSW.
Collab4Good brings people together to lead, learn, connect, and collaborate to achieve a shared vision for a just economy. As a social enterprise in our own right, we build the capacity and capability of learners, leaders and businesses to deliver positive social impact.	They operate and are based in South Australia.
Enterprise Learning Projects supports remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs to be empowered to determine their own futures and effect generational change for the communities. They offer tailored on-Country business support to remote entrepreneurs through our incubation and mentoring programs.	They operate and are based in Northern Territory.
Impact Boom is a B Corporation and certified social enterprise focused on the support and development of the 'business for good' movement globally. They are highly experienced in delivering programs and providing advisory services to support changemakers to develop sustainable businesses with positive social impact. Impact Boom is the proud delivery partner of the Tomorrow Makers SPARK and Tomorrow Makers IGNITE programs.	They operate nationally and are based in Queensland.
Impact Seed is catalysing systems-change in finance and business in Western Australia. growing an impact economy where businesses support communities, environment and culture to thrive, sustainably. Impact Seed works closely with social enterprises and impact investors in Western Australia to build capacity and develop and grow the sector.	They operate and are based in Western Australia.
The Social Impact Hub is a certified B Corp and social enterprise that collaborates with a broad range of changemakers, with a focus on supporting social entrepreneurs to thrive. Through tailored advice, education, mentoring and mobilising capital, they build capacity to amplify impact.	They operate nationally and are based in NSW with a presence in Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania.
StartSomeGood exists to inspire and support changemakers globally to create the change they want to see in the world. Their programs are designed to help early-stage and aspiring social entrepreneurs to make their ideas happen.	They operate nationally and are based in NSW.
The Mill House Ventures is committed to the growth and impact of social enterprises in the Canberra region. Offering programs that support the emergence and growth of social ventures, provide access to professional services, and act as a thriving hub for changemakers to connect and grow their innovations.	They operate and are based in Canberra.

You will need to complete an online application form on the SmartyGrants platform. Applications will open from at 10am AEDT Wednesday 15 January 2025 until 2pm AEDT Wednesday 5 February 2025.

You can access the online application form here.

Applications submitted via other means will not be accepted. If you encounter any issues or need assistance, please email amp_foundation@amp.com.au

‘Social Enterprise Business Model’

You will need to submit a ‘Social Enterprise Business Model’. There will be a section in the online application where you need to upload it. You can access an editable template below:

Canva template
PowerPoint template
PDF template

Video

You will need to submit a link to a short video you have made about your social enterprise. There will be a section in the online application where you need to upload it.

Please ensure the video:

Is no longer than 2 mins
Showcases you and your social enterprise
Current and set to public viewing

Click here to view a good example of an application video we received in 2024 for the Tomorrow Makers IGNITE program.

Budget

A detailed budget for up to $110,000 needs to be completed within the application form.

This includes up to $100,000 for startup associated costs and a minimum of $10,000 for capacity building.

Startup costs

Up to $100,000 can be used to fund the startup associated costs of the social enterprise (salaries, operational costs, development and prototyping costs, travel and capability development.

Capacity building

A minimum of $10,000 of the grant to be used for capacity building.

The funding can be used to cover:

Engaging sector and business experts aligned with your professional development and impact plan construct objectives with a service provider aligned with the Tomorrow Makers program or service provider with the mutual agreement of the AMP Foundation and the Tomorrow Maker.
Mentoring and coaching
Short courses (max 4 weeks) and conferences

Example 1:

Wages	$70,000
IT expenses	$2,000
Prototyping	$25,000
Capacity building	$10,000
Travel – flights and accommodation	$3,000
Total	$110,000

Example 2:

Wages	$70,000
IT expenses	$2,000
Prototyping	$20,000
Capacity building	$10,000
Additional Capacity building	$5,000
Travel – flights and accommodation	$3,000
Total	$110,000

Tomorrow Makers IGNITE is a 12-month grants program. Your professional development and impact plan will be based on this time frame.

Tomorrow Makers IGNITE will include monthly online workshops and digital learning modules.

Monthly cohort workshops:

Duration: Two hours
Dates: Commencing from Monday 2 June 2025 to Monday 6 April 2026

Reignite Impact Leader’s Retreat

Duration: Two days (two nights)
Location: Midginbil Eco Resort, Midginbil NSW
Date: 28 – 30 July 2025

Accommodation and meals covered by AMP Foundation. Travel to the retreat, including flights, are not covered by AMP Foundation. The Tomorrow Makers IGNITE Grant funds are to be used, based on the AMP Foundation travel guidelines and included in your budget submission.

Tomorrow Makers IGNITE immersive and attendance at the Tomorrow Makers SPARK Showcase

Duration: 1.5 days (two nights)
Location: Sydney
Date: 25 and 26 November 2025

Travel, accommodation and meals are not covered by AMP Foundation. The Tomorrow Makers IGNITE Grant Funds are to be used to cover these expenses based on the AMP Foundation Travel Guidelines.

Tomorrow Makers IGNITE Showcase / awards event:

Location: Sydney
Date: May 2026

Travel, accommodation and meals are not covered by AMP Foundation. The Tomorrow Makers IGNITE Grant funds are to be used, based on the AMP Foundation Travel Guidelines and included in your budget submission.

Attendance requirements:

Reignite Impact Leader’s Retreat: Mandatory
Monthly workshops: Attend 90% of the sessions
Tomorrow Makers SPARK showcase and Tomorrow Makers IGNITE immersive: Mandatory
Tomorrow Makers IGNITE showcase / awards event: Mandatory

The Tomorrow Makers program has proven that being part of a collaborative cohort is a key element of a social entrepreneur’s success. Coming together to learn, network and connect with other Tomorrow Makers IGNITE participants in a 'give first' environment during the monthly workshops provides this opportunity.

The two-day retreat brings together the 2025 IGNITE Tomorrow Makers with Australia's impact-led leaders from the 'business for good' ecosystem for a variety of impact-themed workshops, guided conversations and most importantly, connection.

The retreat will be on 28 – 30 July 2025 in Midginbil NSW run by Impact Boom.

Travel to/from the retreat, including flights, are not covered by AMP Foundation. The Tomorrow Makers IGNITE Grant funds are to be used, based on the AMP Foundation travel guidelines.

All applicants for a Tomorrow Makers IGNITE program grant must meet the following criteria:

An individual or team (up to two people) with a social enterprise business model ready to start operating, or
An existing social enterprise ready to scale (same service however new territory or market).
Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident of Australia and must be living in Australia.
Submit a ‘Social enterprise business model’ with their application form.
Submit a video about their social enterprise with their application form.
Submit a detailed budget for up to $110,000 within their application form.
The application must meet the program definition of a “social enterprise” (For profit, For Purpose).
Must be able to measure investment return and social impact.
The social enterprise must support at least one of the funding streams: Female-led Businesses, First Nations People, Retire with Confidence, Improving Financial Fairness.
Must be able to commence and participate in the Tomorrow Makers IGNITE program starting in June 2025.

To align your social enterprise with the funding streams of the Tomorrow Makers program, you must choose at least one of the following areas of social impact. The alignment will help ensure that your social enterprise is eligible for consideration under the Tomorrow Makers program.

Female-led Businesses: This funding stream focuses on supporting social enterprises that are led by women or have a primary focus on empowering women, with a focus on empowering and supporting women entrepreneurs, increasing gender diversity in business, or addressing issues that disproportionately affect women.

First Nations People: This funding stream is dedicated to supporting social enterprises that are created by or for Indigenous communities, with a focus on promoting the well-being and empowerment of First Nations People in Australia. It recognises the importance of Indigenous perspectives, culture, and knowledge in driving positive social impact, promoting reconciliation, empowerment, economic development and social justice.

Retire with Confidence: This funding stream aims to support social enterprises that improve the quality of life for older Australians transitioning into retirement or facing retirement challenges. It focuses on projects that promote social inclusion, health and well-being, financial security, and active aging, supporting seniors in their later years.

Improving Financial Fairness: This funding stream aims to support social enterprises that focus on improving financial literacy. It includes initiatives that promote financial education, budgeting skills, savings, investments, and other financial tools, empowering vulnerable or disadvantaged individuals and communities to make informed financial decisions and build financial resilience.

These funding streams represent important areas of social impact that the AMP Foundation is committed to supporting through the Tomorrow Makers program.

For this program a 'social enterprise' is defined as a business that primary focus has a social, cultural or environmental purpose that is described in its constitution and generates revenue from a trade or service, and, a percentage of its profit is reinvested into the purpose stated in its constitution.

The AMP Foundation team uses a rigorous assessment program over several months to select Tomorrow Makers. This process includes a detailed application form, phone interviews and potential requests for additional information if required.

Recipients are chosen based on the social enterprise business model and its potential impact on addressing a social issue.

Shortlisted applicants will be asked to present their social enterprise to a selection panel in April 2025.

Yes, an existing organisation with either a new social enterprise model or looking to scale their existing operation (same service however new territory or market) can apply.

However, the grant is allocated to an individual who is the Founder or CEO equivalent, our experience shows that the individual in the program has to be able to make the decisions and not revert back to the organisation for approval on how the grant is spent or the work completed within the program.

Yes, if you’ve received a Tomorrow Maker grant in the past and you have social enterprise business model in its startup phase that meets the criteria, we encourage you to apply.

No, applicants are not required to have an ABN or DGR status to apply.

You will become part of the AMP Foundation Tomorrow Makers Alumni Community and have access to a closed Tomorrow Makers Alumni Community on the Business For Good Network so you can continue to learn and share.

We’ll get together to celebrate your achievements and social enterprise at a showcase event in May 2026.

Yes, the Tomorrow Makers IGNITE program is open to all ages. However, applicants aged under 18 need the approval of a parent or guardian to apply. Permission can be provided via the application form and any communication will be directed to the adult. Of course, adults can help a young person with an application, but it must be submitted under the young person’s name.

The assessment process is undertaken in stages. Anyone who reaches our final stage would have heard from the AMP Foundation several times – not only by email but also through phone conversations – and will be made aware of the next steps. As always, be alert to potential phishing emails requesting bank details with the promise of receiving a grant. AMP Foundation will not send you an unexpected email.

Yes, you will be able to access all these on your mobile device. Any technical issues can be discussed with the AMP Foundation.

It is optimal that both team members attend the entire program but we understand it may not be possible in every circumstance.

There is one position per Tomorrow Maker grant reserved for at the Reignite Impact Leader’s Retreat. In a team situation if the second person wants to attend the Reignite Impact Leader’s Retreat the funding can come from the Tomorrow Makers grant along with all the travel costs.

The Tomorrow Makers IGNITE Grant Funds are to be used to cover travel, accommodation and meals for the Reignite Impact Leader’s Retreat and Showcase event based on these AMP Foundation travel guidelines:

Bookings: Tomorrow Makers must book their own travel.

Air: Airfares must be economy class

Transport: Airport transfers, taxis, train and ride sharing costs to and from home:

residence to airport, and
airport to destination

Accommodation: Not to exceed A$300 per night

Meals: Not to exceed $70 a day (where meals are not provided)

The Tomorrow Makers program is an initiative of the AMP Foundation, the philanthropic arm of AMP. Operating a series of charitable trusts, the Foundation distributes income generated through its investments. Since 1992, it has invested more than $110 million into the community to help organisations and individuals create positive change.

Impact Boom is a B Corporation and certified social enterprise focused on the support and development of the ‘business for good’ movement globally. They are highly experienced in delivering programs and providing advisory services to support changemakers to develop sustainable businesses with positive social impact. Impact Boom is the proud delivery partner of the Tomorrow Makers SPARK and Tomorrow Makers IGNITE programs.

Find out more about Impact Boom and listen to their podcasts here: www.impactboom.org.

The BFGN is a platform that connects purpose-led changemakers. It is a community of communities catalysing change.

The Tomorrow Makers IGNITE program has a private closed group used to connect, share, collaborate and learn throughout the program.

BFGN also provides access to the learning room, events and webinars, upskill video library and resources. Find out more about BFGN here: www.bfgn.co

Certified B Corporations, or B Corps, envision a better economic system where businesses can benefit people, communities, and the planet.

Find out more about B Corporation here: www.bcorporation.com.au

Key Dates for Tomorrow Makers IGNITE program