Arnold Bloch Leibler has advised leading Australian philanthropist Nicola Forrest and her Coaxial Foundation in connection with a landmark philanthropic commitment valued at approximately $520 million, aimed at supporting women, children, families and communities across Australia.
The commitment, comprising 25 million shares in ASX-listed Fortescue and $125 million in cash contributed through Nicola Forrest's private investment vehicle, Coaxial Ventures, represents one of the largest single lifetime philanthropic donations by an Australian and marks a significant milestone for the Coaxial Foundation, established in 2023.
Arnold Bloch Leibler's team advising Nicola Forrest and the Coaxial Foundation included Christine Fleer, Laura Cochrane, Rebecca Zwier, Scott Philips, Jessica Ortner, Prianca Maharaj and Harry Campbell.
As reported in the Australian Financial Review, The Australian and The Age, the Foundation has announced major initiatives focused on supporting female entrepreneurs and improving early childhood outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, including:
- $30 million to support female entrepreneurs, through a partnership with early-stage venture capital firm Antler. The commitment includes a $20 million investment in Antler Australia Fund III and $10 million to establish Momentum, a four-year program providing non-dilutive funding to approximately 200 female founders to help establish and grow their businesses.
- $30 million over six years to Cape York Partnership, supporting early childhood learning and development initiatives for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Cape York.
- $7.1 million over three years to SNAICC, the national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families, to strengthen the early childhood education workforce and improve learning outcomes for Indigenous children across Australia.
The Foundation's broader philanthropic strategy focuses on creating long-term opportunities for women and children, advancing gender equality and supporting regional and Indigenous communities. Its approach emphasises collaboration with established organisations, evidence-based initiatives and sustained investment to deliver lasting social impact.
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