As we close out another year, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what we’ve achieved – not just as a company, but as a community committed to building a stronger, more capable for-purpose sector. 2025 has shown us what’s possible when organisations have the right tools, support, and knowledge at their fingertips.
This year, we’ve worked alongside 1,589 incredible for-purpose organisations and hundreds of grant professionals across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. And together, we’ve achieved some remarkable results:
1. We’ve seen success rates soar. Our benchmarking data tells an encouraging story: organisations using best practice frameworks are achieving a fantastic 62% grants success rate.
2. We’ve seen partnerships deepen. With 2,588+ hours of advisory support, we’ve worked alongside organisations to refine their grants approach and build sustainable funding pipelines. And through 736 hours of grant, government tender and funder proposal writing, we’ve helped translate compelling visions into applications that resonate with funders.
3. We’ve seen the power of shared knowledge. At 8 peak sector conferences, we contributed insights that sparked countless conversations about what excellence in grant-seeking looks like. And through 2 benchmarking reports, we’ve given the sector something it’s long needed: data that helps organisations understand their performance and identify where more resourcing is needed and opportunities for growth.
SG Founder and CEO, Jo Garner, and Heather Monk, General Manager (Fundraising) from Learning Links, co-presented a powerful session on how their team secured a $300,000 multi-year grant from Paul Ramsay Foundation with no prior relationship.
4. We’ve seen capacity build across the sector. Supporting 1,589 organisations through GEMS and 395 through consultancy services, we’ve witnessed the ripple effect of investing in capability – stronger grant applications, more strategic thinking, and a sector that’s collectively raising its standards.
5. We’ve seen organisations find their path forward. With over 75 customised new GEM Portal Grants Calendars developed, we’ve helped organisations create tailored strategic funding plans that guide them to the right opportunities at the right time, turning the overwhelming grants landscape into a clear, actionable strategy.
6. We’ve seen grant-seekers gain confidence. Through 12 workshops across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, 127 grants professionals came together to learn, share challenges, and build their expertise.
SG Grants Strategist Michaela Chilcott with grant professionals at our Brisbane Grant Seeking Workshop in August
7. We’ve seen the impact of meticulous research. Our team invested 5,000+ hours ensuring the grants intelligence in GEMS remains current and accurate. Because we know that every hour we spend researching saves our clients countless hours of searching, and helps them find opportunities they might otherwise have missed.
8. We’ve seen the future of funder-grantee connection. In February 2025, we launched GEMS Funding Insights – a groundbreaking tool that bridges the gap between funders and organisations. After consulting with 30+ funders of all types, we created the tool they told us they needed: better ways to find organisations whose work aligns with their priorities, identify co-funding opportunities, and access comprehensive funding data analysis. This innovation demonstrates our commitment to evolving GEMS to serve the entire funding ecosystem based on what the sector actually needs.
A message from our Founder and CEO, Jo Garner
2025 has been another busy year of delivering impactful grants and funding solutions for our for-purpose partners.
We welcomed new team members, expanded our business development, marketing and communications, customer experience and software development teams. This growth is enabling us to fast-track AI and automation into our GEMS platform, and optimise tools and resources used by our clients to give them the best possible chance at success in securing funding for their vital work in our communities.
The funding landscape continues to evolve, presenting new opportunities and challenges. From the growth in structured giving, wealth transfer and increasing number of new funders, to government funding cuts, political, social and economic unrest; we strive to always be equipping organisations with the most up to date and relevant information, tools, education, training and resources to upskill and build sustainability.
Our commitment to the for-purpose sector remains strong; as a mission-driven business, to build the capacity and capability of the organisations we have the privilege of working with. Looking ahead to 2026, we’re excited about what we can achieve for our clients, partners, funders, and the broader for-purpose sector and communities.
Thank you for being part of our journey. We wish everyone a safe, peaceful, happy and restful break over the Festive Season and wish those that have recently faced trauma, heartbreak and hardship, our love and support.
Christmas and New Year Shutdown
Please note that Strategic Grants will be closed for the holidays from COB Friday 19th December, reopening on Monday 5th January 2026. We wish you peace and joy this holiday season and a bright start to the New Year!