We’ve had an Awesome Foundation here in Sydney for a few months now and over that time, we’ve seen approximately 50 applications for our monthly grant. We get quite a few questions from friends and colleagues about how the Awesome Foundation works, namely: 1) “What happens if you’re funding terrorism?” 2) “What exactly makes something awesome?” The answer to question 1 is that we have an application process where we use common logic, and sometimes checking out the project in question, to ensure we don’t fund terrorism. But at the end of the day, it’s a no strings attached grant to do something awesome, and terrorism isn’t really that awesome. The second question is a bit harder to answer. We all know ‘awesome’ when we see it right? But how exactly do you go about encouraging people to apply for our awesome grant if they’re unaware they might be eligible!?! 9 awesome indicators Rich Cooper, from AF Toronto, has put together a phenomenal list that we think helps define what is awesome. If you’ve got a little side project on the go and you think it’s totally awesome, you should apply here. 1. Newness – Is this idea totally new?… read more →

Where would you be today without your education? Would you know how to read or write? Would you be able to support yourself? Melbourne’s June grant was awarded to One Girl, an organization that’s made it their mission to educate girls from the poorest rural communities of Sierra Leone, West Africa. One Girl was founded in 2009 by Chantelle Baxter and David Dixon and has given 100 girls the opportunity for an education and a better life. Their upcoming campaign Do It in a Dress will raise $25,000 to send another 50 girls to school by 2012. The difference an education in Sierra Leone can make is astounding.  See what these girls are up against: – 1 in 6 chance of attending high school. – 62% chance they’ll be married before their 18th birthday. – 50% chance they’ll be sexually abused before they turn 18 and it’s almost guaranteed that they’ll experience some kind of sexual violence in their lifetime. Do It in a Dress plans on raising the $25,000 by recruiting 100 “rock star” bloggers from around the world to set a personal challenge for themselves like run 5K, go to a yoga class, bungee jump or just go to… read more →