A unique philanthropy movement which is transforming the way communities support grassroots programs, including Indigenous-led initiatives, is returning to Darwin this month following a successful inaugural event last year, giving Territorians the opportunity to directly invest in innovative not-for-profits making a difference across the Northern Territory.
The upcoming 10x10 Darwin event, to be held on 11 June, will bring together community members, business leaders and supporters to collectively direct funding towards local groups tackling some of the Territory's most pressing social challenges.
Founded on a simple but powerful concept, 10x10 Philanthropy brings together 100 people who each contribute $100. Three carefully selected not-for-profits pitch their work to the audience, with attendees voting on which project will receive the majority of the funds raised on the night.
The model has grown into a national movement, supporting more than 485 community groups across Australia, engaging over 20,000 Australians in philanthropy and unlocking more than $30 million for innovative community initiatives.
10x10 Darwin execution lead, Jeremie Benazra, said the Northern Territory is home to some of the most innovative and resilient grassroots groups in the country, yet many continue to face barriers when it comes to securing funding.
"Across the Northern Territory, there are people quietly changing lives every day. They are supporting families, creating safer communities, strengthening culture and responding to challenges long before government programs arrive," Mr Benazra said.
"The reality is that many grassroots groups spend countless hours chasing funding when that time could be spent delivering support where it is needed most."
Mr Benazra said 10x10 provides an opportunity for communities to back those already delivering results.
"10x10 is designed to remove some of those barriers. Instead of navigating lengthy grant processes or waiting months for funding decisions, participants have the opportunity to stand in front of their community, share their story and secure funding, connections and support in real time," he said.
This year's Darwin event will showcase three initiatives delivering significant impact for Aboriginal communities across the Northern Territory.
Among them is Waterlily Healing Indigenous Corporation, a First Nations-led service reshaping how mental health, suicide prevention and domestic violence programs are delivered across the Top End. Through culturally safe, community-led approaches, it builds local capacity and trains Indigenous facilitators so communities can continue leading their own healing journeys long after programs conclude.
Also pitching is Together Academy, an Indigenous-led charity providing crisis support to Aboriginal businesses facing financial distress. Created by Mob, for Mob, it helps Indigenous enterprises experiencing tax debt, governance pressures and cashflow challenges, ensuring businesses can recover and continue contributing to local economies and employment opportunities.
The third presenter, Galiwin'ku Women's Space Aboriginal Corporation, is the only dedicated women's service on Elcho Island. Through crisis accommodation, culturally grounded case management, art therapy and education programs, it supports women and families experiencing domestic and family violence. Central to its work is the Two Worlds model, which brings together Yolŋu and Balanda law to create culturally safe pathways to healing, empowerment and long-term change.
Mr Benazra said one of the most powerful aspects of the model is its ability to turn small individual contributions into meaningful outcomes.
"People often underestimate what $100 can achieve," he said. On its own, it may not seem like a life-changing amount. But when 100 people come together with a shared purpose, that contribution becomes a catalyst for real change.
"It can fund a new program, strengthen an existing service or provide critical support at exactly the right moment."
More information about this week's event is available online.
