First Nations Leadership Fund

We invite you to collaborate with us in supporting the future of Indigenous faith communities in Australia and the emergence of new, innovative First Nations leaders who will serve in all sectors of society. This new fund is a strategic initiative that invests in the next generation of passionate faith-based women and men who will shape Indigenous churches, organisations and communities for generations to come.

Baptist Mission Australia has been working alongside Indigenous leaders and communities for more than 80 years. Building on a strong legacy of Indigenous leadership and contextualised mission support we are committed to continuing to listen and learn, and to supporting First Nations leaders and Indigenous-led churches and partners across urban, regional and remote contexts.

Why now?

Our First Nations Engagement Specialist Elliot Keane writes: “There is a growing number of next generation Indigenous emerging leaders open to exploring faith, culture, community and leadership development. These leaders are humble, passionate and willing to learn. With our support these Indigenous leaders are ready to learn and grow and make a positive difference in communities across Australia.

Many of the current generation of faith-filled and resilient elders are seeking support for these emerging leaders to be scaffolded and sponsored into leadership development opportunities and roles. With your investment we can see a new generation of leaders equipped to serve.”

With your partnership we will

• Support the sponsorship of Indigenous-led leadership gatherings and networks
• Fund new scholarships and other relevant training supports for existing and emerging leaders
• Enable the creation of new, in-situ leadership development & on-the-job mentoring opportunities

Together we can champion

• The equipping and encouragement of a new generation of Indigenous leaders
• The expansion of much-needed Indigenous led training
• Renewal and flourishing opportunities in local First Nations communities
• Accessible, affordable and contextual Indigenous leadership development

Different ways to invest

No amount is too small or large when it comes to investing in this strategic fund. All donations will be pooled together for the three focus areas above and distributed after consultation with Indigenous elders. For individuals and churches coming together to provide support, or for those with capacity to give larger amounts, here are some giving opportunities.

• $500 contributes to culturally responsible mentoring for an emerging Indigenous leader
• $1,000 supports an emerging Indigenous leader attend a national indigenous emerging leaders gathering
• $1,500 supports an emerging Indigenous leader through a year of a leadership development pathway
• $5,000 contributes to training for an emerging Indigenous leaders through a partner organisation
• $10,000 supports a part-time role for an emerging Indigenous leader in a trusted partner organisation
• $15,000 pays the costs for an immersion experience for up to 15 Australian Baptists and 5 Indigenous leaders
• $50,000 will provide vital investment funding to support the long-term sustainability of our vision

Rev Tim Costello writes: “First Nations leaders and friends often highlight to me the urgent need for intentional leadership development for existing and emerging Indigenous leaders. Now is the time to respond practically and creatively to this need. Your support of this new fund will champion the much-needed voices and gifts of Indigenous leaders across Australia.

I am very pleased to support the First Nations Leadership Development Fund, and I encourage you to get behind this exciting new initiative so that a new generation of First Nations leaders can access training and new serving opportunities.”