Underground Music Collective is a not-for-profit music initiative (receiving support through fiscal sponsorship) that helps emerging music artists reach greater audiences, ultimately enriching the industry.  “We subscribe to the mantra: The rising tide raises all boats" says CEO, Gerard Longo. What makes UMC innovative is their community and care-centred approach, providing educational resources to support artist development and help manage the business aspect of the music industry. “There are musicians and creatives with world-class talent who haven’t had the opportunity to be widely heard and acknowledged, and some - struggling with the business of the industry.” https://undergroundmusiccollective.com

Unfortunately it probably comes as no surprise that even in 2023 women are underrepresented as coaches in most sports. Aish Ravi, an accomplished coach, founded the Women’s Coaching Association (WCA) to support women coaches: "We aim to inspire and improve the knowledge, skills and performance of women in coaching."What’s innovative about WCA is their two-pronged approach. While they empower women coaches, they also drive organisational change through education. "WCA’s work is vital in supporting sport organisations with evidence & solutions to improve the landscape to make sure women who participate in sport have a future outside of playing.” https://www.womenscoaches.com

The Kindness Collective Foundation in New Zealand provides children and families with the things they need - from everyday essentials to moments of joy. What stands out to me is how this charity adapts to their community, often implementing innovative programs. “We believe in being community-led, which means going where the need is and responding to what communities really need, want and ask for” says Founder, Sarah Page. One month they’re building a community garden, the next providing warm winter pyjamas, opening the Christmas Joy Store, all while maintaining their everyday essentials program that supports thousands of children. https://www.kindness.co.nz

Abbie Williams started Letters of Hope after struggling with her own mental health: “I noticed the positive impact opening a kind letter can have after a tough day and wanted to give others that feeling.” Letters of Hope aims to spread kindness, raise awareness, and break the stigma around mental health through handwritten letters to those who are going through a tough time. The letters share helpful coping strategies, words of empowerment and connects those who are struggling with the support that could turn things around. “Social connection and compassion are important predictors of positive mental health and wellbeing.” www.lettersofhope.care  

Lighthouse Foundation provides support to young people who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness. In their foster care program, Lighthouse Therapeutic Carers provide tangible support to foster carers – offering regular respite, sleepovers, access to clinical support, and advice to the entire foster family through the organisation’s 'hub home'. "Our care model also focuses on caring for carers," says Lighthouse Foundation CEO, Dr Eamonn McCarthy. "A team of clinicians are trained to help carers make sense of what they’re experiencing so they can support young people in a sensitive and purposeful way." https://www.lighthousefoundation.org.au/

The lack of opportunity to establish financial independence – whether that’s through accessible employment or study – can make it extremely difficult (and dangerous) to leave abuse environments. Mettle is a social enterprise that employs women who have experienced homelessness because of domestic and family violence, helping equip them with the skills required to secure and maintain employment and in turn, safe and stable housing. "With a stable income, nurturing training, and support in accessing safe housing, we're able to prevent women from returning to homelessness or their abuser" says Bronwyn Bate, Co-Founder of Mettle.https://www.mettlegifts.com/