Nicola Forrest gives $500 million to help Indigenous children and women founders

Australian billionaire Nicola Forrest has donated more than $500 million to her Coaxial Foundation in 2026, with the funding supporting initiatives for Indigenous children and female entrepreneurs.

The donation, comprising $125 million in cash and 25 million Fortescue shares, has enabled the foundation to announce its first three major long-term partnerships.

These include up to $30 million for venture firm Antler to support up to 250 Australian female founders, $30 million over six years for Cape York Partnership to fund early learning initiatives for Aboriginal children, and $7.1 million over three years for SNAICC to improve early childhood learning outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.Nicola Forrest’s foundation announces its first three major partnershipsCoaxial Foundation announced its first three major long-term partnerships as part of its commitment to expanding opportunities for women and children.