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Annual Giving
$7.0M
Giving Ratio
0.91%

About

Opportunity International Australia Limited is an Australian philanthropic foundation dedicated to empowering families living in poverty in developing countries, primarily across Asia, to build sustainable livelihoods. They achieve this by providing innovative financial solutions, training, and support through local microfinance partners, focusing on a 'hand up, not a hand-out' approach.

Tips for Applicants

Opportunity International Australia primarily partners with local microfinance institutions and other program partners in developing countries rather than offering open grant programs to individuals or small NFPs in Australia. Potential partners should align with their mission of poverty alleviation through microfinance, health, education, and women's safety, focusing on empowering women and families. Interested parties should explore partnership opportunities directly via their website or contact them.

Giving Philosophy

Opportunity International Australia's giving philosophy is rooted in the belief of empowering individuals, especially women, to work their way out of poverty with dignity and purpose, rather than providing direct handouts. They achieve this through sustainable microfinance, business training, and community development initiatives, driven by a motivation to serve the poor.

Notable Grants

Approximately $1,476,000 from the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) in 2024 to support Microfinance in Indonesia, Women's Safety programs in India, and Health programs in India, Indonesia and Bangladesh.

ACNC Financial History

YearGrants GivenRevenueTotal AssetsNet Assets
FY2023
$2.8M
Unknown AU + $2.8M intl
$8.3M$65.8M$64.3M
FY2022
$2.7M
Unknown AU + $2.7M intl
$8.7M$61.7M$60.5M
FY2021
$5.0M
Unknown AU + $5.0M intl
$10.1M$54.9M$53.6M
FY2020
$3.2M
Unknown AU + $3.2M intl
$7.6M$61.4M$59.8M
FY2019
$2.4M
Unknown AU + $2.4M intl
$8.1M$60.7M$58.6M
FY2018
$2.7M
Unknown AU + $2.7M intl
$9.7M$57.1M$56.3M
FY2017
$2.3M
Unknown AU + $2.3M intl
$9.5M$56.3M$55.3M
7yr total$21.1MSource: ACNC Annual Information Statements

Focus Areas

communityeducationhealthhuman rights
Geographic
International
Recipients
nfpindividualcommunity orgfinancially disadvantagedwomenchildrenyouthrural remoteoverseas communities_or_charities

Financial Details

Source of Wealth
Opportunity International was founded in the 1970s by Australian entrepreneur David Bussau and American Al Whittaker, who pioneered the concept of microfinance by providing small loans to individuals with business ideas but lacking access to formal financial institutions. The foundation's ongoing funding is primarily derived from donations, bequests, government grants, and other revenue streams.
Parent Company
Opportunity International Network
Revenue Sources
donations, government_grants, goods_or_services, investments

Board & Leadership

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Jai Sharma
director
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Jai Sharma
trustee
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Linked from structured person roles rather than unstructured foundation summary text.

Data Sources

Profile quality: high
Foundation profile updated: 6 March 2026 (65 days ago)
Website scan updated: 6 March 2026 (65 days ago)
Added: 5 March 2026 (66 days ago)
View on ACNC Register →