Mannifera
A collective of Australian funders supporting a fairer democracy and economy.
Our Origin Story
Mannifera was born out of a shared commitment to address structural injustice through strategic philanthropy. In 2019, a pivotal gathering of like-minded funders took place in Kangaroo Valley, driven by the leadership of John Spierings, then CEO of the Reichstein Foundation, alongside board members Jill Reichstein OAM, Karen Mahlab AM, and Malinda Wink.
From this gathering emerged a new vision for collective action. The name Mannifera—inspired by Eucalyptus mannifera, a native tree—was chosen to reflect strength, resilience, and rootedness. Shortly after, funders from across the country joined the initiative, sealing their commitment during a formative meeting overlooking Bells Beach on Victoria’s iconic Surf Coast.
What We've Achieved (2025)
Since its launch, Mannifera has grown into a strong and active philanthropic community. Together, we’ve achieved:
$4.2+ million in grants delivered
53 civil society organisations supported
28 member funders from across Australia
75+ learning and connection events hosted
These grants and convenings have supported organisations at the forefront of strengthening democracy, civic participation, economic fairness, and racial and climate justice in Australia.
An Ongoing Commitment
Mannifera continues to grow and evolve, guided by a belief in the power of collective action to address complex challenges. Karen Mahlab remains an active member of the collective, contributing to its strategic direction and commitment to systemic change.
Together, Mannifera’s members are reshaping the way philanthropy can work—grounded in trust, shared learning, and bold action.