The Foundation

The Great Barrier Reef Foundation exists to ensure a Great Barrier Reef for future generations. We seek out the solutions and innovations that will also benefit coral reefs globally as they tackle the same threats and challenges facing the world's largest coral reef.

We are the lead charity dedicated to protecting the Great Barrier Reef through funding solutions grounded in science, technology, engineering and on-ground action to ensure its long-term conservation.

The Foundation was established in 1999 following the first mass coral bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef in 1998, and in alignment with the United Nations World Heritage Convention encouraging countries with world heritage sites to establish a national foundation with the purpose of inviting donations for their protection.

We lead the collaboration of business, science, government and philanthropy – groups who would not otherwise come together – for the benefit of the Reef. Our success is due to the quality of institutions and people we bring together – harnessing advances in science, technology and industry to ensure a future for this global treasure.

We are a champion of new ideas.

We look for gaps in knowledge and tools.

We seek to be a catalyst for solving the most complex and challenging problems.

Working closely with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, we fund priority projects that help protect and restore the Great Barrier Reef and build its resilience in the face of major threats.

With the landmark Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan as the roadmap, we’re working to help deliver practical solutions and actions for the Reef more quickly, more efficiently and more effectively, using science and innovation as our lens.

The funds we raise are directed to projects with large scale impact – that go to the heart of saving coral reefs and the animals that depend on them.

A thought leader and a connector, the Foundation is a catalyst for solving the most complex and challenging problems facing the world's coral reefs.

Photo: Gary Cranitch

Our Values

Impactful.

The work we do makes a difference. The funds we raise contribute directly to protecting and restoring the Great Barrier Reef, and coral reefs globally, for future generations.

Passionate.

The Great Barrier Reef is beautiful, diverse and irreplaceable: everything we do is driven by our desire to ensure it stays that way for future generations to enjoy. We are committed to protecting the Reef and we work every day with passion and enthusiasm to achieve the best possible outcomes for the Reef, for our partners, donors and collaborators, and for our team of dedicated professionals.

Act with Integrity.

We are open and accountable, maintaining high standards of integrity and best practice in all that we do. We transparently report the use of all donor funds in accordance with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission Act and the Register of Environmental Organisations (enabled under the Income Tax Assessment Act). We are independent, apolitical and non-advocacy, ensuring the projects we invest in are ethical, objective, innovative, efficient and able to be shared for the benefit of all.

Collaborative.

We believe it’s in the heart and soul of everyone to want to protect the Reef and that everyone can make a meaningful contribution. Our job is too important to do alone so we work collaboratively with people and organisations from all sectors including science, business, philanthropy, government, Traditional Owners and the broader community to achieve the most effective results for the Great Barrier Reef.

Nimble.

While we are fixed on our mission of ensuring a Great Barrier Reef for future generations, we are agile and responsive in our approach to achieving it. Our small size enables us to respond quickly in the face of a frequently changing Reef landscape, from seeking innovative solutions to new threats and challenges, to taking advantage of new opportunities.