The Bunya Fund recipients

The Bunya Fund is Australia’s first co-operative and mutual enterprise sector fund that supports the next generation of co-operative and mutual social enterprises.

The Bunya Fund helps grow Australia’s co-operative and mutual sector by bridging the funding gap for early-stage enterprises to develop their businesses. It provides funding for education, training, advisory and mentoring to support emerging co-operatives and mutuals with high economic, social, cultural and environmental impact.

BCCM CEO Melina Morrison stated, “The Bunya Fund is helping to empower the next generation of co-operatives and mutuals by lending vital monetary support and also contributing valuable advice from some of our more experienced member organisations. This fund is ensuring that emerging co-ops and mutuals can grow and prosper, and in the process, deliver positive impact to their communities. What is most pleasing is to see some of our larger co-operatives giving back and sharing what they have learned in the interests of creating a better future for all Australians.”

The first funding round recipients, Bunyans, were announced in November 2022, the second in April 2023 and the third round of recipients on 1 July 2024.