Innovative Indo-Pacific NGO Accelerator to boost development projects

The Australian Government has launched a landmark new initiative supporting non-government organisations (NGOs) working on transformative development projects across our region.

The Indo-Pacific NGO Blended Finance Accelerator will help NGOs pioneer new approaches to financing sustainable development in our region.

The $10 million Accelerator will increase the scale and impact of initiatives that promote gender equality and climate resilience, with a particular focus on the Pacific.

In recent years, NGOs have led the way in establishing development impact bonds, advancing climate and carbon credit projects, strengthening microfinance, and raising funds for impact investments. But they often face unique barriers preventing them from scaling these innovative solutions.

This initiative provides vital support to strengthen the role of NGOs in blended finance transactions, enabling them to design, pilot and scale innovative projects—as impact managers, technical assistance providers and, where suitable, fund managers.

By providing direct financial support, the Accelerator will help NGOs overcome the structural barriers they face and expand their impact.

For more information on Australia’s blended finance efforts, visit: Blended Finance | Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

“The Australian Government partners with NGOs to improve the lives and livelihoods of our neighbours, of those in our region and beyond.

“These partnerships with NGOs exemplify Australian generosity but they are also integral to Australia’s national interest.

“By investing in the ability of organisations to scale and sustain blended finance projects, we are helping to drive long-term change in areas like gender equality and climate resilience across the Indo-Pacific – and shape a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy:

“The Indo-Pacific NGO Blended Finance Accelerator will equip NGOs with the tools they need to lead and innovate—bringing ingenuity and commitment to some of our region’s biggest development challenges.

“This commitment represents an evolution in the working relationship the Albanese Government has with our international development NGO partners and I look forward to seeing real and lasting impact delivered through this exciting new initiative.”