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Future Generation, the philanthropic juggernaut that has donated $87.2 million to charity, is on the hunt for new non-profit partners to fund, amidst shocking levels of child maltreatment and abuse in Australia.

SYDNEY, Nov. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Future Generation Australia (ASX: FGX), one of two listed investment companies in the Future Generation stable, will this week call for expressions of interest from non-profits which are supporting children facing adversity to thrive. It marks the first time that Future Generation Australia has opened its books to new non-profit partners since the company was founded by veteran fund manager Geoff Wilson in 2014.

Dr Philip Lowe, Chair of Future Generation Australia and former Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, says: “Severe childhood trauma has lifelong and profound impacts. Australians who experience childhood maltreatment and abuse are far more likely to face physical and mental health problems; social, behavioural and educational issues; and to have high health service utilisation. Not only is this devastating for the individuals involved, but it is costing the Australian economy tens of billions of dollars each year.

“Childhood is the foundation for life and really affects a person’s future trajectory. At Future Generation, we believe that every Australian child deserves the opportunity that a safe and positive childhood offers – and I know our shareholders do too.”

Backed by more than 7,000 everyday shareholders, Future Generation Australia has so far donated more than $43 million to Australian non-profits including Raise Foundation, the Australian Children’s Music Foundation and Giant Steps, while simultaneously providing investors with average annual investment portfolio performance of 9.6 per cent – a 1 per cent higher average annual return than the ASX All Ordinaries Accumulation Index since inception.

Geoff Wilson AO, Founder and Director of Future Generation Australia, says: “Having worked in financial markets since 1980, it’s exciting that we have been involved in creating a structure where investors can do well financially, while doing good in the community. I’m extremely proud of what Future Generation Australia and its impact partners have achieved. In our second decade, we must ensure that our giving continues to create a significant impact, particularly with the current circumstances facing young Australians.”

In 2023, the landmark Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS) – which surveyed 8,500 Australians 16 and older – evidenced the high prevalence of childhood maltreatment in Australia.

The study, the first of its kind, found that more than a quarter of young people aged 16-24 years had experienced between three and five types of abuse in their childhood. This adds to data from the Australian Institute of Family Studies that estimated 72 per cent of Australian children have been exposed to at least one adverse childhood experience and more than 50 per cent had been exposed to two or more by the age of 11.

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