About us

At First Nations Foundation, our mission is to strengthen financial literacy and long-term prosperity for First Nations peoples.

Our programs are embedded in First Nations values and Community knowledge. These foundations shape how we design, deliver and evaluate financial education to ensure it is relevant, practical and effective.

Our evidence-based research and data help inform national conversations on financial wellbeing. Through strong partnerships with government, corporate and community organisations, we work to advance access to financial capability and opportunity for First Nations Communities.

Help us improve economic outcomes for First Nations communities and individuals across Australia.

A brief history

1999

Credit Union starts up in Shepparton

First Nations Credit Union starts up in Shepparton, Victoria and quickly grows nationally. Offering banking services to First Nations people along with the famous Cathy Freeman card, it proves a hit amongst First Australians.

2006

First Nations Foundation is created

First Nations Foundation is created and funded by Credit Union Australia, with the main goal of teaching financial skills to Indigenous people.

2009

My Moola launches

Our first financial literacy training package, My Moola launches. Developed by First Nations people, it began strengthening financial capability across communities.

2014

The first Big Super Day Out

The first national superannuation event for First Nations communities, Big Super Day Out, is held in Sydney. The program continues to expand across Australia, earning recognition from Financial Literacy Australia.

2017

Pivot towards digital education

First Nations Foundation expands its delivery model, establishing a digital education platform to strengthen financial capability for First Nations communities at scale.

2018

Digital training begins and research is conducted

'My Money Dream' digital training launches, alongside the Foundation's first national financial field research focused on First Nations financial experiences, delivered in partnership with the Centre for Social Impact and NAB. Big Super Day Out is delivered across four states and 13 communities with $14.5 million in First Nations superannuation located.

2019

Our first report is released

Our 'Money Stories' research report in partnership with the Centre for Social Impact and NAB released. The findings highlight significant disparities in financial security between First Nations people and non-Indigenous Australians. In the same year, more than 1,600 First Nations people were reunited with $24 million in superannuation across 21 Big Super Day Out events nationwide.