Press Release
Sydney, Australia, 21 May 2026
Macquarie Group and MIT Solve today announced the winners of the Macquarie Community Resilience Prize, awarding a total of $US1 million ($A1.38 million1) to six innovative programs that are building community resilience while creating employment and skill-building opportunities across communities globally.
Created by Macquarie Group and delivered in collaboration with MIT Solve, an initiative of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Prize supports activities that strengthen community resilience while equipping people with the skills needed to adapt to a changing climate. Since its launch in November 2025, the Prize, targeting activities in Australia, the Pacific Islands, and Brazil, received nearly 200 applications from organisations globally.
The 2026 winners are:
Further information on each of the winning organisation is included below.
“Macquarie has a long history of working alongside communities and partners to drive innovation and sustainable growth,” said Erin Shakespeare, Head of Philanthropy and Engagement, Macquarie Group Foundation. “The Macquarie Community Resilience Prize supports practical, scalable solutions that address climate challenges while creating jobs and building skills. These winners demonstrate the power of combining innovation with community-led action to deliver lasting impact.”
The six winning organisations span Australia, the Pacific Islands and Brazil, and showcase innovative, community-led solutions to address a range of challenges – from expanding access to clean energy, to advancing sustainable agriculture and strengthening disaster preparedness – while building local skills, creating jobs and empowering communities to drive long-term impact.
"MIT Solve's mission is to identify the world's most promising entrepreneurs tackling critical challenges and help them scale," said Hala Hanna, Executive Director of MIT Solve. "This Prize highlights the role of partnership in unlocking climate resilience solutions globally - supporting innovators who are strengthening communities and expanding economic opportunity in the face of climate change."
Applications were judged on technology-enabled workforce training and employment, innovation, and potential impact. In addition to funding, winners will participate in a dedicated support program, including access to workshops, coaching, in-kind resources, and mentorship from Macquarie employees.
Action Aid Australia
Women-led Off-Grid solar in Vanuatu
Selected for its integrated approach to climate resilience and empowering women in Vanuatu to lead clean energy adoption while building sustainable livelihoods and strengthening community infrastructure.
Citizens of the Reef
Reef Census Skills Training in Australia
Recognised for its innovative use of artificial intelligence and community-led monitoring to protect the Great Barrier Reef, while training young First Nations people in environmental stewardship and building future-focused skills.
Engineers Without Borders Australia and co-partner Raw Material
Cirrcular Solar Resilience Hub in Timor-Leste
Chosen for its scalable, circular economy approach that repurposes solar infrastructure to strengthen community resilience, while creating technical training and employment pathways in Timor-Leste.
Instituto Decodifica
Retratos das Enchentes in Brazil
Selected for its use of citizen-generated data to improve disaster preparedness and response in vulnerable communities, demonstrating a powerful model for inclusive, community-driven climate adaptation.
Raks Agricultural Technology
Raks Irrigation Intelligence operating in Brazil
Recognised for its precision irrigation technology that supports climate-adapted agriculture, helping farmers improve water efficiency while building skills and resilience within rural communities.
University of New South Wales
Fixim Sola off-grid solar operating in Vanuatu
Chosen for its practical, community-led model that trains local technicians to repair and maintain solar systems, improving energy reliability while creating long-term employment and skills pathways.
Read more on our website.
Macquarie Group Limited (Macquarie) is a global financial services group providing clients with asset management, retail and business banking, wealth management, leasing and asset financing, market access, commodity trading, renewables development, specialist advice and access to capital and principal investment. Founded in 1969, Macquarie employs over 19,000 people in 30 markets. At 31 March 2026, Macquarie had assets under management of $A722.1 billion. For further information, visit macquarie.com.
The Macquarie Group Foundation drives social impact for Macquarie Group, with engagement with its people at the heart of its work. Through its two signature programs, Macquarie Gives and Future Ready, the Foundation brings people together to help build a better future.
In the year to 31 March 2026, the Macquarie Group Foundation, together with Macquarie Group staff, contributed more than $A62 million2 to over 4,800 organisations3 around the world and contributed over $A5.8 million4 in value donated through skilled volunteering. Since it was established in 1985, the Foundation and Macquarie staff have contributed more than $A760 million5 globally.
For further information, visit macquarie.com/community
1. Prize funding of $US1 million converted to Australian dollars as at 12 May 2026.
2. Contribution figures for the 12 months to 31 March 2026 include:
(i) Macquarie employee donations and fundraising, together with related Foundation matching;
(ii) Foundation donations recognising employee volunteering, milestone service anniversaries, and 12 months of board service by Macquarie employees; and
(iii) Macquarie and Foundation grants and social impact investments to community organisations.
3. For the 12 months to 31 March 2026.
4. For the 12 months to 31 March 2026. The value of skilled volunteering is calculated by applying Taproot Foundation’s average hourly value of pro bono service ($US220 per hour, converted to$A329.94 using the average exchange rate for the period) to 15,775 hours of Macquarie employee skilled volunteering.
5. Contribution figures from inception in 1985 to 31 March 2026 include:
(i) Macquarie employee donations and fundraising, together with related Foundation matching;
(ii) Foundation donations recognising employee volunteering, milestone service anniversaries, and 12 months of board service by Macquarie employees; and
(iii) Macquarie and Foundation grants and social impact investments to community organisations.
