About us

Telstra Foundation is Telstra’s philanthropic arm and youth and tech unit. We’re a registered Australian charity and for over two decades, we’ve supported children and young people to thrive online.

Our mission and goals

Our mission is to help 1 million children and young people to be more included, empowered, and connected by 2030 via three goals:

Goal #1 – Included
We want all children & young people to have digital aspirations and the opportunity to be included in digital careers.

Goal #2 – Empowered
We want all children & young people to be empowered to have healthy lives online.

Goal #3 – Connected
We want all children & young people to be connected to essential digital services.

We work collaboratively with young people, researchers, non-profits, educators, parents, and carers to improve the digital future of children and young people across Australia.

Our why

Young Australians are the first generation to “grow up digital,” and their online interactions and digital relationships play an increasingly important role in shaping their sense of belonging, self-esteem and identity – whether at school, at home, at work or on the go.

While technology offers countless benefits to young people, from access to education to the freedom to express themselves, it can also pose challenges and we know some young people are being left behind.

We partner with expert non-profits and social enterprises that share our goals and want to drive impact; we convene forums to share research and insights and most importantly, we include young people and amplify their voices and help shape the work we do. We also encourage diversity, inclusion and equality by prioritising under-served groups of young people to ensure everyone thrives.

Meet the team

Telstra Foundation brings together a diverse group of individuals, who are experienced in delivering digital outcomes for children and young people.

Board of directors

Established in 2002, Telstra Foundation Ltd is the philanthropic arm of Telstra, and is a registered Australian charity governed by an independent Board. Telstra Foundation Ltd is an independent legal entity, separate from Telstra Corporation Ltd.

The majority of our directors – including the Chair – are independent of Telstra. The Board has established criteria and procedures for allocating grants which it may review and vary from time to time, including any criteria or procedures referred to on this site.