At Habitat for Humanity Australia, we build homes, communities and hope. Through our longstanding partnership with the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP), we have been able to extend our work across Vietnam, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Nepal and Fiji, ensuring that those we serve are empowered to create lasting change. Together with ANCP, we have fostered self-sustaining improvements that go beyond constructing essential homes and infrastructure, supporting initiatives in areas like safe shelter, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), menstrual hygiene, gender and disability inclusion, climate resilience, financial independence, and land tenure security. This collaborative effort advanced our shared vision: a world where everyone has a safe, secure place to call home.
The Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), the peak body for international development and humanitarian organisations, alongside 59 of its member organisations, celebrated 50 years of the ANCP.
The milestone event, held in Mural Hall at Parliament House on Tuesday 5 November, was attended by the Governor-General and former ACFID President, Her Excellency the Hon. Sam Mostyn AC, the Foreign Minister, Senator the Hon. Penny Wong and Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon. Pat Conroy MP as well as senior representatives from across parliament. The event acknowledges the long-standing achievements of the Australian NGO sector in delivering development outcomes across the globe.
Launched in 1974 with a small cohort of NGOs, the ANCP stands as the Australian Government’s longest running and largest partnership program with the NGO sector. From its modest beginnings, the ANCP today partners with 59 NGOs to support the delivery of more than 400 projects in 50 countries, benefiting more than 4.8 million people worldwide.
The program is a unique partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade whereby NGOs who have undertaken a rigorous accreditation process contribute funds raised from the Australian community. Every donation made towards our programs will be combined with funding from the Australian Government to reach more people. At Habitat for Humanity Australia we have committed to contribute at least $1 for every $5 we receive from the Australian government. Your donation will therefore allow us to extend our programs. The Donations we received are programmed to support vulnerable communities around the world in line with Australia’s international development policy priorities. “The resulting flexibility of the ANCP allows Habitat for Humanity Australia to work directly with local communities overseas and involve key stakeholders to ensure projects address the priorities of the people who most need support.” said Chris Govers, Head of HFHA International Programs.
Incoming ACFID Interim CEO, Matthew Maury said, “The ANCP is a flagship program for Australian aid, matching the policy interests of Government to the expertise of NGOs. The program expands the global presence of Australia’s aid program and reflects the support of a generous Australian public.”
“A strong ANCP and the recent announcement of $35 million in funding for the Civil Society Partnerships Fund leaves the NGO community excited and hopeful that this Government will continue to build strong partnerships with civil society both in Australia and around our region. NGOs are ready to deliver against Australia’s development program priorities in new initiatives as proven and effective partners.”
Oxfam Chief Executive and ACFID Vice-President Lyn Morgain said, “The ANCP is a magnificent example of the sustained, tangible impact that is possible when both Government and Civil Society partner for the long term.
By incentivising NGOs to raise Australian public support, the Government is also supporting and amplifying people-to-people links across the globe. This support has sustained NGOs partnering with communities for decades, creating programs built on relationships and trust that deliver outcomes for millions of people year after year.”
ActionAid Chief Executive and ACFID Vice-President Michelle Higelin said, “The Australian Government and DFAT should be congratulated on this truly significant achievement. We’re delighted to be able to celebrate 50 years in a partnership that’s as strong as it has ever been.
The ANCP is a program that punches well above its weight, with independent evaluations consistently finding an impact and reach far beyond its annual funding. This performance has enabled 50 years of success, and we look forward to celebrating more such milestones in decades to come.”
