Concerns mount over the sustainability of the Grace Tame Foundation following financial losses exceeding $180,000 over two years, compounded by internal discord stemming from Grace Tame’s controversial ‘globalise the intifada’ speech.
Significant Financial Deficits
Filings with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) reveal the foundation posted a $60,640 deficit in the 2025 financial year, following a $121,690 loss the prior year. Despite these setbacks, the latest report indicates reasonable grounds to believe the organization can meet its debt obligations, with total equity at $129,563.
Major expenses included psychological support at $63,124, salaries and wages at $34,228, recruitment costs at $26,760, staff training and welfare at $11,647, website maintenance at $6,972, and survivor legal expenses at $17,000. Primary income derives from general donations.
Revenue Challenges and Speaking Engagements
The former Australian of the Year recently announced the cancellation of all remaining speaking engagements for the year, attributing it to a smear campaign. At the No to Violence conference in Hobart, Tame remarked, “This is my last presentation of the year and it’s only March.”
Records indicate Tame commanded around $20,000 per corporate speaking event as of 2023, representing a substantial revenue hit.
Internal Tensions Over Protest Speech
Tensions within the foundation escalated after Tame’s February shout of ‘globalise the intifada’ at a pro-Palestine rally protesting Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s state visit outside Sydney’s Town Hall. Sources close to the matter report fallout among board members, with one particularly upset by the speech.
Additional unease arose from a video where Tame insisted she would not be silenced. Current volunteer board directors include Tame, Michael Salter, Michael Bradley, and Scarlett Franks.
The speech drew backlash, including calls from politicians and Jewish leaders to revoke her Australian of the Year honor, alongside a petition exceeding 25,000 signatures urging charges for alleged incitement to violence.
Tame’s Defense and Broader Impact
Tame has denied supporting violence, stating in a recent opinion piece, “I do not support violence. I do not condone antisemitism, Islamophobia or hatred of any kind. I am a human rights activist who advocates for the safety of all children, no matter their background.”
She added, “I’ve lost several close friends for speaking the truth. I’ve been publicly vilified over and over and over again. In under a month, my livelihood has been completely destroyed.” Tame also described a concerted smear campaign by conservative politicians and media.
Foundation’s Mission and Leadership
Launched in 2022, the Grace Tame Foundation focuses on raising awareness and preventing child sexual abuse through advocacy, education, and legal reforms. Tame stepped down as CEO in 2024, and the position remains vacant.
