RizeUp Australia

What RizeUp Australia does

RizeUp Australia is a national not-for-profit charity, founded in 2015 by Nicolle Edwards and headquartered on the Gold Coast, Queensland, with operations spanning all Australian states and territories and extending into New Zealand. The organisation's core function is the provision of material, practical recovery support to families fleeing domestic and family violence — primarily the furnishing of complete homes (beds, furniture, kitchenware, electronics, household goods) completed within 3-5 hours at an average cost of approximately $6,500 per home and at a current throughput of up to 12 homes per week. Since launching, RizeUp reports supporting more than 1,030 families and crossing a 2,000-home milestone in November 2022, supported by a workforce of approximately 20 paid staff and 1,600+ volunteers across Australasia.

The organisation operates on a referral-based service delivery model rather than direct client engagement: families access RizeUp via partner specialist domestic violence agencies such as DVConnect, Brisbane Domestic Violence Service, Safe Steps, McAuley Community Services for Women, and DVSM. Beyond the flagship Homes Program, RizeUp runs a Health & Wellbeing Program (counselling and health access), a Rapid Response Program (emergency food, blankets, funds), and the YESS Youth Education Support program, complemented by seasonal Easter and Christmas appeals that have distributed over 20,000 gifts. There is no proprietary technology stack; delivery is operational and human-mediated, with online donation intake flowing through MyCause and website infrastructure on Squarespace CDN.

The revenue model is fully donation-funded with no government grants disclosed. Income streams comprise individual and corporate monetary donations, goods-in-kind contributions (furniture and household items from retailers including Bunnings, Kmart, and Myer), corporate sponsorships, bequests, and flagship annual Gala Ball events which raised $156,000 in 2023, $250,000 in 2024, and $452,000 in 2025 (including a $200,000 donation from Amcal). Major corporate partners include Wesfarmers, Fernwood Fitness, Gold Coast Suns AFL, Network Ten, Mamamia, The Star Gold Coast, National Storage, Carpet Court, Myer, and Storage King, alongside professional services supporters such as Grant Thornton, BDO, and Colin Biggers & Paisley. All services are provided free to families, with donations over $2 AUD tax-deductible.

Name

RizeUp Australia

Legal name

RizeUp Limited

Website

https://rizeup.com.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

RizeUp Australia is a national not-for-profit charity founded in 2015 that furnishes complete homes for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence, delivering practical recovery support through 100+ specialist DV agency partnerships, 1,600+ volunteers, and donation-funded programs across Australia and New Zealand.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Gold Coast

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations (Money): Individual and corporate donations received through website, events, and direct giving. On average it costs $6,500 to set up a home for a family.
2. Goods Donations: Furniture, household goods, and electrical items donated by individuals and businesses to furnish homes.
3. Corporate Sponsorship: Financial and in-kind support from corporate partners including event sponsors, home furnishing sponsors, and ongoing program supporters.
4. Gala Ball Events: Annual fundraising gala balls with ticket sales, auctions, and raffles. The 2025 Gala Ball raised $452,000 including a $200,000 donation from Amcal.
5. Bequests and Legacies: Gifts left in wills by supporters to provide long-term sustainable funding for families escaping domestic violence.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

RizeUp Australia is a national not-for-profit charity that furnishes complete homes for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence, working in partnership with specialist DV agencies across Australia. The organisation operates the Homes Program, Rapid Response Program, Health & Wellbeing Program, and YESS Youth Education Support Services, supported by a volunteer network of more than 1,600 people across Australasia. Services are provided free of charge to families, with an average cost of approximately $6,500 per home furnished within 3-5 hours.

Product overview

RizeUp Australia is a national domestic and family violence charity offering a suite of practical support programs rather than a traditional technology product. The core offerings include the Homes Program (furnishing complete homes for families fleeing violence), Health & Wellbeing Program (counselling and health support), Rapid Response (emergency assistance), and YESS Youth Program (school resources for children). Additional services include corporate partnership programs and a donation platform for monetary and goods contributions. The organization works in partnership with specialist domestic violence agencies across Australia, furnishing up to 12 complete homes per week, at an average cost of $6,500 per home setup completed within 3-5 hours.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Homes Program The cornerstone program of RizeUp, providing fully furnished homes (beds, furniture, kitchenware, electronics, household goods) for families fleeing domestic violence, creating sanctuaries of comfort, support, and security tailored to individual family needs. Home setups are completed within 3-5 hours at an average cost of $6,500 per family.
• Health & Wellbeing Program

Quantifiable outcome

• Supported over 1,030 families to establish new homes since 2015
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

37 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, major, core and minor.

• MamamiaflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor national partnership with Mamamia for year-round domestic violence awareness content, event promotion, and fundraising campaigns. Includes vox pops, articles, and co-branded fundraising events. Mamamia has been an unwavering supporter helping raise awareness along with Bordertown Films.
• Amcal PharmacymajorGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor sponsor of Gala Ball 2026 and made a transformational $200,000 donation at the 2025 Gala Ball. National pharmacy chain supporting RizeUp's mission through event sponsorship and donations.
• BunningsmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum sponsor of Gala Balls 2023, 2024, and 2026. Major donor of hardware and home improvement goods for furnishing homes.
• KmartmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum sponsor of Gala Balls 2023, 2024, and 2026. Major donor of household goods and furnishings for home setups.
• Fernwood FitnessflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor national partnership announced July 2023. Fernwood pledged to donate a portion of onboarding fees from new members joining in July to RizeUp. Partnership includes team volunteer experiences furnishing homes and ongoing cause marketing.
• The Star Gold CoastmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerVenue sponsor for 2026 Gala Ball at The Star Gold Coast. Platinum sponsor providing venue and accommodation for flagship fundraising event.
• WesfarmersmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerDiamond sponsor of 2026 Gala Ball. Major corporate partner providing financial support for events and programs.
• Gold Coast Suns (AFL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor Charity Partner of Gold Coast Suns. The Suns dedicated AFL match against Fremantle to domestic violence survivors ('Round to RizeUp'). Players donate money and volunteer time including Easter Appeal support and home setup activities.
• ArenacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner whose team participated in home set-up experiences. Managing Director Rob de Vos reported it was one of the best bonding sessions for their team. Partnership includes volunteering and fundraising.
• Colin Biggers & PaisleycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor national partner supporting across Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne offices through pro bono work, volunteering, and charitable contributions. Volunteering on Homes Program highlighted as highlight for their people.
• Network TenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDiamond sponsor of 2023 Inaugural Gala Ball. Media partner providing exposure and promotional support.
• Silverstone DevelopmentsmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum sponsor of 2023 Gala Ball and Diamond sponsor of 2024 Gala Ball. Property developer supporting RizeUp events and programs.
• Treasury Wine EstatesmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerBeverage sponsor for Gala Balls providing wine and sparkling wine for events across multiple years.
• National StoragecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner providing storage solutions and sponsoring raffle prizes including signed Brisbane Heat WBBL jerseys.
• Carpet CourtcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNational retail partner with stores across Australia. Drop-off point for Easter Drive donations and sponsor of Gala Ball raffle prizes.
• GKR KarateminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner with communication from Projects Support Officer Anita Anderson praising RizeUp's positive, welcoming, and professional approach.
• Storage KingcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerStorage partner providing facilities in Helensvale for donated goods. Drop-off point for Easter Drive collections.
• Two Good CominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner supporting RizeUp's mission. Organization focused on providing employment for survivors of trauma.
• MyercoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner listed among major supporters. Department store providing goods donations and event support.
• Queensland RailminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner supporting RizeUp through community partnerships and employee engagement.
• QLD Rugby LeagueminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRugby league organization partnering with RizeUp for community awareness and support.
• First National Real EstatecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerReal estate network supporting RizeUp through property industry connections and corporate partnerships.
• Tommy HilfigerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFashion brand providing gift vouchers and prizes for Gala Ball raffles and events.
• Calvin KleinminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFashion brand providing $1,000 vouchers as raffle prizes at 2025 Gala Ball.
• WilsonsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReal estate company excited about partnering to raise funds and volunteer. CEO Brad Gale found presentation inspiring.
• Harmony LearningminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEarly learning organization partnering with RizeUp. Sponsor of 2025 Gala Ball.
• Jones and CominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner supporting RizeUp through donations and event sponsorship.
• DVConnectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerQueensland's peak domestic violence service operating Womensline and Mensline helplines. One of three beneficiaries of 2023 Gala Ball along with BDVS and RizeUp. Provides emergency transport, accommodation, safety planning, and crisis counselling.
• Brisbane Domestic Violence Service (BDVS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of three beneficiaries of 2023 Gala Ball. Free confidential service for Brisbane region affected by domestic and family violence providing holistic planned support and crisis response.
• McAuley Community Services for WomencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMelbourne-based organization. RizeUp furnished 14 units at Heywood House crisis accommodation for 35 women and children. CEO Jocelyn Bignold OAM praised the partnership as wonderfully aligned with McAuley's mission.
• Safe StepscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVictoria's 24/7 specialist family violence response centre. RizeUp furnished Sanctuary refuge project and Virginia's Place. CEO Dr Chelsea Tobin expressed deepest appreciation for RizeUp's transformative support.
• DVSM (Domestic Violence Service Management)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSydney-based DV service covering Inner Sydney, Western Sydney, and remote rural NSW (Wilcannia). Service Lead praised RizeUp's strong understanding of upholding victim dignity and safety.
• Save the Children AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTeam Leader at Gold Coast Refuge (Save the Children) praised RizeUp for delivering iPad bundle for student's BYOD program when school couldn't help. Impacted family's ability to participate equally at school.
• yourtowncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDFV service manager praised RizeUp for raising $5,000 to purchase a boat for elderly grandfather caring for grandchildren after domestic violence. Described support as literally life saving.
• Baby Give BackcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization that supplies RizeUp with baby-related items when needed. Recommended as alternative donation destination when RizeUp cannot accept baby items due to storage constraints.
• Orbit World TravelmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerTravel agency providing luxury holiday prizes for Gala Ball raffles including Maldives trips. Major Prize Sponsor for 2026 Gala Ball.
• DreamweaverscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEvent management company (Helena Medhurst and team) that creates and manages RizeUp Gala Balls. Praised for creative vision and meticulous attention to detail delivering magical events.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Foodbank Australia: Australia's largest food relief organisation distributing food to charities and front-line agencies. Comparable as a nationally scaled, donor- and corporate-partner-driven nonprofit operating through an agency-referral model similar to RizeUp's DV-agency channel.
• Mission Australia: One of Australia's largest community-service nonprofits delivering housing, homelessness, and family support services. Comparable as a nationally operating charity supporting vulnerable families including DV survivors, with broader scope and larger infrastructure.
• Orange Sky Australia: Volunteer-driven Australian nonprofit providing free services (showers, laundry, conversation) to people experiencing homelessness. Comparable to RizeUp as a similarly structured, volunteer-powered Australian charity with a national footprint, but focused on homelessness rather than domestic violence.
• The Smith Family: Australian children's education charity supporting disadvantaged students. Comparable as a national donor-funded nonprofit with strong corporate partnerships, structured programs, and recurring fundraising events — but focused on education rather than domestic violence.
• Salvation Army Australia: Large established Australian charitable organization providing family violence, homelessness, and emergency relief services including refuge support. Comparable as a major DV-services provider operating nationally, but as a much larger, faith-based incumbent.
• OzHarvest: Australia's leading food rescue charity, collecting surplus food and delivering meals. Comparable as a national, donor and volunteer-funded Australian charity operating via established logistics and corporate partnerships; addresses a different social need (food insecurity vs. DV).

Emerging players

• Two Good Co: Australian social enterprise providing employment and training for women survivors of trauma and domestic violence. Comparable as an Australian organization working at the intersection of domestic violence and economic empowerment, listed as a RizeUp corporate partner.

Direct peers

• White Ribbon Australia: Australian charity focused on engaging men and boys to prevent violence against women. Comparable as a domestic-violence-focused Australian nonprofit reliant on donations, corporate partnerships, and community awareness campaigns, though focused on prevention rather than survivor support.
• Baby Give Back: Queensland-based charity collecting and distributing baby goods to families in need. Comparable as a small, volunteer-powered Australian charity that redistributes donated goods to vulnerable families and operates as a RizeUp partner for overflow items.

Regional players

• Women's Refuge New Zealand: New Zealand's largest domestic violence organization providing shelter, advocacy, and education. Comparable as the leading DV-services organization in NZ — a market where RizeUp already runs volunteer operations — making it both a potential partner and competitive benchmark.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rizeupaustralia

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about RizeUp Australia