About Us
Australia celebrates sporting success — but behind the podium, many of our athletes are struggling just to stay in the game.
Why Aussie Athletes need the Fund
The Aussie Athlete Fund was founded by five-time Olympian Natalie Cook OAM OLY — driven by a firsthand understanding of the financial pressures athletes face throughout their careers.
Each year, talented Australian athletes are forced to make impossible choices — pay for food or travel to competition, work extra hours or train, continue chasing the Green & Gold or walk away altogether.
Elite sport comes with escalating costs: international travel, coaching, equipment, nutrition, accommodation, recovery and medical support. Yet the financial reality for most athletes doesn't match the expectations placed on them.
The Aussie Athlete Fund exists to change that — providing education, connection and financial support so no Australian athlete is forced to give up their dream.
The Impact
Financial Support
We provide fundraising education and direct financial support from businesses/councils/communities so athletes can focus on their sport without financial stress.
Education
We equip athletes with real-world fundraising skills and financial knowledge — building the confidence and independence to sustain their sporting career long-term.
Life Beyond Sport
We help athletes plan for life beyond sport — ensuring they retire with education, career pathways and financial confidence.
Almost half of Australia's best athletes earn below the poverty line threshold, with an annual income of less than $23,000.
A Sustainable Athlete Economy
Our Vision, Purpose and Mission
Our Vision
To build a Sustainable Athlete Economy — where no Australian athlete is forced to give up their dream due to lack of financial support.
Our Purpose
To nurture, uplift and sustain athletes on their journey from emerging to elite — through education, connection and financial support — so they can thrive both on and off the field.
Our Mission
To invite businesses, employees, philanthropists and everyday Australians to invest funding, time and resources into Australia's athletes — supporting them as they pursue excellence in the Green & Gold and transition confidently into life beyond sport.
What the Aussie Athlete Fund provides
Education, funding and connections to help athletes and their families build a sustainable athlete economy.
Direct Funding
To fuel training, competition and essential living costs.
Fundraising Education
To build long-term financial capability and independence.
Mentoring and connection
To build supportive communities, business relationships and leaders.
Pathways beyond sport
Ensuring athletes don't retire in debt — with clear education and career pathways ahead of them.
