Fighting Chance Australia: Company Profile

Background

Overview

Fighting Chance Australia is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a truly inclusive economy where people with disabilities have unbridled access to opportunity, dignity, and prosperity. Established in 2011 by siblings Laura and Jordan O'Reilly, the organization focuses on identifying and addressing the barriers faced by individuals with disabilities by designing, building, and empowering sustainable social businesses.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Fighting Chance Australia is to build and scale social enterprises that bridge the gaps in service provision for people with disabilities, fostering independence, choice, and control. The vision is to create a future where individuals with disabilities experience limitless social and economic inclusion.

Industry Significance

Operating across Australia, Fighting Chance Australia has become a leader in the disability sector, providing services to over 1,500 people with disabilities in 15 locations. The organization has launched multiple social enterprises, setting higher expectations for service providers and participants within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Social Inclusion: Promote economic and social inclusion for people with disabilities.

Sustainable Enterprises: Develop and empower social businesses that address specific challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

Empowerment: Provide opportunities for individuals to achieve independence, choice, and control over their lives.

Areas of Specialization

Employment Pathways: Facilitate transitions into mainstream employment through real-world training and work experience.

Independent Living: Offer supported independent living services that promote autonomy and community participation.

Social Programs: Design day program alternatives that set new standards for inclusion and skill development.

Key Technologies Utilized

Fighting Chance Australia leverages innovative business models and social enterprise strategies to create inclusive opportunities. While specific technologies are not detailed, the organization employs data management systems and support coordination tools to enhance service delivery.

Primary Markets Targeted

Individuals with Disabilities: Focus on people with disabilities seeking employment, independent living, and social inclusion.

Disability Service Providers: Collaborate with other organizations to set higher standards in service provision.

NDIS Participants: Engage with individuals under the National Disability Insurance Scheme to improve outcomes.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Fighting Chance Australia has secured funding through various grants and philanthropic contributions. In October 2024, the organization received a grant from the Goldhirsh Foundation.

Total Funds Raised

The organization has raised over $1 million USD to support its initiatives.

Notable Investors

The Goldhirsh Foundation is among the notable investors supporting Fighting Chance Australia.

Utilization of Capital

The funds are utilized to develop and scale social enterprises, enhance service delivery, and expand the organization's reach to more individuals with disabilities across Australia.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Avenue: A day program alternative promoting economic and social inclusion for people with disabilities.

Jigsaw: A document and data management business providing job training and work experience to facilitate transitions into mainstream employment.

Base: A supported independent living service offering individuals the freedom to live life on their own terms.

Plus: An integrated program for people with complex behaviors and high support needs, delivering life skills programs and therapeutic services.

Stages of Development

These enterprises are operational and have been serving individuals with disabilities across various locations in Australia.

Target Conditions

The programs target individuals with disabilities, including those with complex behaviors and high support needs, aiming to provide inclusive opportunities and support.

Anticipated Milestones

The organization continues to expand its services, with Avenue and Plus being developed to set new standards for inclusion and support.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

While specific proprietary technologies are not detailed, Fighting Chance Australia employs innovative business models and social enterprise strategies to create inclusive opportunities.

Significant Scientific Methods

The organization utilizes person-centered approaches and social enterprise models to design and implement programs that address the unique needs of individuals with disabilities.

Leadership Team

Laura O'Reilly OAM – Co-Founder and Director

Laura is a social entrepreneur with a Master’s in History from the University of Cambridge and postgraduate law studies at the University of NSW. She co-founded Fighting Chance Australia in 2011 and has been instrumental in its strategic vision. In June 2021, she was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for outstanding service to the disability sector.

Jordan O'Reilly – Co-Founder and Director

Jordan co-founded Fighting Chance Australia alongside his sister, Laura. He has been pivotal in the organization's growth and development, focusing on creating inclusive opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Nina Murphy – CEO, Fighting Chance Group

Nina has been with Fighting Chance since 2015, holding various roles, including General Manager. With a 17-year career in the Australian not-for-profit sector, she brings lived experience and a passion for social justice to her role as CEO.

Market Insights and Competitor Profile

The disability services sector in Australia is evolving, with increased emphasis on social inclusion and economic participation for individuals with disabilities. The introduction of the NDIS has created a competitive market, encouraging innovation and diverse service models.

Key competitors include organizations such as Windgap Foundation Limited and Challenge Community Services, which also provide services for individuals with disabilities. Fighting Chance Australia differentiates itself through its focus on social enterprises and person-centered approaches.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Collaborations

Fighting Chance Australia collaborates with various stakeholders, including government bodies, other service providers, and philanthropic organizations, to enhance service delivery and expand its impact.

Partnerships

The organization has established partnerships with entities like the Goldhirsh Foundation, which supports its initiatives through grants.

Operational Insights

Strategic Considerations

Fighting Chance Australia operates in a competitive landscape, focusing on innovation and quality service delivery to maintain its position. The organization's commitment to social enterprises and person-centered approaches sets it apart from traditional service providers.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Roadmap

The organization plans to continue expanding its social enterprises, enhancing service delivery, and advocating for higher standards in the disability services sector. Future directions include scaling existing programs and exploring new opportunities to support individuals with disabilities across Australia.