BioQuisitive

BioQuisitive is a civic science hub that promotes relationships between scientists and citizens so they can effectively collaborate, coordinate and co-create teams of civic and scientific problem solvers. They aim to provide a space for scientists and citizens to collaborate to explore biology, solve local problems and care for our environment. 

Founded in February 2015, BioQuisitive has established a fully equipped lab capable of working with various cells, microbes, algae, and materials.

What we're funding:

The Believers Grant will support a hands-on laboratory program, offering young people access to equipment and techniques usually reserved for established research facilities. Each month, BioQuisitive will engage 40-60 participants, providing real-world experience in biotechnology, from microscopy to DNA analysis. The program will also have an eLearning element that will give badging and micro-credentialing to participants to help create employment opportunities and create a sustainable pipeline of emerging practitioners in biotechnology fields.

Why we believe in this:

Science is creativity in action and BioQuisitive doesn't just teach scientific principles; they invite young people to become scientists themselves through projects that explore their passions and interests. The program fosters curiosity and hands-on learning experiences that bridge the gap between education and real-world application. We were also drawn to BioQuisitive's ambition and vision for expanding access to regional and underserved communities through clever partnerships and the establishment of regional hubs.

Most of all, we were inspired by Andrew Gray's infectious energy and enthusiasm for the work. From our first conversation his boundless belief in young people and the work he was doing to combine scientific enquiry with individual interests and passions shone through.

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Kids Own Publishing

Kids Own Publishing, founded in 2005 in Melbourne, is a not-for-profit organisation that has co-created and published over 200 books by children aged 0 to 12.  The organisation partners with educators, families and artists to facilitate creative workshops in which children can lead the process of writing, illustrating, and publishing their own unique stories.

What we're funding:

With the support of the Believers Grant, Kids Own Publishing will run workshops for 50 young authors and illustrators to write, illustrate, design, and publish 2 collaborative children’s picture books. The books will be distributed to students, their friends and family, local public libraries, and at least ten other schools around Victoria.

Why we believe in this:

What drew us to this project is Kids Own Publishing's emphasis on genuine co-creation between professional artists and young people to enable young people to discover their full creative potential and produce a real-world artefact. Their work doesn't just give children the tools and guidance to create, but the belief that their voices and ideas matter. Furthermore, they work hard to include the local community in celebrating these works.

What really left a lasting impression on us was Creative Director Anna Dollard's example of impact. Rather than sharing data and metrics, she shared a story with us about a young person who'd left a comment on an Instagram that said: "That's my book!" Storytelling is at the heart of what we do, and this story from Anna showed us that she believed in the power of small stories as much as we do.

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Friends with Grain

Friends with Grain is on a mission to revive the magic of analogue filmmaking in Northern NSW. Their vision is to establish a community-first film lab where aspiring filmmakers can explore Super 8 and 16mm film through hands-on experience, and have the tools and space to develop their films.

What we're funding:

Based in the Byron industrial area of Northern NSW, the funding will support the build out of a wet lab for film development, a dry room for screenings and events, and essential licenses and insurance. Once operational the space will host workshops, film nights and artist talks, creating a hub and community for analogue film enthusiasts and preservationists.

Why we believe in this:

We believe that creativity is able to flourish when there is a dedicated third space for people who share the same interests can come to gather and create community – Friends with Grain is on a mission to build this space from the ground up. What was different about them was rather than focussing on workshops and programs, they are focussing on creating a space where film enthusiasts can gather, experiment and create on their own terms.

The founders, Sierra and Kade, embody the spirit of the Believers Grant. They are passionate, ambitious, and resourceful, they are the hungry, not the proven. Their vision is bold, unconventional, and brimming with untapped potential. It is a true grassroots movement that could create real value to the communities and people that they serve.

At Blackbird Foundation, we see belief as its own intangible form of capital. To us, the Believers Grant is not just about funding interesting projects; it is also about finding the right people to fund. With funding, you can create incredible impact, but with belief, you can give people and groups the confidence, space and support to bring their wildest ideas to life.

With this first round of the Believers Grant, we've invested in people and projects that ignite and unlock young people's creativity through community, hands-on learning, and storytelling. We can't wait to update you on what they create over the next year, and finally, to our Believers grantees – thank you for sharing your magic with the world!