About Understorey

What is Understorey?

Understorey exists to grow participation and capability in the Australian social enterprise sector.

It is a sector-informed knowledge hub: a living resource available to all, shaped by the knowledge, experiences and contributions of those who take part.

Understorey brings together:

• Key terms: shared language to help people understand and talk about social enterprise.
• A sector guide: highlights the different organisations and activities across the social enterprise ecosystem, helping people understand who does what and how they connect. Use detailed search and filters in the Directory to find organisations, or the Social Enterprise Map to discover social enterprises to visit, buy from and support.
• Quality educational resources: hosting, linking to, and combining tools, guides, and practical materials on social enterprise. New resources will be commissioned only when clear gaps are found.
• Learning communities: peer-led spaces to learn, share experiences and collaborate across different themes and locations.
• Funding feed: helps people find grants and other funding opportunities.

Together, these help people learn, connect and navigate the sector, supporting social enterprises and those who work alongside them.

Understorey is part of the Australian Government's Social Enterprise Development Initiative (SEDI).

How does it help?

The social enterprise sector is diverse and growing. It includes social enterprises, intermediaries, funders, researchers, policymakers and community leaders working in different places and contexts.

Understorey makes this ecosystem easier to understand and navigate by:

It does this by:

• Making organisations, resources and opportunities easier to find.
• Bringing together related ideas, tools and practical knowledge.
• Building shared understanding through clear language and examples.
• Creating spaces for people to share experiences and work through common challenges.

Understorey builds on the knowledge, resources and support that already exist. It brings these together and helps people find and use them, rather than duplicating what's already working.

It is also a place to explore pathways to a future where all people, places and the planet thrive. As people use and contribute to Understorey, it will continue to grow and improve.

Who is it for?

Understorey is for anyone working in or interested in the social enterprise sector.

Everyone is welcome to contribute ideas, questions, experiences and resources. We particularly value voices that are often underrepresented, including people with lived experience and those closest to the challenges being addressed.

By bringing different people and perspectives together, Understorey helps strengthen understanding, connections and capability across the sector.

Who is behind Understorey?

Understorey is shaped by the sector, for the sector.

Social Enterprise Australia is the steward and coordinator of Understorey. We maintain the platform, gather input, curate resources and help it evolve in response to sector needs.

Understorey is funded by the Australian Government's Department of Social Services, through SEDI, which has been extended to June 2027.

Advisory and Reference Groups support its design and development, bringing diverse expertise and lived experience to help guide priorities, content and direction.

Understorey continues to evolve through sector input, shared learning and practical use.