Every year I’m astounded by the lengths people will go to when they’re passionate about something.

There are those of us who have an interest, and there are those of us that have an all-consuming passion. That’s who the Tomorrow Fund is for – the people whose passions are their lives.

Since 2014, the AMP Foundation has supported 267 amazing Australians doing great things in the community through our AMP Tomorrow Fund – a $1 million grants program.

Tomorrow Fund recipients – our AMP Tomorrow Makers – are of all ages, come from all walks of life and are pursuing their goals in a wide range of fields.

Through the Tomorrow Fund the AMP Foundation aims to help amazing Australians achieve their ambitions.

At AMP our clients and employees come from a wide cross-section of the community and everyone has different passions and ambitions.

The Tomorrow Fund aims to reflect that.

The ideas of our Tomorrow Fund applicants are incredibly diverse, and a desire to really make a difference in people’s lives shines through when I look at this year’s Tomorrow Makers.

Whether they’re attempting to change someone’s life, creating an innovative piece of technology, or just looking to excel in sports – it’s all about being better and giving back to the community in one way or another.

There is a real depth of talent in Australia and this is evident in the diversity of our 2019 Tomorrow Makers.

Each year it gets harder and harder to judge the applications as the quality of applicants increases.

We’re continuing to see more and more Australians learn about the Tomorrow Fund and how – through the AMP Foundation – we help members of the community realise human ambition.

These grants will change the lives of our Tomorrow Makers. We know this from past winners like Western Australia’s Darren Lomman. Darren set out to tackle the issue of plastic in our environment. Now, just one year after receiving a Tomorrow Fund grant, he’s established WA’s first plastic recycling plant and has also set up an impact investment opportunity.

And, earlier this year, 2017 Tomorrow Maker Dr Bronwyn King was named Melburnian of the Year. The oncologist has been leading the fight against tobacco investment for many years. After collaborating with Australian financial institutions like AMP she has now taken her campaign to the world.

This year 37 more amazing Australians working in areas as diverse as technology, inclusion, sustainability and Indigenous innovation will have their lives changed just like Darren and Bronwyn.

But it’s not just about the money. It’s also the recognition that someone believes in you. That’s what the AMP Foundation is here for.

Helen Liondos is the Head of Sustainability and the AMP Foundation.