Children’s health, welfare, and wellbeing are essential to building a healthier and more equitable future. Supporting research and initiatives focused specifically on children can help improve medical outcomes, strengthen support systems, and give young people better opportunities to thrive.

The Financial Markets Foundation for Children (FMFC) supports initiatives and research projects designed to improve the health, welfare, and wellbeing of Australia’s children. Its work is made possible through fundraising and the support of the financial and broader Australian community. One of the Foundation’s major fundraising events is the Enchanted Ball, which has grown considerably since its beginnings as a simple lunch organized by four friends. Today, the event is one of Australia’s largest annual sit-down black-tie fundraising galas.

The Enchanted Ball is coordinated by volunteers from each of the four participating banks, who dedicate their time to organizing the event and supporting its fundraising efforts. Its success demonstrates the impact that collaboration and community generosity can have on children’s causes, with more than $1.5 million raised at the previous year’s Ball.

The 2026 Enchanted Ball will take place on Friday, 20 November 2026, at Crown Melbourne. The evening will bring supporters together for a sophisticated black-tie celebration while raising funds for causes and research focused on Australia’s children. Every contribution helps the Financial Markets Foundation for Children support work aimed at improving children’s health, welfare, and wellbeing, helping create a stronger future for generations to come.

Reserve your place here to attend the Enchanted Ball and help support research and initiatives improving the health, welfare, and wellbeing of Australian children.

Enchanted Ball
The Enchanted Ball is coordinated by volunteers from each of the four banks who donate their time in the lead up to this annual event.
What started as a simple lunch arranged by four friends who dressed in polka dot ties and donated a day’s wages to the cause has become one of Australia’s largest fundraising galas.

It’s one of the largest annual sit-down black-tie fundraisers in Australia for causes and research projects designed specifically to improve the health, welfare and well-being of the future of Australia – our children. At last year’s Ball, over $1.5m was raised.

The 2026 Ball will take place on Friday 20 November at Crown Melbourne.