About Friendship Tree – Enter a new culture of giving | Friendship Tree

About us

A new culture of giving

Friendship Tree is an Australian-born tech not-for-profit on a mission to restore trust in giving.
In a world that craves simplicity and connection, we turn everyday generosity into visible, rewarding impact.

Through a seamless digital experience, our platform lets you choose how, when, and where you want to make a difference.

We amplify and direct more resources to causes that are already doing the work.

Beyond our app, we’re creating a cultural movement of unity — for people and the planet. We’re here to prove that even the smallest donations, multiplied by trust and community, can sprout lasting change.

We:

  • Take the guesswork out of giving
  • Create a deeply human, seamless digital experience
  • Amplify and drive resources to causes that are already doing the work
  • Create change that lasts

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Our values define us

Courage to do Good

Trust You Can See

Making Giving Simple

Change That Lasts

Together is Better

Part of Something Bigger

The people beneath the tree

Friendship Tree was planted when a handful of people from different worlds shared the same frustration: the world was feeling disconnected, and generosity had become overwhelming and confusing.

So, the team came together to make giving feel simple, human, and worth doing again. Out of those countless conversations and early ideas, Friendship Tree took root.

Adam White – Founder

Adam White

Founder

Adam is a creative force with a knack for turning big ideas into real-world change. Over decades of leading teams and starting ventures, he’s shaped projects that bring people closer to nature and to each other. Part visionary, part hands-on builder, Adam knows how to craft a story that inspires action – and then rally the right people to make it happen. His passion for environmental sustainability runs through everything he does, and at Friendship Tree he pairs that creative spark with strategic thinking to help the organisation grow and deepen its impact.

Mark Payne – CFO

Mark Payne

CFO

You could say Mark is a numbers guy, but he’s so much more than that. He’s a driven CFO and financial controller, as well as a businessman and community leader. He provides an experienced hand for Friendship Tree while leading financial strategy and compliance. He brings a rigorous approach to budgeting, forecasting and people management to set financial strategies and business visions that ultimately create successful organisations. With 40 years’ experience across the globe, Mark has done it all, from multimillion dollar deals and capital raises and establishing robust financial processes and systems, to guiding successful businesses.

Heidi Hauf – Chief Operations and Sustainability Officer

Heidi Hauf

Chief Operations and Sustainability Officer

Heidi brings 25 years of global experience across charities, government, and business – but her heart is firmly in purpose-driven work. She’s spent her career helping organisations imagine better futures and make them real, focussing on embedding sustainability and driving a just transition. A big-picture thinker who gets things done, Heidi combines strategic insight, creative problem-solving, and a wide network of collaborators to build strong, values-led teams. At Friendship Tree, she not only keeps the wheels turning day to day – she’s also guiding the organisation’s sustainability vision and making sure it’s delivered with impact.

Benjamin Richards – Chief Creative and Digital Officer

Benjamin Richards

Chief Creative and Digital Officer

Ben believes technology should do more than just work well – it should inspire, connect, and create positive change. With 30 years’ experience spanning global tech, media, and consulting, he’s delivered everything from Hollywood VFX films to large-scale digital platforms and immersive experiences. Equal parts strategist and maker, Ben blends technical expertise with design vision to take ideas from concept to launch. At Friendship Tree, he leads product, technology, and digital strategy – creating tools, workflows, and campaigns that bring the mission to life. Grounded in research, storytelling, and emerging tech, he ensures every solution is both technically robust and emotionally resonant, driving growth while staying true to purpose.

Alice Bertola – Operations and Sustainability Manager

Alice Bertola

Operations and Sustainability Manager

Alice is a systems thinker who turns complexity into clarity. With a background spanning international security, governance, and IT, she’s known for her calm precision in fast-paced environments and her ability to turn good ideas into practical, reliable solutions. At Friendship Tree, Alice designs the systems and processes that keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes — ensuring purpose is supported by structure, transparency, and care. She’s guided by the belief that when people, planet, and everyday effort work in harmony, real change can truly take root.

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Message of Gratitude

The ACNC-registered Friendship Tree Foundation acknowledges, with sincere appreciation, the many individuals and organisations whose dedication and belief in our purpose make our work possible.

Our Foundation is supported by the people-power and technology from the social enterprises Friendship Tree Pty Ltd and Friendship Seeds Pty Ltd. With innovation, private sector investment, and commitment to social impact, these organisations provide the teamwork, momentum, and capacity essential to advancing a movement of this scale and magnitude.

We extend our deepest appreciation to the committed staff, suppliers, and advisers whose expertise and passion inspire us to do more, and be more. Their collective effort enables us to pursue our vision — of building a cultural movement of giving that unites people and the planet.

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