What the Project Is
Adara Group is an international development organization known as Adara Development that specializes in Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, and Remote Community Development. Established in 1998, its work spans Nepal and Uganda, where targeted projects have brought essential services closer to those in need. Adara Development operates alongside two businesses – Adara Partners and Adara Advisors – which are ‘for purpose’ rather than for profit. These businesses have been strategically set up to fund the administration and emergency project costs of Adara Development, ensuring that 100% of donations go directly to project-related expenses. It’s a simple, transparent focus that has helped change lives across regions with a blend of business savvy and humanitarian spirit… and it continues to shape the future of communities in poverty.
Main Benefit
The key benefits of this project are visible in remarkable figures and facts:
- Since inception up to the end of 2024, more than AUD $26.9 million has been donated by the Adara businesses to support projects.
- Over AUD $52.3 million has been contributed by donors, directly impacting project-related costs.
- Efforts since 1998 have touched the lives of more than 700,000 people living in poverty.
- Expertise in Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, as well as Remote Community Development, ensures focused impact.
- Operations continue in Nepal and Uganda, regions that benefit profoundly from these interventions.
- A distinguished BCorp score of 100.5, underscoring high standards in sustainable and responsible business practices.
- The distinctive blend of Adara Partners and Adara Advisors highlights a commitment to funding related administrative and emergency costs in a clear, for-profit conscious manner.
Championing Quality and Access to Essential Services
The guiding vision of Adara Group is to see a world where every person has access to quality health, education, and other essential services, irrespective of where they live. This vision is more than just words on paper; it reflects a deep commitment to bridging the gap between the world of business and the world of people in extreme poverty. The project is focused on empowering remote and vulnerable communities by making sure essential services are available where they are needed most. This approach emphasizes not only physical service delivery but also the sharing of networks, knowledge, and influence in a way that encourages sustainable, community-led transformation.
Bridging Worlds through Business and Partnership
Launched in 1998 by founder Audette Exel AO, Adara Development was established alongside Adara Advisors with a revolutionary idea – to prove that business can be a vibrant force for good in communities most in need. The partnership between the non-profit operations and for-purpose businesses (Adara Partners and Adara Advisors) showcases a dynamic interplay between financial services and developmental assistance. This structure ensures that the critical work in Maternal, Newborn and Child Health and Remote Community Development is continuously backed by reliable funding. It’s a model that mixes the vigor of the for-profits world with compassion to accelerate transformational change… making the business of doing good a central tenet of the project.
Embedding Sustainability and Reconciliation in Practice
Sustainability is woven into the very fabric of the organization’s operations. A dedicated Sustainability Committee leads and coordinates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. This ensures that every action, every partnership, and every project aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals and best practice standards in sustainability. Beyond environmental considerations, there is also a strong commitment to social justice. For instance, the Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a powerful testament to integrating reconciliation principles into everyday practice. Such initiatives signal a broader ambition – achieving not just economic or health-related targets, but also driving social cohesion and mutual respect across cultures.
Valuing Compassion, Teamwork, and Integrity
At the heart of Adara Group is a steadfast set of values including compassion, teamwork, mutual respect, integrity, excellence, passion, and a flair for unconventional thinking. This dynamic ensemble of core beliefs helps steer the organization’s missions, ensuring that every step taken is genuine and focused on collective empowerment. The project’s ability to merge financial services with deep-rooted social objectives is seen as transformative in the management consultancy and for-profits industry. It stands as a reminder that success in business does not have to be at odds with doing good – rather, they can reinforce each other in unprecedented ways.
Project Impact
- SDG 1: No Poverty – Addressing severe poverty through targeted development and community outreach.
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being – Delivering quality health services to improve maternal, newborn, and child health.
- SDG 4: Quality Education – Ensuring access to continuous education and knowledge sharing for sustainable community growth.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Bridging the gap between marginalized communities and essential services.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Integrating environmental initiatives and sustainability into every operational framework.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Leveraging robust networks and financial services to support vulnerable communities.
Financial Services and the Future of Purpose-Driven Impact
The project also resonates within the wider management consultant and for-profits landscape, especially with its noteworthy financial services component. Adara Partners, a main keyword in this journey, plays a pivotal role in ensuring that funds flow seamlessly to where they are needed most. The integration of the Adara Group’s financial acumen with its commitment to social upliftment sets a benchmark for similar organizations. This unique synergy, which embraces a lighthearted, dynamic cadence when describing its evolution… exemplifies a future where for-profit strategies effectively support not-for-profit outcomes. Through transparency, strategic partnerships, and a clear articulation of purpose, the project continues to drive positive change while navigating the complexities of today’s global economic challenges.
