Overview
Elliot Costello is a passionate Australian social entrepreneur, co-founder of YGAP (Y Generation Against Poverty), and a leading advocate for local-led development. Known for his deep commitment to addressing systemic poverty and social injustice, Elliot has spent his career building impactful initiatives that empower local leaders to solve local problems, particularly across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.

Early Life and Education
Elliot grew up in Melbourne, Australia, where he developed a strong sense of social justice and global citizenship from a young age. He studied a Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of International Development, combining business acumen with a deep understanding of complex global issues.

His academic and field experiences solidified his belief that top-down models of aid and development often fail to deliver long-term solutions. Instead, Elliot became an advocate for grassroots, locally-driven approaches.

Founding YGAP: A New Model of Development
In 2008, Elliot co-founded YGAP (Y Generation Against Poverty) with the mission to back local impact entrepreneurs in some of the world’s toughest communities. The idea was simple but revolutionary: instead of sending aid, invest in local changemakers who already have the solutions—they just need the support to scale them.

Under Elliot’s leadership, YGAP developed a unique accelerator model, offering capacity-building, seed funding, and ongoing support to early-stage social ventures. Over time, YGAP supported hundreds of local entrepreneurs, positively impacting millions of lives in countries like Kenya, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Australia.

YGAP’s work spans health, education, gender equality, and economic empowerment, always rooted in community-driven innovation.

Key Achievements

• Supported 550+ ventures through YGAP programs.
• Impacted over 1 million people globally by 2020.
• Co-led campaigns like Polished Man, a global movement to end violence against children.
• Spearheaded the transition of YGAP into Spark International*, creating one of the largest locally-led accelerator networks for social entrepreneurs.

The Polished Man Campaign
One of Elliot’s most recognized initiatives is the Polished Man campaign, inspired by a trip to Cambodia where he met a young girl who had suffered abuse. The campaign asks men (and everyone) to paint one fingernail to represent the one in five children globally who experience violence before the age of 18.

Since launching in 2013, Polished Man has raised millions of dollars for trauma recovery and prevention programs and has sparked global conversations around masculinity, violence, and protection of children.

Leadership and Influence
Elliot is known for challenging traditional charity models and advocating for ethical storytelling, power redistribution, and systemic change in the development sector. He has spoken at numerous global forums, TEDx events, and in the media about the importance of local ownership in solving global problems.

He also serves as a mentor, advisor, and board member for several purpose-driven ventures and continues to influence the next generation of social impact leaders.

Recognition and Legacy
Elliot has received recognition for his innovative and ethical approach to development and social enterprise, including:

• Westpac Social Change Fellowship
• Named among Australia’s Top 100 Brightest Young Minds
• Finalist for The Australian of the Year (Victoria)

Personal Philosophy
At the core of Elliot’s work is a belief in the power of people:

“Those closest to the problem are often closest to the solution.”

He believes sustainable development requires shifting power into the hands of those with lived experience and that systems change happens when we move from charity to partnership, from saviourism to solidarity.

Current Work
Elliot continues to advocate for reimagining the role of Western-led aid and philanthropy, pushing for a more equitable, locally-led approach to global development. He frequently consults with NGOs, social enterprises, and foundations, helping them embed justice, inclusivity, and impact into their strategies.

Legacy
Elliot Costello’s work has sparked a shift in how Australians—and the broader global development community—approach poverty, entrepreneurship, and impact. Through his leadership, campaigns, and relentless pursuit of justice, he has helped shape a world where everyone, regardless of origin, has the opportunity to lead and thrive.