Dylan Smith leaves Philanthropy Australia to take up new role at Community Foundations Australia

Philanthropy Australia is sad to lose a valued member of its team, Dylan Smith, who has overseen significant growth of the peak body’s membership in Western Australia. He is set to take up an exciting newly created role as Senior Director, Foundation and Field Development at Community Foundations Australia.

As the first Perth-based staff member for Philanthropy Australia, Dylan has contributed to some significant achievements. He has nurtured a community of new members, growing the group from 19 to 73, while developing the areas of impact investing, collaborative funding, community foundations and collective giving. He secured multi-year partnerships and support from Lotterywest and a group of WA Champions, providing important capacity funding.

Nationally and more recently, Dylan has taken up the role of supporting Philanthropy Australia’s First Nations Governance Committee and Staff Lead for the Reconciliation Action Plan.

Maree Sidey, Philanthropy Australia CEO, said: “It is fair to say that in collaboration with ‘Team WA’ staff member Yean Ng, key PA members and supporters, Dylan has contributed to the emergence of a budding philanthropic sector in Perth and Western Australia. 

“It is with a mixture of sadness and pride to see him leave because although he will be missed, Dylan will undoubtedly make a significant impact at Community Foundations Australia at a time of great evolution and expansion for that organisation. Everyone at Philanthropy Australia, its supporters and partners wish him the very best.”

Dylan is well known across the community sector and prior to working at Philanthropy Australia was the founding Executive Officer at the Fremantle Foundation.

Dylan said: “It’s been a real privilege to be part of the Philanthropy Australia team for more than three years. Growing the membership group in WA and contributing nationally has been a wonderful experience. I would like to thank Maree, former CEO Jack Heath, the Philanthropy Australia team, members and supporters for the opportunity to contribute and share part of the journey with you.

“I’ve been committed to the community foundation movement for many years and I’m so pleased to have the opportunity to continue the collective work in this role at Community Foundations Australia.”

Ian Bird OLY, CEO of Community Foundations Australia, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Dylan to our team. His strong track record of values-based leadership and unwavering commitment to fostering community foundations, in Australia and internationally, make him an ideal fit.

“Dylan’s start-up journey in Fremantle is especially valuable as he will be working with a growing number of communities beginning their own community foundation journey. We can count on him to be a steady hand and valued mentor in the field.”

Dylan’s last day at Philanthropy Australia will be 29 November. However, he will attend the End of Year Members Celebration on 11 December to say goodbye and thank you.