‘Philanthropy is a portrait of readiness,’ says incoming Community Foundations Australia CEO Ian Bird
The expansion and strengthening of the place-based community foundations network is a key plank in Philanthropy Australia's double giving agenda. The network will be instrumental in developing a language and culture of giving at the local level never seen before in this country. As Ian Bird prepares to take on his new role, the internationally recognised for-purpose leader says change is coming – and it will be accessible to all.
Read moreYour Chance to Influence the Charity Blueprint
A strong sector response to the Charity Blueprint Issues Paper could help secure reforms for more and better giving, says Philanthropy Australia’s Executive Director, Policy, Government Relations and Reform, Sam Rosevear.
Vale Marc Besen AC
Marc Besen AC, the renowned philanthropist and co-founder of the Sussan clothing group, passed away this week aged 99. Tributes appeared across the media, remembering Mr Besen warmly. Forbes magazine said he was regarded as “retail royalty” and a legend of business, and to those who knew him best, “he was kind, funny, loyal and incredibly wise”.
Philanthropy is catalysing phenomenal growth in the social enterprise sector
The social enterprise format – blending mission and money – is the business model of the future, says Social Traders CEO Tara Anderson. Social Traders is a leading intermediary connecting social enterprises with business and government to grow the social procurement sector and offers Australia's only social enterprise certification. To celebrate Social Enterprise Day on 16 November, Tara outlines how Australia is experiencing the fastest and largest social enterprise procurement growth anywhere in the world – and philanthropy is fuelling the momentum.
Small Grants are vital to strengthen rural Australia
For purpose organisations come in many shapes and sizes, and have varied needs according to their structures and location. This means that there is no "one-size-fits-all" solution to grant making, writes Jill Karena, Place Portfolio Lead, Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal. In this thought piece, Jill explains how small grants can have a big impact, particularly on grassroots organisations, which may not be able to access traditional philanthropy.
Grattan Institute: The philanthropy behind powerful systems change advocacy
At Philanthropy Australia’s Philanthropy Meets Parliament Summit in Canberra last week, Danielle Wood, outgoing Grattan Institute CEO, reviewed some of the outstanding outcomes the independent public policy think tank has achieved in one of our case studies illustrating effective collaboration with government.
Why charities need robust cybersecurity now
When a cybersecurity breach exposes confidential data such as customer personal details, sponsors and donors data and funding details, there will be significant consequences whether the victim is a large profit-making business or a small charity.