Philanthropy Australia CEO Jack Heath awarded an AM
Jack Heath says he's humbled to be among those to receive an Australia Day Honours this year. Altogether 1,042 people were recognised, with more women than men being included. Amanda Miller OAM and Lisa George, Co-Chairs of Philanthropy Australia, congratulated Jack on behalf of the board and staff. They said the thoroughly deserved honour recognises Jack’s outstanding leadership in building and stewarding for-purpose organisations and his dedicated career of service to Australia over many decades.
PA members leading the charge on the double giving agenda
With submissions on the draft Productivity Commission (PC) report due next Friday, 9 February, a strong response from the philanthropic sector will be important to securing the best possible outcomes for the double giving agenda, writes our Executive Director, Policy, Government Relations and Research, Sam Rosevear.
Renting in Australia and the role of philanthropy
The state of the housing market has made finding safe, secure and affordable properties increasingly difficult for the near-third of Australians who rent their home. Housing insecurity can lead to homelessness and addressing this most fundamental of needs is the first step to good health, education, employment and an equitable society for all. Renting is not such a precarious option in other countries. What are the political and economic conditions that have led to Australia’s rental crisis and how can philanthropy do more to support renters and drive a systems-level shift? Erin Dolan, Program Manager at the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation and Chair of Philanthropy Australia’s Affordable Housing Funders Network, provides her view.
Q&A with Penny Dakin, outgoing CEO of ARACY: ‘Philanthropy’s willingness to be brave and bold will be key’
Philanthropy and government have come together to improve the wellbeing and opportunities of children and young people in what could be the largest ever structured collaboration between the sectors in the country’s history. The Investment Dialogue for Australia’s Children is shaping up as an unprecedented, long-term, integrated approach to support young people and their families to thrive – with community and First Nations voices to be at its heart. ARACY - Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth is acting as the Strategic Convenor of this important initiative.
Australian Leadership Hub launches to answer ‘critical’ need for NFP sector
As pressure mounts on for-purpose organisations, effective leadership is more critical than ever, and the Australian Leadership Hub whose purpose is to develop leaders, is stepping up to deliver what the sector needs most. After 14 years as the Australian Scholarships Foundation, during which we provided 5,000 individuals with scholarships and professional development opportunities worth a staggering $17.2 million, we have now expanded our activities to offer leadership awards, education programs and events. We also build connections among educators, executives, funders and alumni, who partner with us to foster skills that are crucial for organisations dedicated to creating a better society.
Investment Dialogue for Australia’s Children gets under way at Canberra roundtable
Philanthropy and government have come together in what could be the largest ever structured collaboration between the sectors in the country’s history. Formalised this week in Canberra, the Investment Dialogue’s collective aim is to improve the wellbeing of children, young people and their families by working with communities to reduce intergenerational disadvantage in Australia. The initiative is shaping up as an unprecedented, long-term, integrated and community-led approach to supporting children, families and communities to thrive.
Positive, but more to do on Double Giving: our response to Productivity Commission’s draft findings
Philanthropy Australia thanks the Productivity Commission for the open and consultative approach it took in developing its draft report, ‘Future foundations for giving’. The report recommends some important reforms, including the expansion of Deductible Gift Recipient status to more charities and the establishment of an independent philanthropic foundation controlled by, and for the benefit of, First Nations communities. However, the final report will need to recommend a stronger suite of high-impact reforms if Australia is to achieve a step-change lift in our culture and practice of giving.