Professor Thomas Homer-Dixon: How can we lead with ‘commanding hope’?
Globally renowned complex systems expert, Canadian Professor Thomas Homer-Dixon, kicked off the main event at the Philanthropy Leadership Summit 2025 by unpacking the polycrisis. Speaking to Giving News beforehand, he said that leadership for our times involves helping people to be more comfortable with uncertainty and understand that it ‘creates possibilities for novel breakthroughs’.
Philanthropy Leadership Summit 2025 – In pictures!
What an incredible few days we had in Canberra! Browse through these moments that capture the passion of our speakers, the engagement of our audience, and the collaborative spirit that made our Leadership Summit truly special.
Thank you to our Leadership Summit Partners
The Philanthropy Leadership Summit 2025 is completely sold out and we’re pleased to be expecting 450 attendees for the Leadership Summit itself on Wednesday 6 August. We are particularly happy that we have a strong contingent of attendees representing First Nations organisations and small not-for-profits, thanks to our scholarships.
She Gives celebrates one year of ‘energy and boldness’ in women’s philanthropy
The campaign to highlight and inspire women’s giving in Australia ‘has resonated with so many women across the country’, said founder Melissa Smith. As the movement marks its anniversary, there are signs that the landscape is shifting to better recognise the catalytic power of women.
Brave Foundation: how a PRF grant led to a partnership with another funder – via the Philanthropy Australia conference
Jill Roche, the CEO of the national not-for-profit, Brave Foundation, drew from a capacity-building grant from the Paul Ramsay Foundation to attend the Philanthropy Australia Conference in 2024. This led to a chance conversation that over time led to a multi-year funding partnership with another funder. Jill shares how events unfolded and says it shows how important it is to ensure diverse voices are ‘in the room’ at important sector events.
Tech founders could redefine philanthropy – and create a new opportunity for charities
Australia's philanthropic landscape is undergoing a quiet revolution, led by a new generation of tech founders. The recently released Australian Tech Giving Report 2025, a collaboration between StartGiving and the Centre for Social Impact at the University of Western Australia, offers the first comprehensive benchmark of personal philanthropy in the tech sector. For charities and not-for-profits, the findings present a window of opportunity, writes Antonia Ruffell, CEO of StartGiving.
Welcome to PA’s two new Engagement Leads
We are delighted to welcome to new members of the Philanthropy Australia membership and engagement team – Fleur Allen and Caroline Morrissey.Caroline joins Kim Harland in the PA Queensland team as the Engagement Lead (QLD/NT). Fleur is our Engagement Lead (WA/SA) working from the Perth office with Ollie Hanson.






