Philanthropy Australia CEO Maree Sidey appointed to WINGS board

Philanthropy Australia is delighted to announce that CEO Maree Sidey has been appointed as a board director to WINGS. WINGS is an international network of more than 200 philanthropy support organisations from 58 countries committed to growing and strengthening philanthropy worldwide. WINGS was created 24 years ago by a group of grantmakers’ associations from all over the world who felt they needed a space to share knowledge and collaborate at the global level.

Maree will take up the role in 2025 and join a group of diverse directors from across continents who are also philanthropic leaders in their own nations. WINGS is committed to encouraging collaboration and “igniting” the potential of philanthropy to build a more just, equitable and sustainable world.

Established in 2000, WINGS now has around 100 members from North and Latin America and the Caribbean, more than 30 in the Middle East and Africa, nearly 60 in Europe and 30 in the Asia-Pacific region, in which WINGS is keen to grow its membership. Philanthropy Australia has been a long term member.

Maree said: “I’m thrilled to take up this opportunity to represent Australian philanthropy globally, and help connect the Asia Pacific region to international efforts to elevate the development and growth of philanthropy and philanthropy support organisations.

“The world is facing ever-developing challenges around civil society, equitable climate transition and social justice. Philanthropy is a critical actor in this ecosystem, and our work requires an understanding of both global and local community solutions.

“Developing strong international relationships and nurturing collaboration is key to achieving sustainable development goals and addressing the intersecting agendas that underpin the root causes of these challenges,”

WINGS operates a number of platforms working in particular areas, such as climate action, transformation initiatives and accountability and transparency, among others.  For example the Lift Up philanthropy initiative which aims to guide members on how to build a supportive philanthropic ecosystem.

“I very much look forward to advancing WINGS’s mission and bringing back world-leading knowledge and stories of inspiration to Australia. I hope learnings shared with our members and the wider sector will be an enriching experience that will enhance all our work and endeavours,” said Maree.

“I would encourage organisations in Australia to learn more about WINGS and consider becoming a member.”

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For more information visit the WINGS website.
For some great resources visit the WINGS Knowledge Centre.

Recommended Reading:

Philanthropy Networks:  Creating Value, Voice and Collective Impact 35973.pdf (issuelab.org)

Acting together to Lift Up Philanthropy: https://buildingthepse.wingsweb.org/