New Gen Network Webinar: Next Gen Governance for Not-for-Profits

Board positions are no longer reserved for those in the later stages of life—many non-profits are actively seeking dynamic and enthusiastic next-gen leaders and donors to join their governing teams. 

Join our next gen governance webinar to explore what it means to provide value to a non-profit board of directors, highlighting how you can leverage your unique perspective, networks, and skills to make a significant impact. This session will empower you to understand your value on a board and give you a taster of how you could turn your passion and influence into meaningful contributions for the causes you care about. 

This event is for New Gen Network members only.

Speakers 

Massimo Belgiorno-Nettis | New Generation of Giving Network Committee Member 

Massimo combines a Bachelor of Civil Engineering, a career in construction, and an MBA to manage investments in a private family office. His investment focus is on early-stage venture capital, Australian real estate, and global listed equities. Massimo is a lifelong learner and possesses a keen interest in natural history, anthropology, the environment, science, and education.

Massimo is the Sydney Ambassador for Philanthropy Australia’s New Gen Committee, a Director of the Australian Museum Foundation, and supports Positive Education Schools Association and Environmental Leadership Australia. Massimo is the proud father of two (very cute) young girls and on the weekends can be found hydrofoil surfing on Sydney’s eastern beaches.

Melissa Smith | Founder and CEO, Noble Ambition | Founder, She Gives

Melissa Smith is the Founder and CEO of Noble Ambition. She has built fundraising and philanthropy programs from concept to delivery at major cultural institutions and in the university sector in Australia, raising millions from philanthropists globally. She achieved multiple awards including Australian Fundraiser of the Year (FIA) and Global Fundraiser of the Year (IFC). This 20-year journey in fundraising expertise has crystallised Melissa’s thinking that unless leadership, Board and executive teams share a common understanding and are engaged in strategic fundraising, the potential of an organisation’s philanthropic capabilities cannot be fully realised.

Melissa established Noble Ambition in 2016 and has focused exclusively on working at Board and executive level to build the capability and confidence of Australia’s for-purpose sector leadership, to drive multi-million-dollar fundraising campaigns and achieve lasting social impact.

Noble Ambition has worked with hundreds of board directors, CEOs, and fundraising directors nationally across many sectors including health, education, advocacy, culture, Indigenous, climate, disability, and social services.

Melissa has led four fundraising programs from start-up to established, from Powerhouse Museum and Sydney Opera House in the arts, to University of Technology, Sydney and RMIT University, in education.

Melissa has a BA Hons (First Class, USyd), Master of Management (UTS) and is a Churchill Fellow.

Network Chair

Tyson Feng | Chair, Philanthropy Australia New Generation of Giving (New Gen) Network

Tyson is a member of the Board of Directors of Philanthropy Australia. He has been a member of the Philanthropy Australia’s New Generation of Giving (New Gen) Network since 2021, and stepped into the Chair role for the Volunteer Committee in 2024. Tyson leads Caradonna Capital, a development firm characterised by a conscientious approach towards environmental responsibility and community. Concurrently, Tyson runs the Australian arm of XIO Lift, one of the largest elevator manufacturers in the world.

Prior to these two roles, Tyson co-led Project Echidna for a NSW member of parliament, with the exAPAC Marketing Lead at Google. Outside of his professional roles, he leads a fundraising charity called “A Night in the Doghouse.” Each year, their team of young professionals organises a 500-person black-tie charity ball in both Brisbane and Sydney. Through these events, they donate over $110,000 to the Black Dog Institute every year, supporting mental health research and awareness.