philanthropyOz Blog

Third Sector Focus on ABC Radio National

Vita Activa: Discovering the Third Sector

Beginning on Monday 1 October as part of the ABC Radio National Life Matters program, Vita Activa will focus on a broad range of issues concerning volunteering and the third sector.

Every facet of Australian society and Australian life touches on, and is touched by, the third sector in some way. Every social, political, economic and environmental issue has a third sector dimension. This segment aims to bring a fresh and innovative perspective and analysis to issues that matter to Australians today.

Associate Professor Melanie Oppenheimer from the School of Humanities and Languages at the University of Western Sydney will be a guest of Richard Aedy’s each Monday to discuss a range of topics using the lens of the third sector.

On Monday 1 October, the topic will concern the recent ABS Voluntary Work Australia 2006 report published in July 2007.

This program will interest those involved in the sector, as well as those with a general interest who seek to know more about this diverse, complex and integral aspect of Australian life today.

- Life Matters home page

Minara Community Foundation established

Media Release: Minara Invests in Future of Region

Embargoed Until: Tuesday, 25 September 2007 (5:30 pm WST)

The long-term future of the northern goldfields is brighter today thanks to the visionary approach towards community development by Australia’s second largest nickel producer, Minara Resources Ltd, by providing $1 million towards the establishment of the Minara Community Foundation in partnership with the Western Australian Community Foundation.

Michael Anderson, Chairman of the Western Australian Community Foundation (WACF) and Peter Johnston, Chief Executive Officer of Minara Resources Ltd (Minara) helped secure the future of the region at a signing ceremony, held in Historic Gwalia this afternoon. Over 40 industry, government and community representatives were in attendance to celebrate the company’s innovative leadership.

By partnering with the WACF, Minara has demonstrated its long-term commitment towards the sustainable future of Leonora and surrounding communities.

The Minara Community Foundation (MCF) will support projects that provide:

- relief from poverty, sickness and misfortune;
- educational benefits;
- economic, social, cultural and heritage benefits;
- economic development, training and education opportunities;
- transport and communication services;
- programs and initiatives for future generations; and
- protection for Indigenous culture.

Minara has made an initial contribution of $1 million to the MCF. In addition the company will commit an annual contribution of $250,000 per financial year over the next five years.

The initial contribution to the foundation will be invested with the annual contribution, plus a portion of the return on investment being made available as grants to the community. The WACF will serve as Trustee for the Fund and oversee all governance, financial, legal and compliance matters including grant-making requirements on behalf of the MCF.

“Minara has established the Minara Community Foundation in partnership with the WACF for the long-term benefit of people in the Northern Goldfields region, and people in the wider communities impacted by our Murrin Murrin operations. I would like to single out our aim to be of particular benefit to the indigenous people in the Northern Goldfields,” said Peter Johnston, Chief Executive Officer, Minara Resources Limited.

“Minara is to be congratulated for taking this ground-breaking step in building the capacity of their local community. This unique and visionary approach towards community development ensures a long-term future for the northern goldfields,” said Tonia Swetman, Chief Executive Officer of the WACF.

“Partnering with the WACF is a wonderful example to other organisations wishing to redefine how they approach community support, particularly at this exciting time of resources success in WA. The MCF model enables the WACF to relieve Minara of administration management and governance, whilst empowering the community to actively participate and contribute to their long-term future. Ultimately, the WACF is able to support regional communities beyond the life of a company and its operations,” she said.

- On wacf.org.au

New books in the Philanthropy Australia Library

You can search the Library Catalogue on our website. Members are welcome to borrow any of the Library resources by contacting Louise Arkles on l.arkles@philanthropy.org.au

The world we want: new dimensions in philanthropy and social change
by Peter Karoff, with Jane Madox
Altamira Press, Lanham MD, 2007
555 KAR

In ‘The World We Want’, Peter Karoff (founder of The Philanthropic Initiative - TPI) presents a collective vision of an ideal world. By sharing his experiences and through conversations with more than forty social entrepreneurs, activists, nonprofit leaders, and philanthropists, he describes how new partnerships and approaches are achieving social change. The book weaves together multi-sector, multidiscipline strategies, but - in large part - it is about the power of human connection, reinforced by personal stories of motivation and the human capacity for caring. Without ignoring the institutional and cultural obstacles, and the courage needed to face down the dark side of human behavior, Karoff shows how citizen engagement and open source solutions could tip the scale toward a better world.

Taking philanthropy seriously: beyond noble intentions to responsible giving
Edited by William Damon and Susan Verducci
Indiana Uni Press, Bloomington IN, 2006
500 DAM

Many acts of charitable giving fail in their stated goals and some are actually harmful. In ‘Taking Philanthropy Seriously’, the authors explain why this state of affairs exists. They outline solutions, ranging from those that equip philanthropists to do good work to those that build a domain of philanthropic knowledge, ethical codes, and best practices. Attention is also given to considering recipients’ needs, frustrations, and hopes for support. Philanthropic leaders disclose instances of both good and compromised work, show how ethical concerns are secondary to “success” in philanthropy, and reveal strategies to promote effective and ethical conduct.

Thinking about poverty
Edited by Klaus Serr, 3rd edn
The Federation Press, Sydney, 2006
530 SER

How does poverty in Australia relate to global poverty and inequality? Why does poverty persist in themidst of affluence? ‘Thinking about poverty’ addresses these questions, and others, through bridging theory, policy and practice. It puts forward a range of anti-poverty strategies and considers alternative economic thinking. Chapters include: Processes of Globalisation; Women and Poverty; Governing Inequality; Poverty and Crime; The Impoverishment of a People - The Aboriginal Experience; Poverty and Mental Illness; Poverty and People with a Disability; The Funding and Provision of Emergency Relief in Australia.

Social work and human services best practice
Edited by Wing Hong Chui and Jill Wilson
The Federation Press, Sydney, 2006
224 WIN

While this book presents theories, practice and research in social work and human service practice, it also provides a sound, contemporary platform for funders who are researching program areas. Specialists in each field have contributed chapters on Child Protection; Young Offenders; Adult Offenders; Mental Health; Disability; Healthcare; Older People; Rural and Remote Communities; Aboriginal Australians; and Migrants and Refugees.

From OurCommunity, three new booklets for not-for-profit boards:
Surviving and thriving as a safe, effective board members: the essential facts you need to know before, during and after joining a community board
730 SUR
Ethical solutions: the essential guide to implementing an ethics program in your community group
718 ETH
Transforming community boards and committees: from hell to heaven
730 TRA

Artsupport Events in November

ARTSUPPORT AUSTRALIA 2007 MASTERCLASS AND LECTURE – CRITICAL ISSUES IN FUNDRAISING

Following the success of our past annual events (Kingsley Aikins on ‘Role of Boards and Major Gifts’ in 2005 and Richard Radcliffe on ‘Bequests’ in 2006), Artsupport Australia has secured Professor Adrian Sargeant to present our 2007 masterclasses and lectures in Sydney and Melbourne. Adrian is the world’s only specialist Chair in Fundraising at the Indiana University Center on Philanthropy in the US, and Professor of Non-profit Marketing at Bristol Business School and Henley Management College in the UK. He’s also Adjunct Professor of Philanthropy at the Centre of Philanthropy and Non-profit Studies at Queensland University of Technology, where he won a Myer Fellowship in 2005. Adrian has a high profile within the fundraising profession across the world and was recently voted by readers of Professional Fundraising Magazine as the 6th most influential person in fundraising. His text ‘Building Donor Loyalty’ has been listed as the book of the month by the Association of Fundraising Professionals in the US and by the Fundraising Institute of Australia.
Topics to be covered include:
• International trends in philanthropy
• Donor behaviour
• Donor recruitment
• Donor retention and loyalty
• Fundraising costs and benchmarking
• Legacies or bequests

Date: Tuesday 20 November 2007 (Sydney) & Thursday 22 November 2007 (Melbourne)
Time: Masterclass 9.30am - 4.30pm; Lecture 6pm - 7pm (followed by drinks)
Cost: Masterclass $250 per person; Lecture $50 per person (places limited)

For bookings and further information: Contact Melanie Hallett (Artsupport Australia) ph 02 9215 9322 or email m.hallett@ozco.gov.au

Go to the Events Calendar.

Stanford Australia Foundation Scholarship

The Stanford Australia Foundation is offering a non-profit scholarship to attend an Executive Program at Stanford Graduate School of Business in Palo Alto, California in 2008.

Find out more about the Scholarship & download an Application here.

Innovative Philanthropy for Brighter Futures

Eight passionate Australians will come together today [September 18] to create a project for young people, as part of a new alternative philanthropic project called Bright Minds, Bright Futures.

Bright Minds, Bright Futures is an innovative alternative to existing models of philanthropy in Australia. The project encourages people to get more involved with how their contributed funds are spent as they come together to create a project for young people.

Eight people, made up of accomplished leaders and motivated young Australians, will come together to devise and run a sustainable youth project.

“Bright Minds, Bright Futures aims to give people a greater level of influence over where their donated money is invested,” said Susie te Velde, co-investment manager for The Foundation for Young Australians.

“Participants will learn about the philanthropic sector and hopefully go back to their communities and inspire others.”

Investors involved in the project will make a financial contribution, as well as work together in a one-day workshop to create a vision, scope and strategy for the project. Not only will young people benefit from the experience and networks created, communities will benefit from the longer term effects of the projects.

Investors who are motivated to influence positive change and work with inspiring young Australians and wish to find out more about Bright Minds, Bright Futures contact Susie te Velde at The Foundation for Young Australians by calling (03) 9670 5436.

The Foundation for Young Australians is a national grant-making organisation committed to developing and creating exciting opportunities and effective outcomes with young Australians aged 12 to 25. The Foundation commits over $4 million each year to provide funding and support for initiatives created and delivered by young people that positively impact young Australians and strengthen their communities. At least 20% of The Foundation’s total funding is committed to programs that benefit young Indigenous people.

FYA Website: http://www.youngaustralians.org/

Andrew Forrest donates $80 million

Billionaire mining magnate Andrew Forrest (of Fortescue Metals Group & Poseidon Nickel Ltd) has donated $80 million in options and shares to a charitable trust he started with his wife.

The Australian Children’s Trust helps underprivileged children.

For more information, go to the Topical Issues: Major Donations page.

New Paper: State Disability Plan - Continuing the Journey - A personal and board perspective

In early September 2007, Philanthropy Australia’s President, Bruce Bonyhady (who is also President of Yooralla, Chairman of the Advisory Panel to Solve! at the RCH and a Director of the Disability Housing Trust) presented at the (Victorian) State Disability Plan Forum, “Continuing the Journey”. During his presentation Bruce reflected on the outcomes of the first five years of the State Disability Plan and identified challenges and opportunities for the future.

Go to the Papers & Reports page to download the speech.

Event - Reconciliation: Two Centuries On, Is Dialogue Enough?

The Centre for Dialogue is pleased to announce its 2007 annual lecture by Patrick Dodson:

Reconciliation: Two Centuries On, Is Dialogue Enough?

10th of October, 2007
Brunswick Town Hall
233 Sydney Road, Brunswick

Frequently heralded as the “Father of the Reconciliation Movement”, Patrick Dodson is widely recognised for his involvement in the preservation and advancement of indigenous rights and culture throughout Australia. He has served as the Chairman of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation (1991-1997), and often works as a consultant for industry, government and community groups on Indigenous affairs.

He is also the founding Chairman for Lingiari Foundation, a leading research and development organisation that seeks for the advancement of indigenous affairs.

The lecture will address some of the key issues facing the reconciliation movement, such as

Is reconciliation dead?
If not, what does the future hold?
What form will it take?
Who needs to do what, when, and how?

We are also encouraging people to invite any one who they feel would be interested in attending the event.

Please RSVP by emailing Christine Siokou - dialogue@latrobe.edu.au

Go to the Events Calendar.

Not-for-profit fraud survey 2008

The BDO not-for-profit fraud survey 2008, provides a benchmark for not-for-profit organisations revealing the perception and level of fraud in the sector, examining specific incidences of fraud and what the sector is doing to prevent fraud occurring.

Fraud is not only an issue for the not-for-profit sector. It is an issue for every organisation, whether they are in the corporate, government or not-for-profit sector.

The survey results provide a guide as to how fraud is occurring and the key methods that have worked in discovering fraud. While the results from our inaugural 2006 survey have been positive overall for the not-for-profit sector, organisations must not let their guard down in their fight against fraud - vigilance is imperative.

There are five key sections to this survey. During sections three and four you will be asked to examine fraud in your organisation over the past two years and more specifically we will ask you to provide details of the largest fraud you have suffered. The survey will take you approximately 10-15 minutes to complete and will close on 30 September 2007.

The final report will be released in February 2008.

This survey is being conducted by BDO Kendalls. The results of the 2006 survey can be found through the Not-for-Profit Network (PDF).

You can complete the 2008 survey online here.