philanthropyOz Blog

Philanthropy Australia’s new CEO

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Deborah Seifert as the new CEO of Philanthropy Australia.

Deborah brings a wealth of experience in the not-for-profit sector in leadership, governance, strategic planning, management, development and review, as well as 10 years experience as a trustee in the philanthropic sector.

Council is looking forward to working with Deborah as she leads Philanthropy Australia in a new phase of growth, service and support for Members. A press release is attached on this new and exciting appointment.

Download the press release here

New Position Vacant

Chief Executive Officer

The R. E. Ross Trust is seeking to appoint a new CEO, with demonstrated abilities in administration, value adding, astute judgement in program and project management, financial skills and commercial acumen.  This is an excellent opportunity to oversee a small, experienced trust with highly capable staff and a variety of valuable relationships and collaborative projects.

» Visit the Positions Vacant page for further details

Post-conference content update

The Philanthropy Australia Conference 2010: Philanthropy at the Tipping Point? website has been updated with lots of new content:

Wrap-Up Report

Read the post-conference summary and analysis of sessions; by all accounts the conference was a great success. With over 300 delegates and fantastic presentations and panel discussions, we thank all who participated and made the two days such a valuable event for the philanthropic sector.

» Download the Conference Wrap-Up Report here

Audio 

Plenary speeches and panel sessions are now available to download as mp3 audio files. For those with fast connections such as broadband you can also play them directly from the site.

» Visit the Conference Downloads page

Gallery

Photos from both the Opening Dinner and Thought Leadership Conference Day.

» View the Gallery

The Thomas Foundation Challenge, 4 years on

philanthropyOz Blog readers may remember back in 2006 when the David Thomas Challenge was launched by The Thomas Foundation, matching dollar-for-dollar donations to conservation efforts up to $10M. Four years later the Foundation is delighted to announce that the Challenge has seen more than $24 million delivered to conservation:

• some $18 million in donations from private sources and The Nature Conservancy to six privately-funded conservation groups
• a further $6.2 million from the Australian Government for land purchases that have been added to the National Reserve System funds

In creating the Challenge, David Thomas aimed to boost funding for private conservation groups, bring in new donors, and encourage a higher level of donations from existing supporters. With these objectives achieved, a further two years to run, and more than $3.6 million still available from The Thomas Foundation to match private donations, the Foundation is renewing its call for private donors to support conservation efforts.

You can read more at The Thomas Foundation’s website.

New Social Innovation Award, and 25 year milestone, at Macquarie Group Foundation

The Macquarie Group Foundation – one of Australia’s largest corporate benefactors – has announced the establishment of the Macquarie Group Foundation Social Innovation Award. The Award – a $100,000 grant – will be provided to an Australian not-for-profit organisation or program that addresses an unmet community need.

Announced last night at the Foundation’s 25th anniversary celebration in Sydney, the Macquarie Group Foundation Social Innovation Award will recognise, promote and reward ideas that work to meet pressing social needs, alleviate disadvantage and encourage social inclusion.

The recipient of the Macquarie Group Foundation Social Innovation Award will receive $100,000 over two years to fund further investment in, or development of, their program. It will be awarded bi-annually.

The Macquarie Group Foundation Social Innovation Award applications are open from today, 23 September, and will close on the 29th of October. The winner will be announced in December 2010. Award application, criteria and eligibility can be found on www.macquarie.com/foundation.

The Macquarie Group Foundation commemorated its 25th anniversary last night in Sydney, celebrating more than two decades of corporate philanthropy and community investment by Macquarie.

All Members Invitation - Farewell for Gina Anderson, CEO of Philanthropy Australia

The President of Philanthropy Australia, Mr Bruce Bonyhady AM, and the Council invite all Full and Associate Members to celebrate the leadership of Gina Anderson as CEO of Philanthropy Australia from 2005-2010. This occasion is an opportunity to acknowledge and thank Gina for her enormous contribution to Philanthropy Australia, and the growth of philanthropy in Australia, as well as representing Philanthropy Australia internationally. Please join Mr Bruce Bonyhady AM, the Council and Staff to farewell Gina as she embarks on new horizons.

Sydney

When: 5:30pm - 7:30pm, Monday 27 September 2010
Where: Macquarie Group Boardroom, 1 Shelley Street, Sydney
RSVP: RSVP essential to Annie Scoufis at Philanthropy Australia on (02) 9223 0155 or a.scoufis@philanthropy.org.au.

This event is generously hosted by Macquarie Group Foundation.

» Click here for further details on the Events Calendar

Melbourne

When: 5:30pm - 7:30pm, Thursday 30 September 2010
Where: Toyota Australia, 155 Bertie Street, Port Melbourne
RSVP: RSVP essential to Annie Scoufis at Philanthropy Australia on (02) 9223 0155 or a.scoufis@philanthropy.org.au.

This event is generously hosted by Toyota Australia.

» Click here for further details on the Events Calendar

After nearly five years as Chief Executive Officer of Philanthropy Australia, Gina Anderson has decided to step down from her role.

In thanking Gina for her contribution, the President of Philanthropy Australia, Mr Bruce Bonyhady AM, said “ I wish to place on record the appreciation of Council for the dedication and verve with which Gina has served Australian philanthropy while our Chief Executive.  Gina has ably overseen the development of Philanthropy Australia into an organisation with a truly national focus. She can be justifiably proud of the progress and achievements that have been made under her leadership and the Council wishes her well in her future endeavours.”

The effective date for Gina’s resignation is 30 September 2010.

The Scanlon Foundation 2010 Mapping Social Cohesion Report

The Scanlon Foundation has just launched the 2010 Mapping Social Cohesion Report, undertaken by Monash University. The third in the series, these surveys have revealed some interesting (and disturbing) trends; an increase in frequency of people experiencing race-based discrimination, and a decrease in trust levels.

From the Report’s summary: 

The third Scanlon Foundation survey was conducted in June 2010. It builds on the knowledge gained in the two earlier Scanlon Foundation surveys conducted in 2007 and 2009 to provide a broad insight into Australian attitudes at a time of widespread discussion of population issues. The three Scanlon Foundation surveys represent the most comprehensive surveying ever undertaken of Australian attitudes on social cohesion and population issues

There are many positives in the findings of the 2010 survey. General questions relating to national life and levels of personal satisfaction elicited the high levels of positive response that were evident in the earlier Scanlon Foundation surveys. Almost unanimously (95%) Australians express a strong sense of belonging in their country, 90% take great pride in the Australian way of life, and 91% believe that maintaining the Australian way of life and culture is important. 88% of respondents indicate that ‘taking all things into consideration’, they are happy with their lives.

With regard to issues of population growth, there has been much discussion of future targets, polarised advocacy and claims that a large majority does not support the concept of a ‘Big Australia’. The Scanlon Foundation survey found that 51% of respondents considered a projected population of 36 million in 2050 as ‘too high’, 42% ‘about right’ or ‘too low’.

The 2010 survey found an increase in negative views of immigration, but the level of opposition remains low when considered in the context of surveys conducted over the last twenty years. There is almost an equal division between those who consider that the immigration intake is ‘too high’ (47%) and ‘about right’ or ‘too low’ (45%).

The survey found a sharp fall in the level of trust in the federal government, in inter-personal trust and an increase in reported experience of discrimination. In 2009, 48% of respondents indicated that they trusted the federal government ‘to do the right thing for the Australian people’  ‘almost always’ and ‘most of the time’. In 2010 this proportion had decreased to 31%.

A final key finding relates to a significant long-term shift in Australian opinion. The survey registers broad support for a non-discriminatory immigration program that is perceived to be furthering the national interest.

In conclusion, the 2010 Scanlon Foundation survey confirms the strength of personal satisfaction and positive attitude to national life and identifies a significant (and negative) shift in trust and confidence in government. It provides the basis for a nuanced understanding of Australian attitudes to population growth and issues of asylum.

» Download the full summary from the Monash University Institute for the Study of Global Movements

New Positions Vacant

Chief Executive

The Helen Macpherson Smith Trust is entering its next phase of development and is seeking to appoint a new Chief Executive to build on the success and reputation of this well-regarded philanthropic trust.  Experience in financial and investment management and innovative grant-making a must.

Applications close 15 October.

Event Coordinator

The Benevolent Society are seeking an individual with excellent organisation, communications and administration skills to  coordinate their fundraising and community events. Benefits include professional development and flexibility for full time employees.

Applications close 20 September.

» Visit the Positions Vacant page for further details

New Events

It’s a busy few months ahead, with a whole lot of new events on our calendar. Of special note are our farewell drinks in Sydney and Melbourne for Philanthropy Australia’s outgoing CEO, Gina Anderson.

New Events

• Making Ethical Decisions in Third Sector Organisations, with Patrick McClure AO (27 September, Victoria)
• Appreciative Inquiry Forum - Exploring Appreciative Inquiry in Australia (6 October, Victoria)]
• Barry Gaberman visiting Melbourne (7 October, Melbourne)
• The Long Walk Women’s Luncheon (8 October, Melbourne)
• Schools First State Award Cocktail Reception (26 October, Melbourne)
• AEGN 2010 Annual Conference: Skills, Knowledge, Debate (27 October, Victoria)
• 2010 Artsupport Australia Masterclass & Lecture Series: Developing effective bequest strategies for the arts (16 November, Sydney / 18 November, Melbourne)

Australian Women Donors Network are holding a series of workshops as part of their ‘Inspired Living & Giving Tour’ with internationally-renowned philanthropist and donor educator Tracy Gary:

• Family Foundation Workshop (18 October, Melbourne / 25 October, Perth)
• Transformational Giving Workshop (19 October, Melbourne / 20 October, Sydney / 25 October, Perth)
• Accelerating Social Change Workshop (19 October, Melbourne / 21 October, Sydney)
• Inspiring Wealth Coach Workshop (21 October, Sydney / 22 October, Melbourne / 26 October, Perth)
• A Community Conversation: The Changemaker Within! (22 October, Melbourne)

 Member Only Events

• Corporate Network meeting (23 September, Sydney)
• Farewell and celebration for Gina Anderson CEO Philanthropy Australia 2005-2010 (27 September, Sydney / 30 September, Melbourne)
• Philanthropic Funders in the Shepparton Region (15 October, Melbourne)
• Addressing Homelessness Affinity Group meeting (28 October, Melbourne)
• UPDATED: Health and Medical Research Forum (4 November, Sydney)
• Philanthropy Australia Circle of Learning - an invitation to Foundations and Charities (10 November, Sydney)
• Arts Affinity Group meeting (11 November, Sydney)
• UPDATED: Indigenous Affinity Group meeting (17 November, Melbourne)

Visit the Members Only area to view Affinity Group and Network pages with their respective events (requires Member login).

» Further details for all events are listed on the Events Calendar

Australia & NZ top the ‘World Giving Index’

The “World Giving Index”, the largest study ever carried out into charitable behaviour across the globe, which ranked the Australia and New Zealand the most charitable nations in the world, has found that happier people are more likely to give money to charity than those who are wealthy.

The “World Giving Index” used a Gallup survey on the charitable behaviour of people in 153 countries representing 95% of the world’s population. The survey asked people whether they had given money to charity in the last month and to rank how happy they are with life on a scale of one to ten.

The study also measured two other types of charitable behaviour alongside giving money – volunteering time and helping a stranger. The “World Giving Index” combines the levels of each charitable behaviour to produce a ranking of the most charitable nations in the world.

In Australia, 70% of the population have given money, and 38% have given time; in New Zealand the figures are 68% money and 41% time. This compares with the USA where 60% of the population have given money and 39% time; and the UK which scored 73% and 29%.

Malta was found to be the country with the largest percentage of the population (83%) giving money, the people of Turkmenistan are the most generous with their time with 61% having given time to charity and Liberia was top of the list for helping a stranger (76%).

You can read more on the CAF UK website