philanthropyOz Blog

Philanthropy: Some Reflections by Geoffrey White OAM

This address by Geoffrey White OAM provides extensive historical context for philanthropy as we now understand it, tracing the concept through ancient cultures, a statute of 1601, and relatively modern revisions of its meaning from 1891 and 1911. An exploration of modern philanthropy is then built on this historical framework. White outlines the current state of the world’s organised giving and then moves from the general to look at specifically Australia, drawing on his experiences with the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation.

The second half of the speech is given over to looking at insights and issues currently in the sector, such as the question of publicity, duplication and waste of managerial resources in the proliferation of similar non-profits, working with governments, honouring the founders and trust deeds of older foundations, risk-taking, and perpetuity.

» Download from the PhilanthropyWiki

Policy Alert: Discussion Paper released on public ancillary funds

As flagged in the 2010-11 Budget, the Assistant Treasurer, the Hon Bill Shorten MP, today issued a discussion paper outlining the Government’s views on a new regulatory framework for public ancillary funds.

Interested parties are invited to comment on the discussion paper. Closing date for submissions is Friday, 17 December 2010.

» Read the Assistant Treasurer’s press release at assistant.treasurer.gov.au

» Download the Discussion Paper from ww.treasury.gov.au

Read the full Policy Alert (Philanthropy Australia Members Only)

New Events & Position Vacant

Just a few event updates today, and for those of you planning ahead for 2011, you’ll want to book your tickets to Philanthropy New Zealand’s Conference coming up in April:

• UPDATED: 3rd Annual Family Office Congress ( 1-2 December, Melbourne)
• Reichstein Foundation’s Innovative Projects Showcase (9 December, Melbourne)
• Measuring Social Impact - A Practical Introduction (9 December, Melbourne)
• 7th International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability (5-7 January 2011, New Zealand)
• UPDATED: Asia/Pacific Indigenous Peoples Funders Summit (27-29 March 2011, Indonesia)
• Philanthropy New Zealand Conference 2011 (6-7 April 2011, New Zealand)

» Visit the Events Calendar for further details

Position Vacant

The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) are seeking applications from high calibre individuals for the position of CEO. Based in Bendigo, Victoria, you will lead a small team delivering philanthropic partnerships for the benefit of rural, regional and remote Australia.

Applications close 30 November

» Visit the Positions Vacant page for further details

UN corporate social responsibility program to be Melbourne-based

The United Nations has chosen Melbourne to be the worldwide headquarters for its corporate social responsibility program.

The initiative will establish a co-operative network for 7700 corporates from around the world to share expertise on community investment and philanthropy. A memorandum of understanding between the UN Global Compact Office and a group of Melbourne business and ethics leaders paved the way for the soon to be established secretariat.

Andrew MacLeod, Chairman of the interim Principles for Social Investment secretariat and chief executive of the Committee For Melbourne, and St James Ethics Centre executive director Simon Longstaff negotiated the deal with the UN.

The new secretariat’s interim board includes Mr Longstaff and representatives from Ernst & Young, Clayton Utz, ANZ and National Australia Bank, and is advised by Sid Myer, Gareth Evans, BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto.

Read more on the Committee for Melbourne’s website

New Community Foundation launched in SA

The Fleurieu Community Foundation was launched on Sunday 31st of October by the Member for Finniss, Michael Pengilly. Speaking to a crowd of 90, Mr Pengilly praised the foresight of the steering committee and commended the Foundation’s future as a community charity with strong links across the Fleurieu Peninsula. Chairman of Directors, Peter Hanlon and Philanthropy Australia’s Community Foundation Development Officer Andrew Lawson also spoke.

The Fleurieu Community Foundation will act across the three Council areas of the Fleurieu Peninsula including Alexandrina, Victor Harbor and Yankalilla. The Foundation will seek to identify and bridge gaps in the funding and resources available to community projects, organisations and families on the Fleurieu.

The Fleurieu Community Foundation will raise money through grants, fundraising, bequests and donations to benefit those in the local community. Some of this funding will be directly distributed to causes within the community, and some will be invested, with the interest earned then distributed in the form of grants. This will build a permanent savings fund for the area.

The Fleurieu Community Foundation’s website is www.fleurieucommunityfoundation.org.au. Interested persons are welcome to contact Deputy Chair, Brad Butler.