philanthropyOz Blog

Weekly Roundup

PRESSING MATTERS STORY OF THE WEEK

A time to account for donated dollars (Daily Telegraph, 24/10/11)

Australian charities are, they would argue by necessity, as large as the causes to which they are dedicated. They mobilise hundreds of staff and volunteers in quests for funding and appoint talented management identities to oversee matters. Put simply, charities are big business.

» Click here to read the full article on the Daily Telegraph website

» What is PRESSing Matters?

NEWS

ACNC Website Now Live

The Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) Implementation Taskforce website launched this week. The website provides a breadth of information, including reports on the scoping study for a national NFP regulator, sector statistics, and the phases for implementation of the ACNC:

• Phase 1: The ACNC Taskforce (July - September 2011)
• Phase 2: Consult with the Sector (October 2011 - February 2012)
• Phase 3: Set up ACNC as regulator (March 2012 - June 2013)
• Phase 4: Enhanced ACNC business features and new charity rules (July 2013 onwards)

» Click here to visit the new ACNC website

Ethics in Philanthropy Debate

Last night’s Ethics in Philanthropy Debate at Federation Square was challenging in unexpected ways, as the question of who, why, where and what is philanthropy was opened up to the public. Sharon Nathani gives a great run-down of the debate on her ozphilanthropy blog here. The session was also recorded by ABC Radio National to be aired soon.

Channel 31 to Showcase Philanthropic Projects

‘Great Stories’ is a half-hour series of programs showcasing great philanthropic projects, to be screened on Victoria’s Channel 31 commencing Monday 7 November, 8 - 8:30pm. The program will include segments on some great philanthropy funded projects including FareShare, Common Ground homelessness project, Fitted for Work and projects for disaster recovery in Ipswich, Qld, and Marysville, Vic. Interstate screening times are to be confirmed.

» For more information visit www.greatstories.com.au

EVENTS

Coming Up:

• Grantseeker Workshop (8 November, Brisbane)
• National Conference on Volunteering (9-11 November, Brisbane)
• The Maimonides Society Spring 2011 Gathering: Churchill Fellowships – Opportunity for the philanthropic sector? (14 November, Melbourne)
• Rural & Regional Affinity Group (9 November, Canberra; open to non-Member grantmakers)
• Advocacy Workshop - Change the World Through Philanthropy (15 November, Sydney / 17 November, Melbourne)
• 2011 Research Australia Awards (16 November, Melbourne)

New this week:

• Philanthropy and the marine sector with Dr Sylvia Earle (21 November, Sydney)
• Disability Projects Briefing for Philanthropy (23 November, Melbourne)
• Quality At Work Forum: Creating sustainable employment through social enterprise models (24 November, Melbourne)
• AEGN Annual General Meeting with presentation from Dr Sylvia Earle (24 November, Melbourne)
• 2011 Stegley Lecture: Professor Thomas Pogge - What are the responsibilities of the affluent to address global poverty? (21 November, Melbourne)
• Donor Morning Tea & Project Briefing: Victorian Women & Mental Health Network (30 November, Melbourne)
• ACCSR Annual Conference 2012: The Innovation Imperative - Taking CSR from Risk management to Value Creation (15 February 2012, Melbourne)

» Further details on these events are available on the Events Calendar.

If you have any events relevant to Australian grantmakers coming up, please let us know by submitting it on our website here.

New research report on philanthropy for women and girls

A new study by the Australian Women Donors Network, conducted by the Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies at Queensland University of Technology, has found that 12% of Australian philanthropic grants in 2009-2010  were directed to organisations or projects for women and girls.

This compares favourably to overseas numbers of 7.5% in USA and 4.8% in Europe, but the study also revealed that some 10% of respondents said they couldn’t find projects for women and girls, and the median grant amount to women and girls was $10,000. Half of respondents did not target women and girls because they were considered to be covered in general funding.

Women Donors CEO Julia Keady has said that “The most encouraging part was 33% of respondents plan to increase giving to women and girls, which is great news!”

» Click here to download the Media Release (PDF)

» Click here to download the research report’s Executive Summary (PDF)

Much like Philanthropy Australia’s own Projects Pool (http://www.philanthropy.org.au/membership/projects-pool.html), but with a specific focus on women and girls, the Women Donors Network offers the Online Project Showcase (http://www.womendonors.org.au/index.php?option=com_sobi2&Itemid=165)  which details projects that require funding and is designed for funders and foundations to source projects that need support.

» Visit the Australian Women Donors website

Chartered Secretaries Australia launch NFP Governance Intiative

Chartered Secretaries Australia (CSA) have launched a new Not-for-Profit Governance Initiative, to “improve standards and efficiency within the sector and empower organisations to operate successfully in today’s business environment”.

They’ve developed a range of services and programs for not-for-profits:

NFP governance support program: Eligible organisations can apply to be matched with a qualified CSA member for pro bono governance advice.

Governance volunteer advertising: NFPs seeking pro bono grovernance advice can advertise to the CSA membership.

Certificate in governance for NFPs: Accredited training in Graduate Diploma of Applied Corporate Governance.

Publications: Discounted technical guides on governance and risk management for NFPs.

In-house training: Tailored governance programs for individual organisations.

» Click here to go to CSA’s Not-for-Profit Governance Initiative

CSA have also prepared  a series of free Good Governance Guides for Not-for-Profits, covering:

• Board structure
• Separation of authority between board (council) and management
• Stewardship and social responsibility
• Volunteer management
• Conflicts of interest
• Risk management policy

» Click here to download from the CSA website

Weekly Roundup

PRESSING MATTERS STORY OF THE WEEK

Anti-Poverty Week a time to reflect on inequality near and far
By Paul McDonald (Age, 18/10/11)
Few Australians remain untouched by poverty. It creeps quietly along our streets, festers within indigenous communities and may only be a pay cheque or two away, even for many middle-income earners. This week is Anti-Poverty Week, and the aim is to get all of us talking about disadvantage and how to address it.

» Read the full article on The Age website

This is an excerpt from the 13 - 19 October 2011 edition of PRESSing Matters (Members access only)

» What is PRESSing Matters?

NEWS

New ACNC Taskforce YouTube Channel

The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Implementation Taskforce have a new YouTube channel, with current videos explaining the role of the ACNC and how it will interact with the third sector, business, government and public at large.

» Click here to go to the ACNC Taskforce YouTube channel.

Above: Interim Commissioner and Head of the ACNC Implementation Taskforce, Susan Pascoe AM provides an overview of the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission and its role from 1 July 2012.

» Click here to view the video on YouTube

PHILANTHROPY AUSTRALIA WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS

Coming up:

• Philanthropy 101 Seminar - Adelaide, Monday 24 October 2011 - full, click here to register your interest in future seminars
• Grantseeker Workshop - Brisbane, Tuesday 8 November 2011 - click here to register online
• Working with the Board, Professional Development Workshop Series (Full Members only) - Melbourne, Tuesday 8 November 2011 - click here to download the registration form
• Understanding the Governance of Charitable Foundations Seminar - Melbourne, Thursday 10 November 2011 - click here to register online
• Philanthropy 101 Seminar - Sydney, Tuesday 22 November 2011 - click here to register online

New dates scheduled for 2012:

Understanding the Governance of Charitable Foundations Seminar

• Brisbane CBD - Thursday, 23 February 2012 - click here to register online
• Sydney CBD - Wednesday, 7 March 2012 - click here to register online
• Melbourne CBD - Wednesday, 14 March 2012 - click here to register online

EVENTS

Coming up:

• The Canary in the Cage and Coal - Coal Seam Gas, Climate Change and Philanthropy (Tuesday 25 October, Sydney)
• Impact Investment Forum (Wednesday 26 October, Melbourne)
• Annual Ethics in Philanthropy Debate (Thursday 27 October, Melbourne)
• Indigenous Innovation Unconference (Saturday 29 October, Redfern NSW)
• National Conference on Volunteering 2011 (9-10 November, Brisbane)

POSITIONS VACANT

• Fundraising Key Relationships Coordinator - Sydney, Australian Conservation Foundation. Sydney location, permanent full time. Applications close Friday 21 October 2011.
• Development Manager, Arts Access Australia. Melbourne location, remote working considered, part time. Applications close Monday 24 October 2011.
• Executive Officer, Westpac Foundation, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability. Sydney location, full time. Applications open until filled.
• Accountant / Book Keeper, The Ian Potter Foundation. Melbourne location. Applications open until filled.
• Administrative Assistant, Matana Foundation for Young People. Sydney location, hours negotiable. Applications open until filled.
• Development Director, Documentary Australia Foundation. Sydney location. Applications open until filled.
• Large Gift Fundraiser, Opportunity International Australia. Melbourne location. Applications open until filled.
• Development Director, Australasia, Room to Read. Australia location. Applications open until filled.

Annual State of Corporate Social Responsibility

The Australian Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility (ACCSR) have opened their annual survey on the state of CSR in Australia for 2011/2012.

Now in its fourth year, and one of the largest ongoing CSR projects in the world, the annual survey has provided deep insights into the practices and trends of corporate social responsibility and sustainability practices and attitudes in Australia.

The survey is by invitation only, but for any questions you can contact ACCSR’s research consultant Collette Einfeld at coletteeinfeld@accsr.com.au or phone (03) 9826 1767.

State of CSR for 2010/2011

Findings from the latest State of CSR in Australia Annual Review show that although there is growth of CSR as a management practice, take-up of CSR is hampered by organisational buy-in and commitment.

And although existing CSR practitioners are becoming more effective, fulfilling potential impact is hampered by the need to be multi-disciplinary, working across many silos of a business.

Some organisations have stood out in the CSR Top 20 for outstanding practices and effectiveness, including BHP Billiton, Westpac Banking Corporation, CPA Australia, State Trustees, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Charities Aid Foundation, Mission Australia, National Breast Cancer Foundation and The Smith Family.

» Click here to download the State of CSR in Australia Annual Review 2010/11 from ACCSR’s website

Nonprofit sector reform update

Treasury has released the first edition of its Not-For-Profit Reform Newsletter, which can be downloaded from Treasury’s website in either PDF or Word format.

The newsletter includes some information on the near future of the reform process. Upcoming developments include:

• Statutory Definition of Charity: consultation paper expected October 2011, exposure draft legislation expected in first half of 2012
• Second exposure draft of ‘In Australia’ special conditions legislation: expected late 2011
• Exposure draft relating to ‘Better targeting of tax concessions’: expected late 2011
• Discussion paper on a national approach to fundraising regulation: expected late 2011
• Legislation relating to establishment of the ACNC: expected late 2011
• Review of corporations limited by guarantee and governance arrangements for not-for-profits: expected late 2011

You can subscribe to the newsletter by emailing NFPReform@treasury.gov.au.

National volunteering survey open; Volunteering increases employment opportunities

Volunteering Australia’s annual national volunteering survey is now open for feedback. The survey, gathering data from volunteers, organisations with volunteers, and businesses with employe volunteering programs, will help shape Volunteering Australia’s direction and priorities for 2012. The survey results are also important for the third sector as a whole to gain better understanding on how the voluntary sector is fairing in Australia.

This year’s survey emphasis is on  priorities of issues and how to improve the voluntary sector.

The survey is split into three parts for different audiences. We encourage anyone involved in volunteering to complete the survey.

If you are a company with an employee volunteering program: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NSVI_Companies

If you are a volunteer: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NSVI_Volunteers

If you are a not-for-profit or government organisation: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NSVI_VIOs

The survey closes on 6 November 2011. Results will be released on International Volunteers Day on 5 December 2011.

» Click here for more information on the Volunteering Australia website

Volunteering increases employment opportunities

According to new research conducted by professional network LinkedIn, volunteer work is considered equally valuable to paid work experience by hiring managers. Clifford Rosenberg, Managing Director, LinkedIn Australia and New Zealand, says a majority of professionals in Australia have had volunteer experience but perceive it to be separate or irrelevant to their current profession. He says having additional skills from voluntary work can set a person apart. LinkedIn says the survey reinforces volunteer work is a key piece of a person’s professional identity.

The survey comes with the new LinkedIn feature allowing members to add a “Volunteer Experience and Causes” field to their profile.

» Click here to read the full news article on the Pro Bono Australia website

Are you on LinkedIn? Click here to follow Philanthropy Australia

Thankyou to our own volunteers

Philanthropy Australia would like to thank our own generous volunteers Martine Botha, Deborah Pugh, Patricia Burke and Richard Grant for their expertise, enthusiasm and immense help this year.

2012 AIGM Grantmaker of the Year Award nominations open

Nominations are open for The Australian Institute of Grants Management (AIGM) 2012 Grantmaker of the Year Award.

The awards emphasise the importance of the professional people behind grants and empowering them to lead the philanthropic sector with good practice and intelligence in grantmaking. The awards also uphold the importance of grants in the Australian economy, as a driving factor in innovation, empowering the enthusiastic and driving the effective.

Nominees are asked to provide a vision for the next steps in good grantmaking, rewarding innovative thinking and demonstrating how to “bring grantmaking out of the shadows”.

Australian grantmaking individuals are encouraged to apply, with a cash prize of $5,000 to the winner.

Nominations close 9am Thursday, 24 November 2011.

» Click here to visit the AIGM website for further information and to apply

Position Vacant:

SmartyGrants, a division of AIGM, are seeking a  software Trainer for their online grants management system. Based in Melbourne, the successful applicant will assist and train SmartyGrants users in becoming more effective grantmakers. The role includes teaching of technical and grantmaking skills, developing new training documentation, and phone and email support.

Applications close Tuesday 18 October 2011

» Click here for further information on this position

Positions Vacant: Australian Conservation Foundation, Arts Access Australia

Australian Conservation Foundation are seeking a self-motivated and enthusiastic Fundraising Key Relationships Coordinator responsible for researching, identifying, cultivating and soliciting high value donations and grants from individuals, trusts, foundations, government departments and business. Based in Sydney, the successful applicant will possess strong leadership, communication and financial management skills.

Applications close 21 October 2011 - click here for more details on this position

Arts Access Australia, the national peak body for arts and disability, are looking to fill the position of Development Manager, based in Melbourne (remote working considered). This part-time role is responsible for all aspects of fundraising and development, including government funding, sponsorships, philanthropic grants and private donors. People with disability are encouraged to apply.

Applications close 24 October 2011 - click here for more details on this position

If you’d like to submit a job listing for the philanthropic sector or senior fundraising positions, please see our submissions page here.

Registration for 2011 Annual PwC Transparency Awards now open

As part of PwC’s support for the improvement of transparency and quality of reporting in the not-for-profit sector, PwC has joined with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and the Centre for Social Impact to launch the 2011 PwC Transparency Awards.

These Awards give not-for-profit organisations a valuable opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to transparent and quality reporting seriously. Nominees for the 2011 Transparency Awards will be in the following categories:

• Generate revenue >$30m (category 1, capped at 30 registrations)
• Generate revenue >$5m but less than or equal to $30m (category 2, capped at 40 registrations)

The winner and runner-up in each category receive $20,000 and $10,000 respectively towards sending member(s) of their organisation on training and development or study tours.

To be a part of these Awards and receive individual feedback on how to improve your organisation’s reporting, register on-line at http://www.pwc.com.au/about-us/corporate-responsibility/transparency-awards/index.htm by 5pm Friday 4 November 2011. For further information please contact Georgie Swan, georgie.swan@au.pwc.com or (03) 8603 4597.