philanthropyOz Blog

New issue of Australian Philanthropy journal - Brave Philanthropy: taking risks and testing solutions

Brave Philanthropy: taking risks and testing solutions is the theme of our latest issue of Australian Philanthropy, Issue 82, Spring 2012.

Lisa Jordan, executive director of the Bernard van Leer Foundation wrote in Alliance magazine, (March 2012) “…taking risks is an inherent responsibility of organised philanthropy … to use private money to try to solve intractable problems … The question is, do we?” While foundations often explore and plan for financial risk in their investment management, there is little understanding of risk on the program side. “We have no forums where risk can be discussed … and we rarely use the tools we have such as evaluation to help us understand the degree to which we have succeeded or failed.”

The question of failure is a tricky one – it assumes we have identified a measure of achievement to be aimed for, and fallen short of that bar. But how many foundations have actually identified the impact they want to make in a given place or field, let alone measured success against those aims? If, on the other hand, the only true failure is a grant that nothing is learned from, why do many foundations inhibit the extent of their successes by not sharing the learnings? Issue 82 investigates whether Australian philanthropy does indeed take risks in its grant-making and learn from both its successes and failures.

SELECTED ARTICLES

Innovation doesn’t grow on trees - the art of finding and funding new solutions (PDF)

By Brenton Caffin, CEO, The Australian Centre for Social Innovation (TACSI)

The Australian Centre for Social Innovation works with people to create and spread new ways to lead better lives. We heard the call from the child protection system and in response we undertook a project to explore ways of preventing families fromb spiralling into crisis and to enable more families to thrive. The result was Family by Family.

Interview: Eda Ritchie (PDF)

The R. E. Ross Trust, funding across Victoria, is one of the most innovative and respected foundations in the country, showing leadership across grant-making, communications and transparency. Eda Ritchie joined the Trust as trustee in 1997 and Louise Arkles asked her about the importance of risk-taking in philanthropy.

Interview: Dr Sam Prince (PDF)

Picture this: a Scottish-born Australian doctor with Sri Lankan heritage running a chain of Mexican restaurants alongside his work in emergency medicine and doing aid work in Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam, and now in remote communities in the Northern Territory. Phew!
Dr Sam Prince lives this life – he’s a medical doctor, a business entrepreneur, and the founder of the charities Emagine Foundation and One Disease at a Time, and to top it off he’s not yet 30. Louise Arkles, editor of Australian Philanthropy, asked Sam Prince about his philanthropy and his approach to taking risks and testing solutions.

Browse the full contents list on the PhilanthropyWiki

» Click here for more information on the Australian Philanthropy Journal

Members of Philanthropy Australia can download the full PDF version of issue 82 here (requires Member login)

New 2011 Professional Development and PAF Workshops

We’re pleased to announce 2011 dates for Philanthropy Australia workshops, including our new Professional Development series.

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Philanthropy Professional Development Workshop Series 2011

Led by specialist presenters, this series of workshops is specifically designed for workers in philanthropy and features topics that have been requested by staff of Member organisations. All sessions are held in Melbourne CBD; interstate attendees are most welcome.

You can choose to participate in single workshops, or if you sign up for the whole series you’ll receive a discounted rate and be allocated a priority space for all workshops.

Attendees must be employed by a current Full Member organisation of Philanthropy Australia.

Media & Communications, 1 March 2011, 12pm - 1:30pm

Presenter: Jen Sharpe, Think HQ

Evaluation & Impact, 3 May 2011, 12pm - 1:30pm

Presenter: Regina Hill, Effective Philanthropy

Social Media, 5 July 2011, 12pm - 1:30pm

Presenter: Philanthropy Australia & special guests

Project Management, 6 September 2011, 12pm - 1:30pm

Presenter: Catherine Brown, Catherine Brown & Associates

Working with the Board, 8 November 2011, 12pm - 1:30pm

Presenter: Catherine Brown, Catherine Brown & Associates

Cost per workshop: $40 per attendee, including GST.

Attend the whole PD series: All 5 workshops at the discounted rate of $150 per attendee, including GST.

» Click here to make a booking and for more information

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Private Ancillary Fund (PAF) Governance Workshops

These workshops are tailored to donors, directors and trustees of Private Ancillary Funds (PAFs), and explain the new rules governing PAFs (previously known as PPFs), including the Guidelines, relevant legislation, responsibilities of trustees, and transition arrangements.

Presented by David Ward, author of the Private Ancillary Funds Trustee Handbook, it’s a great opportunity to engage in conversations around, and ask questions about, the intricacies of governing philanthropic foundations, and PAFs in particular.

Sydney: 10 May 2011, 9:30am - 12:30pm

Melbourne: 11 May 2011, 9:30am - 12:30pm

Cost: All scheduled PAF Governance Workshops cost $385 for Members and $605 for Non-Members per attendee, including GST.

» Click here to make a booking and for more information

Disaster Briefings for Full Members

Philanthropy Australia has scheduled two meetings for our Full Members in response to the recent natural disasters around the country.

As you would be well aware, significant flooding occurred in many areas of Queensland during late December 2010 and early January 2011, with three quarters of the state declared a disaster zone. Victoria has also experienced severe flooding affecting many rural areas. Recovery work is underway, with support available for those affected and opportunities for everyone to help others in need. However, as was seen in the case of the Victorian bushfires last year, medium and long term support and donations will continue to be needed months and even years after the event in order for these affected communities to recover.

By the 19th January, the Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal in Queensland had received over $123,000,000 in support. However as an Item 2 DGR, the Premier’ Disaster Relief Fund is an ineligible recipient for donations from Private Ancillary Funds (PAFs) and Public Ancillary Funds (PuAFs).

Assessments of those areas affected by tropical cyclone Yasi in Northern Queensland will also be covered.

At this time we therefore thought it appropriate to invite members to a briefing that endeavours to both share information about ways in which they are offering support.

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Queensland Flood Crisis 2011: Briefing for Sydney Members

When: Tuesday 8 February 2011, 10:30 - 11:30 am
Where: Level 12, Angel Place 123 Pitt Street, Sydney
For: Full Members of Philanthropy Australia only

Andrew Thomas of Perpetual, a resident of Brisbane, will also update the group as to the latest developments with the recovery and discuss opportunities to assist.

This event is generously hosted by Perpetual.

Please RSVP to Annie Scoufis at Philanthropy Australia on (02) 9223 0155 or email a.scoufis@philanthropy.org.au

Members’ Disasters Response Briefing (Melbourne)

When: Thursday 3 March 2011, 10:15 am - 12 noon
Where: Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, Melbourne Town Hall
For: Full Members of Philanthropy Australia only

Reflections on learnings from the philanthropic response to the Victorian bushfires are encouraged. Speakers will include Regina Hill from Effective Philanthropy, co-author of Responding to the Victorian bushfires - what role for philanthropy?

This event is generously hosted by the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation.

Please RSVP by Thursday 24 February to Annie Scoufis at Philanthropy Australia on (02) 9223 0155 or email a.scoufis@philanthropy.org.au

Invitation: All Members End-Of-Year Celebrations

Philanthropy Australia would like to invite our Full and Associate Members to join us for our annual end-of-year celebrations in Melbourne and Sydney, wrapping up Philanthropy Australia’s activities for 2010.

As well as a wonderful opportunity to network with other Full and Associate Members, if you have not yet met Philanthropy Australia’s new CEO, Dr Deborah Seifert, this is a great opportunity to do so.

Come along for drinks and nibbles to celebrate the conclusion of another busy year!

Sydney: Tuesday 7 December
Melbourne: Thursday 9 December

Download the invitation here

RSVP essential to Annie Scoufis at Philanthropy Australia on (02) 9223 0155 or a.scoufis@philanthropy.org.au by Thursday 2 December 2010.

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.