philanthropyOz Blog

New Seminar Series: How Australia Gives

Philanthropy Australia is delighted to announce the first in a new series of seminars, How Australia Gives, in which we draw together leading examples of philanthropic endeavour. We will highlight the many and varied examples of How Australia Gives to inspire donors and encourage not-for-profits.

The first seminar is Granting By Trustee Companies - Traditionalists And Trailblazers.

Trustee companies have been a part of the Australian philanthropic landscape since 1878. Traditionally involved with the execution of estates and bequests trustee companies are now more actively involved with living donors particularly through the establishment of private ancillary funds (PAFs) and public ancillary funds (PuAFs).

This seminar will bring together presenters from four of Australia’s leading trustee companies to discuss the philosophy and processes behind their grant-making strategies.

Charitable trusts provide a vital and perpetual source of funding for NFPs. Between them ANZ Trustees, Equity Trustees, Perpetual Trustees and The Trust Company manage almost 1300 charitable trusts consisting of $3 billion in funds under management and distributing over $160 million in discretionary funds each year.

In this How Australia Gives seminar, four major trends in philanthropy will form the backdrop:

1. Exploring new models of financing for not-for-profits: how will charitable foundations participate, and how will this change the charitable sector?
2. Increased giving trends measured over the long term, including structured giving, are leading to the emergence of a larger, more fragmented and complex philanthropic sector: what does this mean for not-for-profits and advisors?
3. How is the trend toward ‘giving while living’ changing the relationships between donors and charities, and donors with their foundations and advisors?
4. The increasing demands in philanthropic governance: transparency; the emergence of social return on investment and social impact measures; and calls for accountability in philanthropy.

Speakers:

• Teresa Zolnierkiewicz, ANZ Trustees
• Andrew Thomas, Perpetual
• Tabitha Lovett, Equity Trustees
• Simon Lewis, The Trust Company
• Dr Deborah Seifert, Philanthropy Australia
• Rikki Andrews, Philanthropy Australia

For more information including a schedule for the session and speaker bios, see How Australia Gives on our website.

Weekly Roundup

This will be our last Weekly Roundup for the year. As I will be away on leave for December, please note that any events or jobs submitted for posting to our website from next Tuesday 29 November will not be attended to until early January 2012. So if you have anything you’d like included on our Positions Vacant page or Events Calendar, please submit it by 5pm Monday 28 November.

- Joanna

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PRESSING MATTERS STORY OF THE WEEK

Balwyn man making a difference

By Bianca Carmona (Progress Leader, 21/11/11)

A Balwyn disability campaigner is among big names, including cyclist Cadel Evans and singer Paul Kelly, to be named as finalists in the state Australian of the Year awards.
Quiet achiever Bruce Bonyhady said: “To be nominated as Victorian of the Year, given the many outstanding Victorians who have preceded me, is an honour which I never expected and am stunned to receive.”

» Click here to read the full article on the Progress Leader website

» What is PRESSing Matters?

NEWS

iPledg - New Australian Crowdfunding Platform Launching January

A new Australian-based online crowdfunding platform will be launching on 1 January 2012. iPledge describes itself as “Australia’s newest and most comprehensive crowdfunding platform for commercial, creative and charitable projects”.

They’re currently taking expressions of interest from project creators, potential funders and partners.

Crowdfunding - sometimes known as crowd financing - describes the collective cooperation, attendion and trust by people who network and pool their money and other resources together, usually via the internet, to support efforts initiated by other people or organisations.¹

» www.ipledg.com

» Follow iPledg on Twitter or Facebook

¹ Crowd funding, Wikipedia

Philanthropy Australia Office Closures Over New Year

Our Melbourne and Sydney offices will be closed over the New Year break from 4pm Wednesday 21 December, reopening at 9am Monday 9 January 2012.

EVENTS

Coming up for the rest of this year:

• National Conference on Volunteering (28-30 November, Gold Coast QLD)
• Gala Dinner with Abigail Disney: Behind the famous surname lies a woman helping women fight for peace (29 November, Melbourne / 1 December, Sydney)
• National Summit for the Charitable and Nonprofit Sector, Canada (29-30 November, Canada)
• Donor Morning Tea & Project Briefing: Victorian Women & Mental Health Network (30 November, Melbourne)
• Philanthropy MasterClass: “BOLD, BRAVE & BREAKING NEW GROUND” with Abigail Disney (30 November, Melbourne / 2 December, Sydney)
• 4th Annual Family Office Congress (30 November - 1 December, Sydney)
• Imagineering - Humanitarian Engineering Conference (30 November - 3 December, Melbourne)
• QUT Community Collection for Grant Seekers, Fundraisers and Philanthropists Library Tutorial (1 December, Brisbane)
• Global Grantmaking Institute (1-2 December, USA)
• ACPNS Course Information and Professional Development Evening (6 December, Brisbane)
• Philanthropy Australia’s All Members End of Year Celebrations (6 December, Sydney / 7 December, Melbourne)

New & updated this week:

• Indigenous Sustainability: Enterprise, Education & Environment (28 February 2012, Sydney)
• 6th Australasian Better Boards Conference (27-29 July 2012, Melbourne)
• Understanding the Governance of Charitable Foundations Seminar (9 October 2012, Sydney - click here to register / 10 October 2012, Melbourne - click here to register)

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

POSITIONS VACANT

• Director of Alumni Relations & Philanthropy, Australian National University, Canberra, applications close 2 December
• Manager, Institutional Donor Programs, Australian National University, Canberra, applications close 2 December
• General Manager, OzHarvest, Sydney, applications close 2 December
• Community & Sustainability Advisor, Coles, Melbourne, applications close 4 December
• Chief Executive Officer, United Synergies, Sunshine Coast QLD, applications close 19 December
• Executive Officer, Mary Ward International Australia, Melbourne, applications open until filled

» Further details on these jobs are available on the Positions Vacant page.

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.

New dates for Understanding the Governance of Charitable Foundations Seminar

We have announced new October dates for our Understanding the Governance of Charitable Foundations Seminar in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

Presented by David Ward, Philanthropy Australia’s Treasurer, this seminar is an essential refresher and introduction on governance for grantmakers, tailored to attendees’ needs and structures.

An exploration of issues and considerations for trustees of charitable trusts and foundations in Australia, topics covered include the structure of charitable trusts, governance and the role trustees play; what trustees must do and what trustees should consider doing; and governance failure.

Perhaps you’ve come across some of these questions in relation to your foundation:

• What are the implications for our Public Ancillary Fund with the recent changes in tax laws?
• How can I be told that some organisations with both DGR and TCC are not eligible for grants from my PAF?
• What is wrong in having a grant condition stating that if money isn’t fully spent on this project the organisation must give the remainder back?
• Why cannot my foundation support good small TCC Charities that desperately need help?
• Why can this foundation only distribute in Victoria when others can fund deserving projects in the Northern Territory?

If you don’t know the answers, Understanding the Governance of Charitable Foundations Seminar will help.

Who should attend?

This seminar is an ideal base for new trustees and foundation staff; useful to those providing advice on setting up foundations and trusts; and an excellent reference document and aide memoire to those already familiar with its subject.  This seminar also provides an opportunity for those with significant interaction with foundations and trusts to understand the responsibilities and issues considered by Trustees.

Register

Brisbane:  Tuesday, 11 October 2011, 9:30am - 12:30pm

» Click here to register online for Brisbane seminar

Sydney: Wednesday, 12 October 2011, 9:30am - 12:30pm

» Click here to register online for Sydney seminar

Melbourne: Thursday, 13 October 2011, 9:30am - 12:30pm

» Click here to register online for Melbourne seminar

About David Ward

David is a trustee, governance and structure consultant in the philanthropic community. He is on the Council of Philanthropy Australia, Director of Social Ventures Australia (SVA) Private Ancillary Fund Service, and Sessional Lecturer at Asia Pacific Centre for Social Investment & Philanthropy, Swinburne University, Melbourne.

David is author of the Trustee Handbook: Role and Duties of Trustees of Charitable Trusts and Foundations (2008) and the Private Ancillary Funds Trustee Handbook (2009) for Philanthropy Australia.

He was a member of the international panel that developed the Investment Management Code of Conduct for Endowments, Foundations and Charitable Organisations for the CFA Institute (2009-2010).

David had 20 years’ experience as a financial market executive with ANZ including four years as CEO of ANZ Trustees, which manages over 200 charitable trusts.

David has a BSC (Hons) and started his working life as a diplomat in New Zealand.

» More information on this seminar is available on Philanthropy Australia’s website

Adelaide Grantseeker Workshop - places still available

Places are still available for next week’s Grantseeker Workshop in Adelaide.

Are you fundraising? Looking for grants? Not having much success applying for philanthropic funding?

This workshop makes a fantastic introduction on how to find and apply for funding from philanthropic sources, as well as a great chance to brush up on best practice for those with more experience.

Learn how to:

• research potential funding sources,
• what to include in a submission, what to leave out,
• how to make your application easy to understand, and
• what makes foundations different to other funders.

There are plenty of personal tips and hints included to help you make the most out of your application and ensure the best possible chance of success.

Date:  Friday, 5 August 2011, 10am - 1pm

Cost: $220 per attendee

REGISTER ONLINE NOW

Associate Members are entitled to 1 free attendance per annum. Please contact us to register: workshops@philanthropy.org.au

» Click here for more information on Philanthropy Australia’s Grantseeker Workshops

Grantseeker Workshops are also being held in:

• Sydney - Friday, 16 September 2011
• Melbourne - Tuesday, 11 October 2011

New: Philanthropy 101 Seminars

We’re pleased to announce a new ongoing seminar series - Philanthropy 101 - for those new to the philanthropic sector or seeking to learn more about it.

Attendees may be trustees, grants administrators or private givers, or just those wondering what it’s all about.

In this seminar Philanthropy Australia staff Rikki Andrews and Vanessa Meachen will:

• give you a social and historical overview of philanthropy;
• highlight what is unique about Australian grantmaking;
• provide insight into giving structures, statistics and trends;
• and indicate key resources.

This is a great opportunity for those new to the sector to understand where they fit in, to envisage their own organisation in the context of the wider sector, and to meet fellow philanthrocrats.

Anyone is welcome, including those who are not Members of Philanthropy Australia. Fees are $180 for Members and $220 for Non-Members per attendee, including GST.

The first seminar will be held in Melbourne on 30 August, with dates for other cities to be announced soon.

» Find out more about the Philanthropy 101 Seminars

» Register online now for Melbourne, 30 August

» Register your interest in attending in other cities

Sydney and Gold Coast workshops

Places are still available for our Grantseeker Workshops in Sydney (Friday, May 27) and Robina, QLD (Monday, May 30).

This workshop makes a fantastic introduction on how to look for funding from philanthropic sources, and a great refresher for those who have some experience but are interested in hearing tips and tricks from some sector insiders. Learn how to research potential funding sources, what to include in a submission, what to leave out, how to make your application easy to understand, and what makes foundations different to other funders. There are plenty of tips and hints included to help you make the most out of your application and ensure the best possible chance of success.

Sydney: Friday, 27 May, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Presented by Vanessa Meachen

Robina, Qld: Monday, 30 May, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Presented by Rikki Andrews

This is the last Grantseeker Workshop in both Sydney and Queensland for several months - don’t miss out! See the Workshops Page on our website to book your place.

Advocacy to Achieve Environmental Outcomes - Workshops coming up in May

The Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network (AEGN) is inviting funders to attend their workshops on Advocacy to Achieve Environmental Outcomes, to be held in Sydney and Melbourne next week.

 Advocacy is an important tool used by business, industry, peak groups and the community sector to influence public policy outcomes. However, within the community sector there has been considerable uncertainty about when this tool can be used. And within the philanthropic sector there has been even greater misunderstanding and uncertainty about what can be funded and indeed the nature of advocacy itself.

These workshops are designed to assist funders to understand the role of advocacy to achieve environmental protection in light of recent court determinations such as the Aidwatch case and government interpretations.

We will explore the nature of advocacy, the Australian Tax Office’s directions on what the community sector can do in relation to advocacy and what is possible to fund. We will also consider some examples of successful grants for advocacy work in the environmental sector.

Speaker Esther Abram is the project manager of the Charity Law Reform Project at Changemakers Australia, which is seeking changes to charity laws to ensure philanthropic and community organisations can legitimately work towards social change.

The workshops are being held on 17 May in Sydney and 19 May in Melbourne. Attendance is free of charge.

Download the invitation here for further information and RSVP details

Sydney Grantseeker Workshop - places still available

Places are still available for next Monday’s Grantseeker Workshop in Sydney. This workshop makes a fantastic introduction on how to look for funding from philanthropic sources. Learn how to research potential funding sources, what to include in a submission, what to leave out, how to make your application easy to understand, and what makes foundations different to other funders. There are plenty of personal tips and hints included to help you make the most out of your application and ensure the best possible chance of success.

Date: Monday, 11 April, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

This is the first Sydney Grantseeker Workshop for the year - don’t miss out! See the Workshops Page on our website to book your place.

New Events

We’re busy organising a lot of events for the sector this year, amongst which are our regional visits across the country - we’re looking forward to getting together with our interstate Members.

And don’t forget to check out our various workshops being held over the next few months, including a new Professional Development series for our Full Members.

• Philanthropy and Family Foundations (1 March, Hobart / 3 March, Canberra)
• Census | beyond the count Conference (2-4 March, Melbourne)
• Calling all Queer-preneurs: An evening for queer changemakers, social entrepreneurs and philanthropists (3 March, Sydney)
• Celebrating Women Changemakers (8 March, Melbourne)
• UPDATED: A worthwhile exchange: a guide to Indigenous philanthropy (16 March, Melbourne)
• AEGN meeting (16 March, Melbourne)
• Vincent Fairfax Fellowship Program: Ethical Leadership (21 March, Melbourne)
• A Taste of Harmony (21-27 March, National)
• ‘A capitalist wanders into the not-for-profit industry’: 2011 Commencement Lecture by Mark Cubit (22 March, Victoria)
• Leading Learning in Education and Philanthropy: Filling the Knowledge Gap (23 March, Melbourne)
• AEGN meeting (24 March, Sydney)
• Law Institute of Victoria Not for Profit Conference (15 April, Melbourne)
• 2011 Australian Innovation Festival (26 April- 31 May, National)
• Better Philanthropy: From Data to Impact (10-11 May, USA)
• Community Foundations of Canada 2011 Conference (12-14 May, Canada)
• European Foundation Centre 22nd Annual General Assembly and Conference (26-28 May, Portugal)
• Aid & International Development Forum (8-9 June, USA)
• AEGN meeting (25 August, Melbourne)
• Research Australia Philanthropy Conference 2011 (29-30 August, Sydney)

Members’ Events

^{* for Full Members of Philanthropy Australia only, unless otherwise specified}

• Ageing Futures Affinity Group (9 March, Melbourne)
• Arts Affinity Group (9 March, Melbourne)
• South Australia Network (15 March, Adelaide; non-Member grantmakers also welcome)
• PAF Network (16 March, Sydney)
• Indigenous Affinity Group (22 March, Sydney)
• Canberra Regional Meeting (23 March, Canberra)
• Geelong Regional Meeting (24 March, Geelong)
• CEO Network Lunch (29 March, Melbourne; invitation only)
• Future Voices of Philanthropy (31 March, Sydney)
• Young Philanthropists (6 April, Melbourne)
• Corporate Network (7 April, Melbourne)
• International Giving (13 April, Melbourne)
• Tasmania Members Meeting (14 April, Hobart; non-Member grantmakers and large charities also welcome)
• Philanthropy Australia AGM (27 April, Melbourne; Full and Associate Members only)
• Arts Affinity Group (28 April, Sydney)

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.