Australian Communities Foundation

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It was wonderful to spend Monday afternoon with some of our WA Fundholders.Together, we explored some of the key issues ...
04/09/2026

It was wonderful to spend Monday afternoon with some of our WA Fundholders.
Together, we explored some of the key issues shaping Western Australian communities and the role philanthropy can play in responding to them.

A big thank you to Louise Giolitto from the Western Australian Council of Social Service (WACOSS) for sharing her expertise and insights, including the rising rates of homelessness and the growing number of dual-income families struggling to make ends meet amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures.

Fundholders also spent time working through the ACF Good Giving Toolkit, reflecting on their giving priorities and considering how a clearer focus can help create deeper and more lasting impact.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an engaging afternoon of learning, reflection, and conversation.

We're looking forward to bringing these discussions to our Victorian Fundholders at upcoming Fund Forums, kicking off next week.

๐Ÿ“ VIC registrations: https://communityfoundation.org.au/calendar/event/vic-fund-forum-2026-1/

๐—˜๐˜…๐—ฐ๐—ถ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด ๐—ป๐—ฒ๐˜„๐˜€: ๐—˜๐˜…๐—ฝ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฑ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด ๐˜„๐—ต๐—ฎ๐˜โ€™๐˜€ ๐—ฝ๐—ผ๐˜€๐˜€๐—ถ๐—ฏ๐—น๐—ฒ ๐—ถ๐—ป ๐˜๐—ฎ๐˜…-๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—ฑ๐˜‚๐—ฐ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ฏ๐—น๐—ฒ ๐—ด๐—ถ๐˜ƒ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด... Have you ever felt constrained by the traditional b...
31/08/2026

๐—˜๐˜…๐—ฐ๐—ถ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด ๐—ป๐—ฒ๐˜„๐˜€: ๐—˜๐˜…๐—ฝ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฑ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด ๐˜„๐—ต๐—ฎ๐˜โ€™๐˜€ ๐—ฝ๐—ผ๐˜€๐˜€๐—ถ๐—ฏ๐—น๐—ฒ ๐—ถ๐—ป ๐˜๐—ฎ๐˜…-๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—ฑ๐˜‚๐—ฐ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ฏ๐—น๐—ฒ ๐—ด๐—ถ๐˜ƒ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด... Have you ever felt constrained by the traditional boundaries of tax-deductible giving โ€“ for you or your clients?

For years, those with the capacity to give have been limited by DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient) rules that donโ€™t always reflect modern Australia. As a result, many organisations, grassroots groups and community initiatives undertaking important work havenโ€™t been able to access tax-deductible donations.

Thatโ€™s starting to change.

With the introduction of the Community Charity structure for community foundations like ours, donors can now support a much broader range of organisations undertaking activities aligned with charitable purpose (i.e., DGR-aligned activities).

At Australian Communities Foundation, weโ€™ve just launched our ๐—ก๐—ฎ๐—บ๐—ฒ๐—ฑ ๐—™๐˜‚๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐—ฃ๐—น๐˜‚๐˜€ โ€“ expanding where tax-deductible giving can flow, with more choice and flexibility for you and your clients.

If you're planning your giving or supporting clients to give more effectively, feel free to reach out for a conversation about this new opportunity. Contact our team on 03 9412 0412 or email [email protected]

Dolly Partonโ€™s generosity touched millions. Her legacy reminds us that lasting impact starts with a cause close to your ...
27/08/2026

Dolly Partonโ€™s generosity touched millions. Her legacy reminds us that lasting impact starts with a cause close to your heart and a commitment to stay the course. She used her influence to draw attention to causes she cared about, encouraged others to give, and above all, highlighted the joy that can come from giving, reflected in one of our favourite Dolly quotes:

โ€œI'm kind of addicted to the feeling of giving. Knowing that I'm doing something good for someone else.โ€

Dolly was, and will always be, one of philanthropy's most inspiring champions.

Carly Severino, ACF Director of Community and Philanthropy, has shared a reflection on Dollyโ€™s legacy and the joy she brought to giving. Read here: https://communityfoundation.org.au/article/dolly-partons-legacy-and-the-joy-of-giving/

Funding is a powerful tool for creating change. But it's not the only one.Join Australian Communities Foundation for an ...
18/08/2026

Funding is a powerful tool for creating change. But it's not the only one.

Join Australian Communities Foundation for an interactive workshop about the many ways we can all contribute to climate action.

Weโ€™ll be joined by Mary Pilikinton and Zeynep Basarin from Climate for Change โ€“ Australia's first environmental organisation focused on helping people have conversations about climate change with their peers.

This session is designed for funders at all stages of their giving journey, whether you are new to supporting climate initiatives or looking to deepen your impact.

๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Wednesday 26 August | 1-2pm AEST
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Register now: https://communityfoundation.org.au/calendar/event/impact-beyond-giving-climate-action-aug-2026/

โ€œThis isnโ€™t about outsourcing decisions; itโ€™s about improving them. Community Advisors help us see what might otherwise ...
13/08/2026

โ€œThis isnโ€™t about outsourcing decisions; itโ€™s about improving them. Community Advisors help us see what might otherwise get missed.โ€

In the latest edition of Impact Fund Notes, Laura Mannix reflects on what we learned through the process of establishing our 2026 Community Advisory Group and why listening to people with lived experience and deep community knowledge leads to stronger funding decisions.

The piece reaches beyond the Impact Fund, offering all funders practical insights into how they can build stronger relationships, share decision-making more intentionally, and ultimately give more effectively.

Read the full article: https://communityfoundation.org.au/article/impact-fund-notes-community-voice/

How can philanthropy best respond to local challenges? That was the question at the heart of our 2026 Fund Forums in Syd...
11/08/2026

How can philanthropy best respond to local challenges? That was the question at the heart of our 2026 Fund Forums in Sydney and Brisbane last week, where Fundholders came together to explore how a deeper understanding of community needs can inform more effective philanthropy.

A big thank you to Diana Olmos and Kristyn Crossfield from Sydney Alliance, and Professor Rowena Maguire from the QUT Centre for Justice, who shared valuable insights into key social and environmental issues affecting local communities.

Fundholders also had the opportunity to work through the ACF Good Giving Toolkit, reflecting on their priorities and exploring how a clearer focus can help strengthen impact.

We look forward to continuing the conversation at upcoming Fund Forums in Perth and Melbourne. Fundholders can register their interest below:

WA: https://communityfoundation.org.au/calendar/event/wa-fund-forum-2026/

VIC: https://communityfoundation.org.au/calendar/event/vic-fund-forum-2026-1/

What if the biggest lesson from MacKenzie Scottโ€™s philanthropy had nothing to do with the size of her gifts?Thatโ€™s the q...
06/08/2026

What if the biggest lesson from MacKenzie Scottโ€™s philanthropy had nothing to do with the size of her gifts?

Thatโ€™s the question explored in the latest reflection from Australian Communities Foundationโ€™s Director of Community and Philanthropy, Carly Severino.

Drawing on a report from the Center for Effective Philanthropy, which undertook a three-year study into the impact of Scottโ€™s unrestricted giving, Carly explores what funders can learn about trust, flexibility, and long-term partnership.

The piece is a timely reminder that effective philanthropy isnโ€™t only about how much we give; itโ€™s also about how we give.

Read the article here: https://communityfoundation.org.au/article/mackenzie-scott-trust-based-philanthropy/

Housing insecurity and homelessness are among Australiaโ€™s most pressing challenges, requiring action on multiple fronts....
05/08/2026

Housing insecurity and homelessness are among Australiaโ€™s most pressing challenges, requiring action on multiple fronts.

Thatโ€™s why effective philanthropy is needed at every level โ€“ meeting immediate needs, preventing homelessness, increasing access to affordable housing, supporting community-led solutions, and backing the policy change needed for lasting impact.

Here are 11 organisations working across the spectrum of response and reform. Whether you're looking to respond to urgent need or invest in longโ€‘term change, these organisations offer meaningful ways to make an impact.

Explore these opportunities: https://communityfoundation.org.au/article/granting-ideas-housing-and-homelessness/

Applications for the Melbourne Airport 2026 Community Grants Program are closing next Monday 3 August!Community centres ...
28/07/2026

Applications for the Melbourne Airport 2026 Community Grants Program are closing next Monday 3 August!

Community centres and neighbourhood houses located within 20km of Melbourne Airport can apply for a $15,000 grant to support educational and employment pathway initiatives in Melbourne's north and west.

Ten grants will be awarded to organisations helping create opportunities and strengthen local communities.

Wondering whether youโ€™re eligible? Learn more and apply now: https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/community/melbourne-airport-community-grants

At Australian Communities Foundation, we're here to support funders with events that inspire you to give with clarity, c...
24/07/2026

At Australian Communities Foundation, we're here to support funders with events that inspire you to give with clarity, confidence and impact. Here are some of our upcoming events:

๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Getting the most from your new Fund, Tue 28 Jul
A special opportunity for recently opened ACF Funds to gain insights on how to make the most of our giving community. Hosted by ACF's Charlene Yum and Thomas Lopez

๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Amplifying Your Giving with Strategy: Pollinate Fund case study, Thu 6 Aug
A practical peer-learning session on developing a giving strategy to maximise your impact โ€“ with ACF Fundholders Luci Folder and Ben Sharpe. Learn about their journey and connect with other funders supporting climate solutions.

๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Impact Beyond Giving: Aligning influence and advocacy for climate action, Wed 26 Aug
An interactive workshop with Mary Pilkington from Climate for Change, exploring how we can align influence, advocacy, and investments for climate action.

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Learn more and register now: https://lnkd.in/gq_s7ibS

Address

126 Wellington Parade
East Melbourne, VIC
3002

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

03 9412 0412

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