Philanthropy Australia

09/06/2026

"Philanthropy is deeply connected to the distribution of wealth in our society, which has been shaped over time by a range of government decisions and policies," writes Executive Director for Policy and Sector Development Krystian Seibert for Giving News. "But the landscape of philanthropy in Australia has also been influenced by other historical decisions and choices of governments, including those associated with colonisation and the taking of land which was never ceded."

Speaking at the inaugural Blak Loungeroom National Philanthropy Conference in Naarm earlier this year, he shared reflections on the Productivity Commission’s philanthropy inquiry and its recommendation focused on supporting First Nations philanthropy.

Read more: https://www.philanthropy.org.au/news-and-stories/building-future-foundations-for-first-nations-philanthropy/

In April, Executive Director for Policy and Sector Development Krystian Seibert spoke at the inaugural Blak Loungeroom National Philanthropy Conference in Naarm. He shared reflections on the Productivity Commission’s philanthropy inquiry and its recommendation focused on supporting First Nations p...

09/06/2026

'Philanthropy, Our Way' is a groundbreaking research paper published by the University of Newcastle and Noble Ambition, inviting philanthropists to reimagine how they listen, walk alongside community, and create pathways that honour Indigenous knowledge.

Arguing that true impact cannot be achieved while donor agendas are prioritised over Indigenous self-determination, the paper outlines practical ways to get there, including embedding Indigenous governance and knowledge, investing in capability and systems, and adopting flexible, community-led funding approaches that evolve over time.

“For too long, I have witnessed a disconnect in philanthropy in higher education and beyond,” said Dr Kelvin Kong, Worimi man, the country’s first Indigenous surgeon, and one of the authors of the report. “Philanthropy can feel transactional, where funding is given with strings attached, often muffling the very voices it seeks to uplift. This is not a path to true equity. True equity requires a fundamental shift – from giving to us, to investing with us.”

Read more: https://www.philanthropy.org.au/news-and-stories/from-giving-to-partnering-reshaping-philanthropy-with-indigenous-communities/

A groundbreaking research paper is inviting philanthropists to reimagine how they listen, walk alongside community, and create pathways that honour Indigenous knowledge. Philanthropy, Our Way argues that true impact cannot be achieved while donor agendas are prioritised over Indigenous self-determin...

08/06/2026

Michelle Steele, Kamilaroi woman and Chief First Nations Officer at the Paul Ramsay Foundation, has recently appointed as Chair of the Philanthropy Australia First Nations Funders Network, marking a new chapter in strengthening giving with and for First Nations communities.

“The 2023 Referendum showed philanthropy at its bravest, coming together in solidarity with First Nations peoples and communities,” Michelle said. “I believe this moment sparked a shift across our sector towards more authentic collaboration and better giving practices, centred on respect and partnership.

“I wanted to take on this role to help build on this momentum, ensuring our collective commitment translates into meaningful outcomes and empowers First Nations voices at every step.”

The Network is grounded in principles of respect, relationships, responsibility, reciprocity and redistribution, and brings funders together to deepen their practice, learn from one another, and strengthen support for First Nations organisations and initiatives.

Read more: https://www.philanthropy.org.au/news-and-stories/a-new-chapter-for-philanthropy-australias-first-nations-funders-network/

04/06/2026

The Philanthropy Australia is continuing to grow, and we are currently on the hunt for a brand new Director, Government & Advocacy to play a key role in driving policy and advocacy outcomes that grow giving and amplify impact across the country.

If you are passionate about shaping public policy and strengthening Australia’s philanthropy ecosystem, this could be your next move.

This senior role will:
- Shape and deliver a national advocacy agenda
- Build strong relationships with government, regulators and sector leaders
- Develop evidence-based policy positions and submissions
- Lead partnerships and initiatives that strengthen the philanthropy sector

Ideal for a strategic thinker and skilled communicator with deep policy insight and a passion for social impact.

🔗 Learn more and apply: https://www.ethicaljobs.com.au/members/philanthropyaustralia/director-government-advocacy?keywords=Philanthropy%20Australia

03/06/2026

Philanthropy Australia was pleased to work with Community Foundations Australia and many other partners to secure the new deductible gift recipient category for community charities, helping to unlock a new era of community philanthropy in Australia.

Thank you to the Assistant Minister for Charities, the Hon Andrew Leigh MP, for recognising our collaborative advocacy over many years!

You can read the Assistant Minister’s full address to the Community Foundations Forum 2026 dinner here: https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/ministers/andrew-leigh-2025/speeches/address-community-foundations-australia-dinner-melbourne

02/06/2026

We’ve noticed a few not-for-profits have started the World Giving Survey… and then vanished midway through.

Which is a bit like:
• making a cup of tea and forgetting to drink it
• getting halfway through a Netflix series and never finding out what happens
• or opening a snack and putting it back in the cupboard.

If that’s you, your survey is patiently waiting.

We only need 12 more responses, so just a few minutes more and then you can finish your cup of tea, too!
🔗 Pick it back up here: https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/90999204/Australia

And if you’ve been meaning to start but haven’t yet, now’s your moment. The survey closes on 5 June, and every response helps build a more complete picture of giving in Australia.

🔗 Start the survey: https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/90999204/Australia

01/06/2026

Gifts in wills are one of the most powerful expressions of generosity, representing deep trust and long-term commitment to causes people care about.

But not all promised gifts ultimately reach the charities they’re intended for. Recent research suggests around 3% of bequests are never realised, equating to at least $40 million in lost funding each year in Australia - likely an underestimate of the true scale.

This points to an important opportunity for the sector: Strengthening transparency, improving estate administration processes, and taking a more proactive approach to tracking confirmed bequests can help ensure donors’ wishes are honoured.

Read more: https://www.philanthropy.org.au/news-and-stories/why-gifts-in-wills-go-missing-and-what-charities-can-do-about-it/

For many charities, gifts in wills represent one of the most significant and future‑focused sources of funding. They reflect deep trust and long-term commitment from donors, often built over many years. But as research and sector work continue to show, not all promised gifts ultimately make their ...

29/05/2026

The recent State of Philanthropy Insight Series was an opportunity for reflection across our sector. A chance for each of us to ask what generosity means to us.

Our CEO Maree Sidey shared a speech exploring the role philanthropy can play in shaping culture, strengthening community and driving meaningful change. It is a perspective grounded in connection, listening and shared responsibility.

A reminder that lasting impact is built through relationships, trust and long-term commitment. As we navigate a complex and evolving landscape, Maree invited us to consider how we work together to support culture and community in more connected and effective ways.

Read Maree's full speech here: https://www.philanthropy.org.au/news-and-stories/ceo-speech-culture-community-change/

21/05/2026

The end of financial year can raise important questions about why, when and how people give. For professional advisers supporting these conversations, the Philanthropy Australia ‘Professional Adviser Guide to Giving’ is a concise explainer covering:
• Motivations and triggers for giving
• Common giving structures
• Roles, responsibilities and considerations over time

It’s designed to use as a practical reference, both as a refresher and as support for client discussions during EOFY.

🔗 Access the guide: https://www.philanthropy.org.au/about-us/publications/professional-adviser-guide-to-giving/

19/05/2026

We don't know about you, but we are still reflecting on the powerful conversations and insights that emerged from Women Deliver a couple of weeks ago!

There was a clear and urgent message throughout the conference: progress on gender equality is not just slowing down, it is actively under threat. Speakers pointed to rising anti-rights movements, shrinking civic space, and increasing inequality as critical challenges facing women’s rights globally.

Despite (or perhaps, because of) this, there was a strong call to action for philanthropy. To move beyond short-term, transactional approaches and towards long-term, trust-based funding that backs feminist movements and community-led solutions.

The conference was both sobering and energising, reinforcing the need to not only accelerate progress, but to actively regain lost ground.

Read more:

Melbourne was alive with colour, culture and passion in late April, when the global gender equality convening Women Deliver took place in the city’s Southbank in late April. Echoing through the conference was the deep sense of women’s rights being rolled back, with speakers pointing to the rise ...