Fundraising Institute Australasia - FIA

30/10/2026

Maggie B**r speaking at the FIA SA Fundraising Showcase today!

What an inspiring way to kick off the FIA SA Fundraising Showcase! ✨

We’ve just heard from Maggie B**r, in conversation with MC Ruth Wicks FFIA, who shared the story behind establishing the Maggie B**r Foundation and the experiences that shaped her along the way.

Maggie spoke about the influence of her parents. Her father was a dreamer, while her mother found joy in the everyday, even through the hardest of times. She believes she inherited a little of both, with a healthy dose of grit and practicality that has helped her get things done.

That drive came into focus when Maggie began looking more closely at food in aged care. She saw a system where simply being fed and looked after was often considered enough, with little expectation of pleasure or enjoyment.

But as Maggie reminded us, you can’t live without joy in life, whether you’re in aged care or not.

She also spoke about the importance of filling our lives with things that bring us joy, connection and purpose. A reminder that these things matter at every stage of life.

That belief became the driving force behind the Maggie B**r Foundation and its work to improve food, nutrition and dining experiences for older Australians.

Maggie also left us with some great reminders for those of us working in fundraising. Keep striving for continuous improvement, bring people together and take them along on the journey. Share ideas, bounce thoughts off each other and don't wait for everything to be perfect before getting started.

One message that really stood out was her reflection: "I had a platform, you have a responsibility to use it." A powerful reminder that we all have an opportunity to use our voices, connections and platforms to make a difference.

And perhaps most importantly, create the space to revisit your WHY. It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and lose sight of the purpose behind what we do. Taking the time to reconnect with that purpose is so important.

Thank you, Maggie, for such an inspiring start to the day!

📸 Topbunk

Fundraising Institute Australasia - FIA

01/09/2026

Don’t miss your chance to have your say on the future of our profession.

After six years of FIA advocacy, Fundraising Manager has been proposed for recognition as a distinct occupation for the first time in OSCA 2027.

It’s an important milestone, but the classification isn’t final yet. This is our opportunity to make sure the fundraising profession is accurately represented.

We want to hear from fundraisers across the sector. Does the proposed classification reflect what you do? Are the roles, responsibilities, job titles and specialisations right? Is anything missing?

Make sure your voice is heard.

Review the proposed Fundraising Manager classification:
https://ow.ly/sZtn50ZBIeh

Send your feedback to [email protected] by COB Friday, 4 September 2026.

This recognition will help shape how our profession is understood for years to come. Don’t miss the opportunity to contribute.

28/08/2026

Sponsored Content

What makes Christmas meaningful to Australians, and what motivates them to give? ntegrity’s latest research found that 70% intend to donate this Christmas, with one in three of those planning to give more than last year. But where those donations go is still up for grabs. While 52% have already chosen a charity, 44% have yet to decide. Join ntegrity’s digital fundraising strategists at our upcoming FIA webinar as they unpack the latest Christmas donor sentiment data, including what donors value most when choosing a charity. You’ll walk away with practical strategies to build trust, demonstrate impact, engage existing supporters and reach donors looking for a new cause this Christmas.
https://register.fia.org.au/ntegritywebinar020926

14/08/2026

A great fundraising campaign starts with a compelling case for support.

In today's crowded fundraising environment, it's not enough to tell people what you do - you need to clearly communicate why it matters and why donors should act now.

Join internationally recognised fundraising expert John Greenhoe, CFRE for Creating the Compelling Case for Support and learn how to build the foundation for stronger donor engagement and more successful fundraising.

Date: 10 & 18 September 2026
Live online via Zoom (2 × 3-hour sessions)

In this practical, interactive course you'll learn how to:
✔ Develop a clear and compelling case for support
✔ Create case statements for specific fundraising projects
✔ Adapt your messaging for websites, campaigns, appeals and donor conversations
✔ Build donor confidence through consistent, persuasive communications

Perfect for fundraisers looking to strengthen their messaging and inspire greater giving.

Secure your place today and start building a stronger case for support.

Book now: https://ow.ly/TswH50ZwPT4

Know someone who might be interested? Share this post with your network to help us reach more people. Every share makes a difference. Thank you for your support!

11/08/2026

Busy fundraiser? It's time to work differently - not longer.

If your to-do list never seems to end, this course is for you.

Join Sam Shlansky for Time Management for Fundraisers, an interactive online course designed to help you focus on what matters most, manage your energy more effectively, and achieve stronger fundraising outcomes—without extending your working hours.

Date: 24–25 August 2026
Live online via Zoom (2 × 3-hour sessions)

You'll learn how to:
✔ Prioritise the work that creates the biggest impact
✔ Stop multitasking and start multiplying your efforts
✔ Match your most important tasks to your peak energy times
✔ Create realistic, achievable plans that reduce overwhelm

Whether you're new to fundraising or an experienced professional, you'll leave with practical tools you can put into practice immediately.

Places are limited - book now and invest in working smarter, not harder.

Register today: https://ow.ly/muMA50ZwPR5

Know someone who might be interested? Share this post with your network to help us reach more people. Every share makes a difference. Thank you for your support!

04/08/2026

Make Fundraisers Count in the Australian 2026 Census!

FIA has long advocated for fundraising to be recognised as a distinct occupation within the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA). The outcome of our latest submission to the Australian Bureau of Statistics is expected on 17 August.

Ahead of the Australian Census on 11 August, we encourage all fundraisers to describe their role clearly. This helps improve the visibility of fundraising in national workforce data and supports the case for formal recognition.

03/08/2026

Join Gifts in Wills Fundraising – From A to Z, an interactive online course designed for fundraising professionals who want to strengthen and grow their legacy giving programs.

Dates: 7–9 September 2026
Format: 3 x 5-hour live Zoom sessions

Led by Alexis Escavy, an experienced Gifts in Wills fundraising professional, this course goes beyond theory to provide practical tools, real-world case studies and actionable strategies you can apply immediately.

You'll explore:
✅ Growing your Gifts in Wills program across direct mail, digital, events and tele-fundraising
✅ Engaging boards, staff and volunteers
✅ Building compelling donor communications
✅ Developing practical strategies tailored to your organisation
✅ Learning from expert insights and interactive workshops

Whether you're a Coordinator, Manager or Director, you'll leave with greater confidence, practical resources and a clear roadmap to grow your Gifts in Wills program.

Places are limited—secure your spot today: https://ow.ly/6gQ050Zu4Pk

30/07/2026

Today is your final opportunity to enter the 2027 FIA Awards for Excellence in Fundraising.

If you or your team have delivered a campaign, partnership, innovation or fundraising achievement you're proud of, don't let this opportunity pass you by.

The FIA Awards recognise the people and organisations shaping the future of fundraising across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Your story could inspire the sector, celebrate your team's hard work and earn the recognition it deserves.

Submissions close today.

Start your submission now: https://ow.ly/bJ8N50ZrAxb

Need a last-minute confidence boost? Read our Submission Tips before you hit submit: https://ow.ly/kkhc50ZrAxa

29/07/2026

Final 24 hours.

Tomorrow, submissions close for the FIA Awards for Excellence in Fundraising 2027.

This is your last opportunity to showcase the campaigns, partnerships, innovations and individuals making a difference across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Every successful fundraising initiative represents months of dedication, collaboration and creativity. The FIA Awards are your chance to celebrate that work, gain recognition from your peers, and inspire the broader fundraising community.

If you've been planning to enter, now is the time to submit.

Start your submission today: https://www.fia.org.au/s/fia-awards/about-fia-awards

Entries close Friday 31 July 2026.

Need a final confidence check? Read our Submission Tips before you submit: https://www.fia.org.au/s/fia-awards/awards-submission-tips

This webinar featured an introduction from FIA Awards Chair Nuz Hameed FFIA, as well as two guest speakers - Adrienne Tollemache (Starship Foundation), and Jessica Little (Country Arts SA). These two award winners provided first-hand insight on the submission process, as well as tips to put your bes...

29/07/2026

What really motivates people to give? And how can understanding donor psychology help you raise more funds?

Join Dr Cassandra Chapman for Donor Psychology 101: Evidence-based insights to improve your fundraising and explore the latest research on donor motivations, identity, giving behaviour and practical evidence-based strategies you can apply to your fundraising.

Date: 19 August 2026
Time: 10.00am–1.00pm AEST
Online via Zoom

Secure your place today: https://ow.ly/KyTg50ZrzjI

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