Corporate & Business Giving

Philanthropy Australia is the peak membership body for the philanthropic sector. We provide services to all those in the business sector who operate a giving program, including private and publicly listed companies, partnerships and professional services and consultants.

The Australian business sector gives to the community in multiple ways. Many companies have set up a philanthropic foundation which is a legal entity completely separate from the parent company. The foundation has a permanently endowed fund and the earnings from that endowment are invested in community programs. Some companies have established a community partnerships program and fund this from within the company.

Many companies also offer workplace giving programs and employee volunteering programs in which staff can choose to be involved. Sometimes these activities are linked to the community partnerships program. In many workplaces staff can nominate charities with whom they have an association (often through personal volunteering and fundraising) for an additional grant from the company.

Large legal and accounting firms operate extensive pro bono practices. There is usually a strong link between the pro bono activities of a firm and their community partnerships and employee volunteering programs.

Philanthropy Australia supports the growth of business community partnerships and is working closely with existing members and experts in the field to develop relevant and appropriate services for this sector. Those managing community partnerships programs will find the networks, information and research offered by Philanthropy Australia useful and practical.

For further information and material, go to Philanthropy Australia's Community-Business Partnership Network.