The Value of Philanthropy Australia Membership

Philanthropy Australia's mission is to promote philanthropy and the joy of giving.

Why Belong to Philanthropy Australia?

Become a Member of Philanthropy Australia to belong to a movement of people and organisations who believe not only in the importance of giving, but the importance of giving effectively, and strive to help Australia become a giving nation.

Philanthropy Australia's role is to facilitate, advocate, educate, communicate and promote giving. Through this work we ensure that our Members are more informed, engaged and effective givers.

Facilitate

Access: In early 2006, Philanthropy Australia expanded its online presence with a redesign of its website - www.philanthropy.org.au. We are building a new knowledge management and information services platform that will position PA as the "hub" for philanthropic communication and research, and a vehicle for information management.

Coordination: Philanthropy Australia offers support to its members through the operation of a number of affinity groups and networks to facilitate discussions and learnings between those interested in specific causes and issues.

Community: Philanthropy Australia members have multiple opportunities to network and exchange information and ideas with colleagues in their state and across the country. Our member events bring members together to discuss current issues and share strategies.

Partners: Philanthropy Australia promotes meaningful collaboration among givers and between givers and "doers". Towards these goals, Philanthropy Australia provides regular opportunities for members with similar interests to meet and exchange knowledge with each other and with other potential funding partners such as government. Furthermore, over 140 not-for-profit organisations throughout Australia are Associate members of Philanthropy Australia or subscribe to the Resource Centre, helping funders find suitable links into the not-for-profit sector.

Advocate

Influence: A key role for Philanthropy Australia is its work with State and Federal governments and the media to encourage understanding and support of, and engagement with, the philanthropic sector.

We also work with government to encourage the creation of incentives (and the removal of barriers) to giving.

See the Representation page for more information.

Through our Affinity Groups, our members also provide various Ministers and Government Departments with input to policy decisions.

Educate

Research: Philanthropy Australia 's Resource Centre supports the information needs of our members, the media and the community. It includes the most comprehensive library on philanthropy in Australia with access to local and international resources on the sector. The Resource Centre is located in our head office in Melbourne and the library catalogue is accessible online at Philanthropy Australia's website.

Training: Professional development programs teach and sharpen giving skills. Philanthropy Australia offers increasingly well recognised workshops on more effective giving strategies. The Evaluation Network and networks for PPFs and managers of corporate community investment programs also offer opportunities for peer to peer learning.

Resources: Philanthropy Australia publishes The Australian Directory of Philanthropy, which provides Australian foundations and businesses with the opportunity to describe the goals and guidelines of their giving programs so that they may attract better targeted, more suitable applications for funding.

Communicate

Membership of Philanthropy Australia is simply the best way to keep abreast of all current and upcoming issues relevant to "the practice of giving". Regular updates include PRESSing Matters, a weekly media round up; Philanthropy Review, a monthly e-newsletter; and Australian Philanthropy, our journal which is published three times a year.

Dialogue: Each year Philanthropy Australia hosts a range of meetings, seminars and workshops that address issues relevant to our members' staff and trustees. These programs educate, update, challenge and inform funders.

News and Events: Information on current and relevant news in philanthropy and member activities, new reference materials and publications in the Philanthropy Australia Resource Centre, the calendar of events organised by Philanthropy Australia and other organisations, and articles written on important topics are accessible through our publications.

Promote

Promoting giving: By promoting giving Philanthropy Australia is actively growing the amount of philanthropic funding available to support the causes you are passionate about.

Philanthropy Australia's newest publication, A Guide to Giving, educates and informs emerging philanthropists and potential donors about the range of options available to them and helps them to understand how they can best participate in the philanthropic sector.

The Community Foundations Gateway is an essential reference point for those interested in community capacity building and economic development in Australian communities.