Philanthropy Australia’s peer networks are unique member-only events where we bring together like-minded funders to engage and network, share information collaborate and learn from one another’s experiences.  

Our peer networks are held in-person and online. 

We have a wide range of peer networks available for members¹ based on funding areas of interest, organisational structure or location. Our current peer networks are listed below. If you would like to find out more detail about them please email [email protected] or join Philanthropy Australia here to join in your area of interest. 

Current peer networks

Peer networks based on member type:

Corporate philanthropy
The Corporate Philanthropy Peer Network serves as a collaborative platform for businesses committed to advancing philanthropic efforts and social impact. It is open to Philanthropy Australia corporate members including corporate leaders/grant makers and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) professionals.

Family Foundations
The Family Foundations Peer Network is for Philanthropy Australia members who are from Family Foundations, including founders, family members, trustees and staff.

New Gen Network
The New Generation of Giving Network (New Gen Network) is a community of like-minded young and emerging philanthropists.

Peer networks by topic area or approach:

Affordable housing
An information-sharing platform for funders to understand their role in creating affordable housing and to encourage philanthropic investment.

Arts
A network of funders in the arts seeking to support each other through regular formal meetings and informal gatherings throughout the year.

Disability
This network is a forum for learning and collaboration amongst disability funders.

Education
A network of funders in the education space that aim to connect grantmaking strategies with effective educational strategies to improve educational outcomes for young people.

First Nations
A network of philanthropists that fund Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ organisations and programs to activate a movement in philanthropy that fosters better giving, meaningfully supports, and respectfully partners with First Nations organisations and communities.

Jobs and skills
A group of funders in Australia with a specific interest in skills training and employment. It is a special interest space for organisations to collaborate, partner and share information to meet specific needs, formulate strategy and deliver outcomes within its own charter.

Social enterprises
The Social Enterprise Funders Group convenes foundations and funders with the objective of growing awareness of and philanthropic practice within the evolving social enterprise sector.

Foundations Group for Impact Investing (FGII)
FGII is a sector-led initiative (Philanthropy Australia is the secretariat) bringing foundations and other funders together to share practice around impact investing, as well as streamlining the process for social enterprises and other for-purpose organisations seeking investment finance. See the FGII webpage for more info.

Role-based peer networks or communities of practice:

Communications peer network
This network is for communications professionals working at Philanthropy Australia member organisations and other members interested in the topics presented.

Philanthropy Evaluation (Phil Eval)
Phil Eval is a member-driven network of philanthropic evaluators that empowers Australian funders with the knowledge, skills, and resources to use Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) to improve funding practices.
Note: You can join Phil Eval without being a Philanthropy Australia member. Phil Eval membership is available to anyone who is working in, or responsible for, MEL for a funding organisation.

State based peer networks:

• QLD funders peer network
  All Queensland based funder members are invited to bi-monthly gatherings, to connect and learn from local peers.

• SA funders peer network
  All South Australia based funder members are invited to regular meetings, to connect and learn from local peers.

• WA funders peer network
  All Western Australia based funders are invited to regular meetings, to connect and learn from local peers.

How to join a peer network:

Funder Members: More details about each network, including how to join can be found on the Better Giving Hub. Alternatively, you can contact the peer network coordinator at Philanthropy Australia, Mary Anne Tuazon at [email protected]. 

Non-members: Funders can join our peer networks by upgrading to Active, Engaged or Impact level membership. Email us at [email protected] to join immediately.

Footnotes

1. Philanthropy Australia members at Impact, Engaged, Active and New Gen Network level are eligible to join relevant networks. Life members are eligible to join any network.