Building bridges with Asia Pacific philanthropy through AVPN

As the giving landscape in Asia-Pacific develops and Singapore becomes one of the world’s fastest-growing destinations for family offices, there is a compelling opportunity for Australian funders to engage more deeply with their regional counterparts. The AVPN Global Conference earlier in the year highlighted why it matters, and how collaboration can unlock greater impact for Australian funders in 2026 and beyond. 

Philanthropy in Asia is diverse and there is no single “Asian model”. Countries develop distinct approaches, often in close partnership with governments and financial advisers, reflecting the scale of wealth and ambition in their system.  

The role of AVPN therefore is to act as an ecosystem builder, increasing the flow of capital towards impact across the region. It views social investment as a continuum of capital, blending grants, debt and equity to achieve deeper systemic change. This model resonates in Asia, where philanthropy is evolving rapidly, driven by confidence, fast-growing wealth, cultural nuance and a strong focus on climate solutions. 

Philanthropy in the region is “on the move”, said Maree Sidey, CEO Philanthropy Australia who attended the AVPN conference in Hong Kong.” 

“There is a strong point of view emerging about how to deploy all forms of capital towards impact,” she said. “Investment in climate crisis mitigation is a significant focus and faith-based philanthropy is a common theme in the region. They are being considered alongside the varying cultural considerations that influence the practice and policies of giving.” 

Global challenges require cross-border approaches

Maree also noted that Australian funders can benefit from exploring connections and relationships in Asia-Pacific as global challenges require stronger and collaborative cross-border approaches.  

“Lessons from collaborations can inform Australian strategies, particularly as we seek to move beyond Western-centric models of giving,” said Maree. New networks like the Australian International Development Network (AIDN) and Myriad are catalysing the role of Australian philanthropy into the regions and beyond, connecting them into regional and international partners and helping them navigate some of the specific requirements for international engagement. 

Maree attended the conference alongside Philanthropy Australia Co-Chair Lisa George, Global Head of the Macquarie Group Foundation and PA board member Kristen Stevenson, Executive Director Effective Philanthropy at the Minderoo Foundation.  

Lisa George said: “Philanthropy Australia and the sector has had more than 50 years of experience, and we can have a positive influence on how shared initiatives could work. There is plenty of willingness in the region to collaborate with Australian funders and much for us to learn as well.” 

A recent example from the Macquarie Group Foundation is its support for three organisations breaking down barriers to employment in Asia, as an Impact Innovation Partner in the Amplifier global mentorship programme, which is delivered by the Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (CIIP) and the Philanthropy Asia Alliance. The three organisations will each receive up to $S100,000 in catalytic capital from the Foundation, alongside mentoring from Amplifier partners and Singapore-based Macquarie employees. 

It’s important philanthropy and the social sector have a seat at the table

As growth in impact investing continues at pace, Lisa said that there is a lot of capital in Asia and Australia seeking returns and impact. “There is so much that we could be doing together on issues of common interest that would really benefit members here and the Asia-Pacific. 

“More than ever, it’s an important time for Australian philanthropy to be connecting outwardly because we operate in such an interconnected world. Australia is increasingly playing an important role economically, strategically and politically in Asia-Pacific, so it’s important for philanthropy and the social sector to have a seat at the table too.” 

The Minderoo Foundation works across the Asia-Pacific on issues ranging from gender equality to climate. Kristen Stevenson said: “What is clear is that the region’s philanthropic ecosystem is evolving rapidly. AVPN provides an important platform for partnership, evidence sharing and innovation. 

“Australian philanthropy has a real opportunity to contribute to and benefit from this momentum. When we collaborate without borders, we unlock solutions that no single organisation or country could achieve alone,” she said. 

There are opportunities for domestically focused funders to benefit from shared learnings with the emergence of networks such as the Global-Asia Family Office Circle and initiatives like the WINGS Asia Pacific Working Group. 

When it comes to sharing knowledge, Maree highlighted that Asia-Pacific voices have been more prominent at recent Philanthropy Australia conferences and that would continue at Brisbane 2026. “There is much knowledge to share between our two sectors and playing a stronger role in the global philanthropic ecosystem is a key part of Philanthropy’s Australia’s new strategy,” said Maree. “This is a vital element in strengthening our domestic practice and impact.” 

Read AVPN’s latest report: Tracking Capital Flows Across Asia-Pacific: A Focus on Climate Action | AVPN