Celebrating Ben Rodgers’ contribution to Community Foundations Australia 

In early February, members of Melbourne’s community foundations and philanthropic organisations came together at the Collingwood Yards to celebrate the work and dedication of Ben Rodgers, who ended his term as Chair of the Community Foundations Australia Board.  

The event marked Ben’s retirement after eight years as a director of the organisation, and was a celebration of the recent Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) category reform for community foundations. 

Ben’s dedication to the sector was warmly recognised, as he handed over stewardship to Stacey Thomas, CEO of the Wyatt Trust.

The new DGR category is the outcome of more than 20 years of sector-wide efforts. It makes it easier for community foundations to attract funds from Private Ancillary Funds, workplace giving programs, bequests and individual donors, and will reduce administrative burdens. 

Philanthropy Australia CEO Maree Sidey addressed the celebration to say: “Ben has a unique ability to fly the flag for community philanthropy and for his first love, the Inner North Community Foundation.  

“He is the ultimate ambassador for community engagement who truly and deeply believes in the power of community and community building; and he walks the talk.” 

From all of us at Philanthropy Australia, congratulations Ben on all you have achieved.