Conference EOIs: insights into what the sector wants to learn, share and lead

We’ve been encouraged by the strong response to our call for Expressions of Interest to lead a masterclass or breakout session at the Philanthropy Australia Conference. With more than 200 EOIs received, the calibre and thoughtfulness of submissions reflect a sector that is deeply engaged and eager to contribute.

To ensure each submission receives the consideration it deserves, we’ll be taking additional time with the review process. Applicants can now expect to be notified of outcomes in mid‑May, and in response, we’re pleased to extend Early Bird registration pricing through to the end of May.

Reviewing the Expressions of Interest for the Philanthropy Australia Conference has provided a valuable window into what Australian funders are most eager to learn, share and lead. 

There were some interesting emerging themes. Many EOIs focused on practice that is relational, trust-based and long-term. People are thinking deeply about power, influencing capital, governance and accountability. They are asking how philanthropy can better centre lived experience and enable community leadership.  

Contributors recognised that complex challenges may not be solved alone. Collaborators proposed ideas about how to fund across a system, how to align efforts, and how to support and sustain critical work. 

Technology and AI featured a focused on practical and ethical use of tools to support research, communication and collaboration. The EOIs reflect the depth of expertise across our ecosystem and a genuine willingness to share what is working, what is hard, and what still needs to be learned. 

Encouragingly, there is also a growing openness to learning: from failure, from evaluation, and from each other. Many sessions point to a sector that is becoming more reflective, more candid, and more willing to adapt.  

Collectively, these submissions suggest a sector in transition, one that is moving beyond intention toward greater accountability, beyond tradition toward new ways of working, and beyond individual action toward collective impact. 

The opportunity now is to carry this momentum forward: to turn these ideas into practice, and to continue shaping a form of philanthropy that is more connected, more courageous, and ultimately, more effective. 

I want to sincerely thank everyone who took the time to submit an EOI. 

Register now for Philanthropy Australia Conference 2026.