Genevieve Timmons honoured with Life Membership of Philanthropy Australia 

Philanthropy Australia has awarded its highest honour, Life Membership, to Genevieve Timmons, recognising her outstanding and sustained contribution to both the organisation and the development of philanthropy in this country. 

Announced at the recent Annual General Meeting, Chair Darrell Wade described Life Membership as a rare distinction, acknowledging individuals whose impact has helped shape philanthropy in Australia. In presenting the award, he paid tribute to Genevieve’s more than four decades of leadership across governance, grantmaking, sector strategy and capability building. 

“Gen is one of Australia’s most respected and influential figures in contemporary philanthropy,” Darrell said. “Her early experiences of community generosity in regional Victoria have informed her lifelong advocacy for equitable, community led and values driven giving.” 

Genevieve, or Gen as she is affectionately known, held long executive roles at the Lance Reichstein Foundation, Portland House Foundation, the Naomi Milgrom Foundation and the Paul Ramsay Foundation. Her consultation extends to a client list of over 50 corporate and private donors, staff teams, boards of directors and trustees, peak membership organisations, financial and legal advisors, and academics. 

Gen also became a national leader in professional development, designing and delivering programs for grantmakers and grantseekers across Australia. Her published works include the 2010 Grantmaker’s Toolkit Ritenga Tuku Koha with Philanthropy New Zealand, and Savvy Giving with Australian Communities Foundation in 2013 and 2024, which has become a ‘how to’ guide for effective grantmaking and philanthropy.

She has also been a strong advocate for recognising excellence across women-led initiatives, First Nations leadership and environmental work. Her leadership in advancing First Nations philanthropy includes developing the widely recognised Right Way, Wrong Way, Which Way framework. 

Gen’s influence on governance and culture at Philanthropy Australia has also been significant. Timmons served on the Philanthropy Australia Council from 2014 to 2020, played a central role in establishing our Awards program and our 50-year commemorations, and has been involved hundreds of events. 

“When I was first approached about the award, it prompted a few important reflections,” Gen said as she accepted the Life Membership. “Looking back, there is no doubt about the social return on our investment, and the investment of so many others, that has got Philanthropy and Philanthropy Australia to where we are today. 

“Nothing would have happened if I sat in a room on my own for 40 years,” she said. “There were so many of us who rolled up our sleeves together. By accepting this award, I am taking one for the team, on behalf of everyone who has been part of this work and made it all come to fruition.” 

Gen also spoke warmly of her recent time working more closely with Philanthropy Australia, noting, “I felt like I was coming home,” and offering her thanks to board members, staff past and present, and colleagues across the sector. 

Gen’s Life Membership recognises not only an exceptional career, but a legacy of leadership that continues to shape philanthropy in Australia.