“Philanthropy does not achieve change in and of itself.”
Fiona Atkinson, F&P (Fundraising and Philanthropy) magazine #104 – Autumn 2025
Fri, 21 Mar 2025
In June 2024, Maree Sidey became CEO of Philanthropy Australia. F&P’s Fiona Atkinson asks what philanthropy means for her, for fundraisers and for Australia. Maree Sidey thinks the word ‘philanthropist’ can feel out of reach. “I don’t think most Australians like it or relate to it, including many Philanthropy Australia members,” says the CEO of Philanthropy Australia. Maree prefers the term ‘generous Australians’. “It’s much more accessible,” she says.
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What should philanthropy do about the US freeze on aid?
Benjamin Bellegy, Executive Director at WINGS
Fri, 7 Mar 2025
Here we are. The entirety of USAID’s, the biggest bilateral aid donor on earth, programmes were suddenly frozen last week by US President Trump. The organisation’s website is now offline, and the Trump administration is moving to put the free-standing agency under the umbrella of the State Department. Elon Musk, who now holds a key position in Trump’s government, has called the USAID ‘criminal’ and said it’s ‘time for it to die’.
DGR tax reforms to bring ‘new era’ for community foundations
Dee Rudebeck, News and Storytelling Advisor
Fri, 7 Mar 2025
A ‘game changing’ new Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) category that will boost community giving has been celebrated by philanthropic, charity and community leaders. The result of 20 years of advocacy, the reforms were delivered by the Assistant Minister for Charities, the Hon Andrew Leigh MP, who was acknowledged for his leadership driving the changes.
Claire O’Rourke, AEGN CEO, on climate action: ‘We must fundamentally reorientate ourselves to meet this moment in history’
As told to Dee Rudebeck, Advisor, News and Storytelling
Fri, 21 Feb 2025
Where next on climate funding for philanthropy as we reach the mid-way point in the critical decade for action to prevent catastrophic environmental change? Claire O’Rourke stepped into the role of CEO of the Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network (AEGN) last year. Here, she talks about her vision for the organisation, the energising response of the sector and our role as pivotal ancestors-to-be at this vital juncture.
Cost of living, elections and collaboration highlighted in 2025’s Better Philanthropy Telescope
Philanthropy Australia
Fri, 7 Feb 2025
Philanthropy Australia’s third annual Better Philanthropy Telescope takes the pulse of the sector, shedding light on the emerging trends, challenges and opportunities that will shape Australia’s giving agenda in the year ahead.
Queensland government launches Office for Social Impact with $80m
Dee Rudebeck, Advisor, News and Storytelling
Fri, 7 Feb 2025
The social enterprise sector has received an $80 million boost in Queensland with the state government’s announcement that an Office of Social Impact will be established. Philanthropist Allan English AM, along with Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki, are two of the key drivers behind the collaboration between government, sector leaders and philanthropic funders.
UK Study Tour: ‘The changes being made to power sharing practices was the standout learning’
Rachel Findlay, Director, Engagement (NSW/ACT), Philanthropy Australia
Fri, 6 Dec 2024
A group of Philanthropy Australia members have returned from an enriching study tour in the UK buzzing with fresh insights and enthusiasm to invest in their work in Australia. The members had an action-packed itinerary meeting with more than 40 speakers from 20+ organisations sharing best practice and deep understanding of the many ways philanthropy is making a difference today. Here, Rachel Findlay, Director Impact and Engagement, NSW & ACT, and the key driver behind curating the tour, shares her reflections.
