Renting in Australia and the role of philanthropy
Erin Dolan, Program Manager, Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation
Fri, 15 Dec 2023
The state of the housing market has made finding safe, secure and affordable properties increasingly difficult for the near-third of Australians who rent their home. Housing insecurity can lead to homelessness and addressing this most fundamental of needs is the first step to good health, education, employment and an equitable society for all. Renting is not such a precarious option in other countries. What are the political and economic conditions that have led to Australia’s rental crisis and how can philanthropy do more to support renters and drive a systems-level shift? Erin Dolan, Program Manager at the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation and Chair of Philanthropy Australia’s Affordable Housing Funders Network, provides her view.
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Q&A with Penny Dakin, outgoing CEO of ARACY: ‘Philanthropy’s willingness to be brave and bold will be key’
Fri, 15 Dec 2023
Philanthropy and government have come together to improve the wellbeing and opportunities of children and young people in what could be the largest ever structured collaboration between the sectors in the country’s history. The Investment Dialogue for Australia’s Children is shaping up as an unprecedented, long-term, integrated approach to support young people and their families to thrive – with community and First Nations voices to be at its heart. ARACY - Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth is acting as the Strategic Convenor of this important initiative.
Investment Dialogue for Australia’s Children gets under way at Canberra roundtable
Fri, 8 Dec 2023
Philanthropy and government have come together in what could be the largest ever structured collaboration between the sectors in the country’s history. Formalised this week in Canberra, the Investment Dialogue’s collective aim is to improve the wellbeing of children, young people and their families by working with communities to reduce intergenerational disadvantage in Australia. The initiative is shaping up as an unprecedented, long-term, integrated and community-led approach to supporting children, families and communities to thrive.
Australian Leadership Hub launches to answer ‘critical’ need for NFP sector
Louisa Graham, CEO, Australian Leadership Hub
Fri, 8 Dec 2023
As pressure mounts on for-purpose organisations, effective leadership is more critical than ever, and the Australian Leadership Hub whose purpose is to develop leaders, is stepping up to deliver what the sector needs most. After 14 years as the Australian Scholarships Foundation, during which we provided 5,000 individuals with scholarships and professional development opportunities worth a staggering $17.2 million, we have now expanded our activities to offer leadership awards, education programs and events. We also build connections among educators, executives, funders and alumni, who partner with us to foster skills that are crucial for organisations dedicated to creating a better society.
Positive, but more to do on Double Giving: our response to Productivity Commission’s draft findings
Sam Rosevear, Executive Director Policy, Government Relations and Research
Fri, 1 Dec 2023
Philanthropy Australia thanks the Productivity Commission for the open and consultative approach it took in developing its draft report, ‘Future foundations for giving’. The report recommends some important reforms, including the expansion of Deductible Gift Recipient status to more charities and the establishment of an independent philanthropic foundation controlled by, and for the benefit of, First Nations communities. However, the final report will need to recommend a stronger suite of high-impact reforms if Australia is to achieve a step-change lift in our culture and practice of giving.
The evolution of a sector – a concise history of philanthropy in Australia
Simon Lewis, Partner at GoodWolf Partners
Fri, 24 Nov 2023
Philanthropy is on the cusp of a new era of public accountability as the expectations of our time change, and the probity and transparency conferred by the sector’s relatively new governing body, the Australian Charities and Non-For-Profits Commission (ACNC), start taking effect, says Simon Lewis, Partner at GoodWolf.
Australian social cohesion index is lowest in 17 years, says Scanlon report
Dee Rudebeck
Fri, 17 Nov 2023
Key findings from the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute’s annual report, released this week, show that people’s overall social cohesion has fallen and is at its lowest level since the study began in 2007, amid concerns around cost-of-living pressures and the impact of global conflicts. But the report’s lead author says there that while Australia is at a crucial junction, there are positives to build on, particularly that people indicate a strong connection to their local communities.
