Sector news wrap-up
What's been happening in the philanthropic and not-for-profit sector in the past few weeks? This article includes a summary of four different media releases: the announcement of the 2025 Snow Fellowship to a WEHI medical researcher; the Teach For Australia alumni awards ceremony; a major gift to advance the conservation of objects with historical and cultural significance; and a new agreement to co-fund innovative diabetes research.
5 key takeaways from the 2025 Impact Investment Summit
The Impact Investment Summit was held at the International Convention Centre in Sydney over 26-27 March 2025. This year marked the 10th year since the Asia Pacific Impact Investment Summit was founded. The event brought together more than 650 delegates including institutional investors, advisors, foundations, family offices, government, organisations and enterprises to explore investment opportunities that couple financial returns, with social and environmental outcomes.
White Box launches first-of-its-kind loan fund to fuel growth in social enterprises
White Box Enterprises has launched an innovative loan fund offering flexible, low-rate loans to help create social enterprises and more than 200 jobs for people facing barriers to employment. Backed by philanthropy and government, the aim is to provide social enterprises the ‘right capital at the right time’.
An Australian COP31 should be a ‘People’s COP with community at its core’
Climate Action Week Sydney (CAW.SYD) ended last week with a call to put people and communities at the Centre of COP31 as Australia and the Pacific bid to co-host the global summit. Leaders involved with the cross-sectoral COP31 Collaboration Group (CCG) said work must ensure that COP31 is a ‘People’s COP’ that has inclusivity, First Nations and community engagement at its core.
50+ stories for 50 years
This year marks Philanthropy Australia’s 50th anniversary! For five decades, our community has championed philanthropy, driving positive change across Australia. As an organisation, we have continued to grow, evolve, and thrive thanks to you—our members, both past and present.
‘Giving circles are fun’: Impact100 Melbourne launches
A new collective giving opportunity has been launched in Melbourne for locals who want to support their communities to thrive. Impact100 Melbourne, supported by the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, aims to build a new membership base in the Victorian capital and bring like-minded citizens together to make a difference on their patch.
“Philanthropy does not achieve change in and of itself.”
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.