Sneak peek at the Philanthropy Australia Conference 2026 program 

A bold, future-focused program is rapidly taking shape for Conference 2026, bringing together visionary leaders, fresh local ideas and transformative conversations that will challenge and inspire. Before Early Bird registrations close on June 5, here’s a sneak peek at the energising mix of international speakers, dynamic panels and practical sessions that delegates will experience – all designed to unlock new ways of thinking and amplify impact across the sector.

The conference will feature an outstanding line-up of international speakers bringing global insight, bold thinking and real-world experience to the stage. Leaders including Trista Harris (FutureGood, USA), Joanna Kerr (Canada), Anita Patel (Bush Foundation, USA) and Paul Ash (Christchurch Call, New Zealand) will explore how philanthropy can respond to growing complexity with innovation, courage and collective action.

Voices such as Jamie Choi (Tara Climate Foundation, Singapore) and Naina Subberwal Batra (AVPN) will unpack the rapid growth and influence of philanthropy across Asia. Their perspectives will be complemented by global changemakers including Jim Bildner (Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, USA), examining how capital and enterprise can drive scalable impact, Marika Hedin (Sweden), reflecting on philanthropy’s role in strong social democracies, and Lourdes Inga (International Funders for Indigenous Peoples), sharing powerful insights on shifting power and centring Indigenous leadership.

Plenaries featuring leading Australian voices will bring a powerful local lens to the big ideas. Delegates will hear from First Nations leaders redefining generosity through lived experience, alongside influential voices from community and government. There will also be sessions specifically designed for trustees, for people new to giving, and to raise the voices of young people and Indigenous people.

Explore every dimension of giving

Delegates will have the opportunity to dive into an expansive and thought-provoking program of breakout sessions exploring every dimension of giving—what drives it, how it works, and how it can be done better. From unlocking the opportunities of artificial intelligence to navigating the first steps in funding, the program spans collective giving, impact investing, evolving corporate foundations and the growing influence of ‘re-granters’ turning individual contributions into collective impact. Sessions will also tackle policy reform, new approaches to measurement that strengthen trust-based philanthropy, and the powerful ways a new generation is reshaping wealth, decision-making and capital allocation.

The possibilities of philanthropy

Across the program, participants will engage in rich, forward-looking discussions on some of the most pressing issues of our time and the role philanthropy can play in addressing them. From the future of science and ageing well in a longevity society, to community-led economic development, sport as a vehicle for social impact, and young people’s health, voice and participation, these conversations will challenge and inspire.

Delegates will also explore big-picture questions around Australia’s democratic resilience and the critical importance of advancing First Nations self-determination—broadening perspectives on where and how philanthropy can create lasting change.

Showcasing what works and why

The conference will bring ideas to life through compelling case studies that showcase philanthropy’s transformational potential in action. From digital transformation initiatives for not-for-profits to powerful cross-sector environmental partnerships, and from music education collaborations driving systems change to storytelling frameworks embedding equity and accountability in funding decisions.

Delegates will also deepen their expertise through hands-on Masterclasses covering everything from philanthropic structures, evidence-based giving and grantmaking, to responsible AI, impact investing, partnerships with First Nations communities, advocacy, and leadership. Every session will equip delegates with the the tools, insight and confidence to lead change long after the conference ends.

Conference 2026 is shaping up to be a must-attend event, where passion meets purpose and the collective power of philanthropy takes centre stage.

Early Bird registrations for members and non-members for the Philanthropy Australia Conference 2026 close at midnight AEST on Friday, 5 June. Register now.