State of Philanthropy Insights Series starts bold new conversation for Giving 

Over the past two weeks, Philanthropy Australia’s State of Philanthropy Insights Series travelled the country, convening more than 800 people at 18 events across eight cities. Alongside Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, we launched Strategy 2033 – Mobilising Generosity, Shaping the Future – and started a bold new conversation about giving in this country. 

Many of you will have gathered at one of our Forums to hear CEO Maree Sidey set a thought-provoking premise: that in Philanthropy Australia’s fiftieth year, we need to critically examine how we write a new story of Australian generosity and mobilise a culture and movement of giving.

“We need to find ways to call in Australia’s spirit of generosity and call out our responsibility as one of the most privileged countries on the planet,” Maree told attendees. “Our job is to help Australians make the link between their fundamental generosity of spirit and a responsibility towards those who are still missing out” 

You will have also heard our keynote speaker Heather Grady, Executive Vice President Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, extol that the generosity expressed through giving is an even greater asset when it flows with intention, capability and accountability; particularly today, when philanthropy is challenged to do the right thing in an environment that is dynamic, complex, and daunting. Heather delved further in to these themes at member workshops in every state, facilitated with her colleague Sanya Mirpuri, which unpacked Philanthropy Operating Archetypes. 

You may have been one of the attendees who posed provocative questions to our new Chair Darrell Wade. He spoke about what motivates his private giving, the responsibility funders have to embrace collaboration and lived experience, and how Strategy 2033 sets the direction for a more inclusive giving sector in Australia.

More than 140 questions were put our panel – either electronically or verbally – across the following themes. 

• Giving culture and embedding philanthropy as a shared societal norm 

• Rebalancing power, cantering equity, and building transparency across the system 

• Reforming funding so it is more accessible, collaborative, and less burdensome for grantseekers 

• Driving long-term systems change while strengthening sector effectiveness and capacity  

• Leadership on influencing policy and strengthening Australia’s role locally and globally 

For Philanthropy Australia, the roadshow reaffirmed the value of national convening and sparked national dialogue around the vision presented in Strategy 2033: to strengthen giving for a more generous, just and sustainable future. 

“Philanthropy Australia has an extraordinarily good strategy,” Heather Grady said at the conclusion of the roadshow. “It’s clear, it’s succinct, it’s powerful, it’s bold, it’s doable.” 

Ultimately, the State of Philanthropy Insights Series was both a mirror and a catalyst. It reflected a sector that is thoughtful, values-driven and increasingly connected, but also one ready to be more visible, more ambitious and more globally engaged. 

As one participant summed it up: the experience was “invigorating.” The challenge now is to carry that energy forward speaking up, leaning in, and shaping the future of philanthropy in Australia and beyond. 

Thank to the organisations that generously supported the State of Philanthropy Insight Series across the country: partners Lotterywest, Tim Fairfax AC and the Fay Fuller Foundation, and host partners Mercer, SkyCity, Clayton Utz and Macquarie. 

See a colourful collection of photos from across the events here.