Conference scholarships spark belonging, confidence and impact

In 2024, Em Scott and Brenda Gaddi attended the Philanthropy Australia Conference on scholarships funded by generous event partners. Both were CEOs of community-led social impact organisations focused on equity and inclusion. Both were unsure about what to expect or the value of attending the conference. 

However, they both say the event was a turning point that helped them find their place in philanthropy. Their experiences show how powerful it can be to step into the room, build new connections and grow in confidence at an event like the Philanthropy Australia conference. 

Realising You Belong in the Room 

For Em Scott, CEO of Rainbow Giving Australia, attending the 2024 Conference came at a time of significant organisational transition. With a tiny team and a major merger underway, attending felt ambitious and slightly daunting. On the first morning, she walked in asking herself whether she belonged in the space. By the end of the conference, the answer was unmistakable. 

“We went in a bit nervous but left realising we absolutely belonged there. That sense of confidence has stayed with us.” 

For Em, the scholarship opened doors to professional development she otherwise would not have accessed. More importantly, it offered connection, confidence and visibility for an underfunded community. Sessions on collective giving and community-led philanthropy helped her see Rainbow Giving Australia’s programs reflected in broader sector practice. 

“It was like hearing other people articulate what we were already doing. It was affirming and so helpful for how we think and talk about our work.” 

The relationships seeded during the conference have since turned into real collaborations, including coordinating Giving Days with Creative Australia. These opportunities emerged because she was in the room. 

Finding a Blueprint for Community Power 

When Brenda Gaddi, Founder and Executive Director of Women of Colour Australia (WoCA), first considered applying, she approached the opportunity with curiosity rather than certainty. She hoped to connect, understand and learn. What unfolded went far beyond this. 

A session led by Sara Lomelin, CEO of Philanthropy Together, shifted how Brenda thought about resourcing, participation and community power. Hearing Sara talk about collective models of giving was not only inspiring, it offered a blueprint. It planted the early seeds for WOC Impact 1000, a new fundraising initiative grounded in mobilisation and shared agency. 

“I realised we could mobilise our community,” Brenda said. “WoCA could activate people who believed in our values and invite them to help sustain the organisation. It jumpstarted it for me. I walked out thinking, we can do this.” 

The conversations she had throughout the conference have since grown into collaborations, advisory roles and supportive relationships. Those connections continue to shape WoCA’s approach to fundraising and organisational sustainability. Brenda says none of this would have unfolded without the scholarship. 

Why Your Voice Matters 

Both leaders share a message for anyone thinking about applying. 

Brenda encourages people to step forward because “you do not know what one session or one conversation might set in motion.” She returns to the 2026 Conference not as someone seeking entry but as a leader who knows what is possible when diverse community voices are present. 

Em offers a similar call. “If you are asking yourself Am I worthy? then you are probably exactly who should apply. The sector needs new voices and new perspectives. You belong in these conversations.” 

Apply for the 2026 Scholarship Program 

With the Philanthropy Australia Conference 2026 set to be a milestone year for Australian philanthropy, now is the ideal moment to apply. Scholarships cover full registration to the core conference from 8 to 10 September and are open to both members and non-members. 

We particularly encourage applications from people facing financial barriers to attendance, and from those whose leadership strengthens the diversity of our sector, including First Nations peoples, LGBTQIA+ community members, people with disability, young people under 30 and leaders working in community-led organisations. 

Applications for the Philanthropy Australia Conference 2026 scholarships are open until 16 April 2026. We invite you to apply.  

Register now to join us in Brisbane this September!