Our story: Philanthropy Australia’s timeline

Robin Hood was Right, published by the Vanguard Public Foundation in the US and promoted by Tracy Gary, influences many of the founding Association members. The book promotes moving away from a charity model that reinforces dependency and control towards ethical giving focused on addressing the roots of social inequity and funding for systems change.

The name Australian Association of Philanthropy is adopted and Marion Webster (later AM, vale 2024) is appointed as first Executive Officer. Melbourne premises were provided by the Helen Schutt Trust, now known as the Helen MacPherson Smith Trust.

Association members encourage the emergence of mission-aligned investing, in which capital deployment from endowed funds are scrutinised for social and environmental impact alongside financial return. The Ethical and Responsible Wealth Information Group (EARWIG) is convened, as is the first Women Donors Network led by members such as Sue Matthews and Jill Reichstein OAM, above.

The name Philanthropy Australia is adopted. International speakers are brought to Australia to share learnings that deepen and enhance practice, including Steven Burkeman, Barry Gaberman, Diana Leat (above), Tracy Gary and Peter Hero.

In response to extensive policy advocacy work by PA and partners, the Government introduces policy measures to create incentives for philanthropy and remove barriers. Most notably, this includes the introduction of Prescribed Private Funds, later to become Private Ancillary Funds. The first was the Nelson Meers Foundation by Nelson Meers AO and his daughter Sam Meers AO (above).

Gina Anderson (above) is appointed CEO. The initial Giving Australia report, commissioned by the Australian Government, is launched at the Philanthropy Australia Conference. It is the most comprehensive survey of the philanthropy in Australia to date, showing individual monetary giving rose 88% from 1997 and volunteering increased 16% from 2000. Philanthropy Australia’s membership reaches 285 and two more peer networks are launched to help grow giving and its impact.

The new Private Ancillary Fund Guidelines 2009 are introduced by the Australian Government. Philanthropy Australia leads advocacy efforts that result in the Government deciding on a minimum distribution rate of 5%.

PA holds 139 events in 16 locations across the country and pilots the Philanthropy 101 professional development workshop series. The inaugural Philanthropy Australia Oration was delivered by Dr Dorothy Scott OAM (above right) at the NSW State Library and in Melbourne at The University of Melbourne.

PA broadens its audiences and resources to achieve greater impact. The New Gen program is established for younger philanthropists, Impact Investing 101 workshops are introduced and the Impact Australia Report is launched with partners. Membership surpasses 700.

Sarah Davies AM (above) is appointed CEO. The inaugural Philanthropy Meets Parliament Summit is held at Parliament House in Canberra, attended by 200 delegates, to deepen the relationship with between government and philanthropy. After a hiatus our print journal Philanthropy is replaced the digital newsletter Philanthropy Weekly, providing news, grants, events, resources and job ads. It now reaches an audience of over 10,000.

Philanthropy Australia commences three strategic projects in partnership with our members: The People in Philanthropy storytelling series; Foundation Maps Australia; and the Economic Case for Philanthropy, as well as collaborates with Creative Partnerships Australia on Australia’s first-ever collective giving benchmarking research. A number of Philanthropy Australia members and sector leaders, such as Tom Snow and Anna Brown OAM, back the vote for Marriage Equality. They are pictured about at the 2017 YES Day celebrations after the vote was passed.

PA launches Foundation Maps Australia (above), a public data dashboard representing more than 13,000 grants contributing over $840m and launches the Online Advocacy Toolkit to support members to advance efforts in this space. A Private Giving Study Tour to Canada with 16 members supports international knowledge sharing and enhanced practice. The chapter network concept is piloted with the Australian International Development Network (AIDN), which goes to co-host impact tours abroad for funders with Insight Tours (a recent one is pictured above).

Jack Heath AM (above) is appointed CEO. PA launches the Blueprint to Grow Structured Giving, outlining 10 proposed strategies to enhance the sector., which the Labor Government broadens to a pledge to double all giving by 2030. Philanthropy Australia successfully lobbies against proposed regulation that threatens charities’ free speech and for reform that enables 28 community foundations to receive a specific listing as Deductible Gift Recipients. 

Following member consultations, Philanthropy Australia makes submissions to the Government’s Productivity Commission Inquiry into Philanthropy and the Not-for-Profit Sector Blueprint. It also convenes philanthropic support for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament Referendum and in sector development initiatives, hosts the Philanthropy Evaluation initiative and the Foundations Group for Impact Investing (FGII). In closing a busy year,   the 400th edition of Philanthropy Weekly and Inspiring Stories of Giving Volume 1 are published (above). The Melbourne office moves to its current location at 90 Collins Street. 

After 20 years of advocacy by Philanthropy Australia and others, game-changing Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) reform bringing a ‘new era’ for community foundations is announced by the Government. PA’s bi-annual Canberra Summit evolves to the successful Philanthropy Leadership Summit, exploring the type of leaders needed to address the polycrisis and create a generous, just and sustainable future for all Australians.