Public edition #36 | 24 July 2026

No images? Click here 

In the Philanthropy Australia office hangs a whiteboard we update daily with the latest Conference 2026 registration numbers. Today, with only six weeks to go, the whiteboard shows the event is 85% sold out for our sector’s biggest gathering ever. To avoid missing out, register here.

Delegates will be the first to experience The Thread, our inaugural program of artistic performances weaving through the Conference, featuring didgeridoo virtuoso William Barton, Queensland’s chamber Orchestra Camerata, Red Room Poetry and more. The centrepiece of The Thread is the Networking Dinner. This is one of the most anticipated events of Conference week, and capacity is strictly limited, so secure your spot early.

In this edition of Giving News, we speak to Dr Sonja Hood AM about social cohesion and belonging; she’ll be joined by a panel of other experts on Day 2 of Conference 26. Our Chair Darrell Wade dials in from Nairobi to share why the future of Africa is "remarkably bright". There are also reflections on the future of learning from our Education Funders Peer Network, and a new report from the Centre for Social Impact on pressures within the for-purpose sector. 

Finally, we welcome our two newest Philanthropy Australia Board members, Caroline Gurney and Ingrid Albert, who share their experiences that have shaped their vision for Australian giving.  

Dr Sonja Hood AM: Belonging is more than a visa category or postcode

Belonging is more than a visa category, and it's more than a postcode. But who gets to belong, and who becomes a headline? In Giving News, Dr Sonja Hood AM joins us to discuss social cohesion in the face of a changing Australia. She explores what creates connection across diverse communities, why belonging matters, and the insights she'll bring to Conference 2026. 

From Nairobi: Darrell Wade on progress, philanthropy and local leadership 

Calling in from Nairobi, Philanthropy Australia Chair Darrell Wade shares why the future of Africa is "remarkably bright", the locally led innovations transforming communities, and why philanthropy can go further than many people realise.  

New research reveals growing strain on Australia's social economy 

New research from the Centre for Social Impact reveals a social economy under growing strain, as organisations navigate workforce shortages, funding pressures and increasing expectations while continuing to support communities across Australia. 

New Board members bring fresh perspectives to Philanthropy Australia

Two of Philanthropy Australia's newest Board members, Caroline Gurney and Ingrid Albert, share their experiences and values shaping their vision for the future of Australian philanthropy. 

AI, equity and the future of learning: Education Funders Peer Network

AI has the potential to improve education, but its benefits depend on equitable and thoughtful implementation, leaders discussed at our recent Education Funders Peer Network.

We would like to acknowledge and thank our key partners for their generous support. Read our full list of supporters.

Contact us

For Giving News:

[email protected]

Or contact us for any other queries.

Philanthropy Australia acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.