Public edition #37 | 7 August 2026

No images? Click here 

So much can happen in a decade. Joshua Amponsem has gone from leading street protests in Ghana to becoming a global voice for youth-led climate justice. Meanwhile, Australia has seen marriage equality evolve from a hard-won reform to an everyday reality, with more than 35,000 same-sex marriages registered since 2017. 

In this edition of Giving News, we speak with Joshua ahead of his appearance at Conference 2026. He shares insights from his global climate action work and reflects on the important role philanthropy plays in supporting communities to respond to today's challenges.

We’re also excited to announce that the Conference Dinner at the Glo House on September 9 will now be an extra special celebration of the power of philanthropy. Together with Equality Australia and Rainbow Giving Australia, this night of music, performance, dancing and joy will mark the imminent 10-year anniversary of one of the largest collective achievements of philanthropy in this country - the historic marriage equality campaign. Be quick to get your tickets.

This week we're also highlighting our advocacy efforts to drive reforms that strengthen giving, support charities and create a more effective environment for philanthropy. We also have a piece by PLAN International on why investing in adolescent girls delivers long-term impact. 

If you haven’t yet registered, please get your ticket now. We’d love to see you there and raise a glass together at the Celebration Dinner. For those interested in our range of Masterclasses and Field Trips Friday, please note these are ticketed separately from the core Conference – we encourage early registrations to secure your spot.

Youth Climate Justice Fund co-founder Joshua Amponsem on allowing community to shape philanthropy

What began with student protests against a proposed coal power plant in Ghana has become a global campaign for climate justice. Ahead of speaking at the Philanthropy Australia Conference 2026, Joshua Amponsem reflects on community-led change, the power of trust-based philanthropy and why investing in young leaders remains one of the most important opportunities for lasting impact.  

Philanthropy Australia’s advocacy work gains momentum in 2026

The first half of 2026 has been a busy period for Philanthropy Australia’s policy and advocacy work, as we collaborate with members, partners and government to advance our Strategy 2033 purpose: strengthening giving towards a more generous, just and sustainable future. 

Invest early, change everything: Why adolescent girls are philanthropy's greatest untapped investment

Every philanthropist wants to invest where the return is greatest. The evidence suggests there are few opportunities with greater long-term impact than investing in adolescent girls, as Conor Costello from Plan International Australia writes.

Love, leadership and philanthropy: A decade on from the marriage equality campaign

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.