Public edition #40 | 2 October 2026

Giving News

A few weeks ago, countless hours of scheduling, writing, planning, sourcing and design came together as 1,200 people gathered to hear 200 speakers across 67 sessions. Our sold-out Philanthropy Australia Conference 2026, held in Brisbane last month, was our biggest yet. If you attended, our 5-minute post-event survey is still open for one more week. We’d love to hear your thoughts.

In this edition of Giving News, we look back at what was said and achieved at this landmark event and reflect on where to from here – including the news that Conference 2028 will be hosted in Perth!

CEO Maree Sidey opened Conference 2026 with a call to build belonging, an idea she reflects on while in New York for the United Nations General Assembly and Climate Week, while Welcome to Country CEO Desmond Campbell offers his thoughts on Conference 2026 in the first instalment of our new series, Voices of Impact.

Inside, you’ll also find details on 220 social impact education scholarships and a new climate funding partnership, designed to help organisations spend more time delivering impact and less time engaging with investors.

Conference 2026: Belonging at the centre, momentum for the future

From memorable moments to future ambitions, revisit the highlights of Conference 2026 and explore how we're building on this momentum for what's next.

From Brisbane to New York: Why belonging is the key to Australia’s generosity

What do global debates on trust and cooperation mean for Australian philanthropy? Philanthropy Australia CEO Maree Sidey reflects on lessons from New York and why belonging matters more than ever.

Voices of Impact: Desmond Campbell on Conference 2026

In our new series, Voices of Impact, Welcome to Country CEO Desmond Campbell reflects on the power of honest dialogue and relationship-building across the philanthropic sector, drawing on his experience at Conference 2026.

Philanthropy Australia Conference will head west in 2028

For the first time in the event's history, the sector's flagship conference will be held in Perth in 2028.

2027 scholarship season kicks off with new philanthropic funding

Scholarship season is open, with 220 fully funded places for courses at the Centre for Social Impact, helping for-purpose leaders strengthen governance, philanthropy practice and impact.

Unlocking capital for climate resilience and community impact

A new partnership between Paul Ramsay Foundation and Atlassian Foundation aims to unlock more capital for Australian charities, so organisations can spend more time delivering impact and less time talking to investors.

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