Want to know what our grant-seeking experts are reading at the moment? As Research Coordinator, I’ve created a shortlist of interesting and useful sector updates, news articles, professional development opportunities and research to share with the Strategic Grants team and community.  

These updates ensure the team stay up to date with sector trends and updates, which we then include in our training with clients, such as our upcoming Grant-Seeking Workshops. Read an overview of the latest sector news below. 

Perpetual’s Philanthropy Snapshot – How to give well in 2023 

This insights snapshot looks at the environment faced by not-for-profit organisations and the communities they serve in 2023. It draws on deep data collected through Perpetual’s IMPACT Philanthropy Application Program and on many conversations with people within the community sector. It’s designed to give philanthropists the information they need to make informed funding decisions. 

Read more: https://www.perpetual.com.au/insights/insights-for-philanthropists-what-the-community-sector-is-telling-us/  

Toward a Trust-Based Framework for Learning and Evaluation 

In January 2022, more than 500 people across philanthropy joined the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project and the Center for Evaluation Innovation for a webinar exploring the question, “What does a more equitable and trust-based approach to learning and evaluation look like?”. 

The overwhelming level of interest affirmed something they were hearing from more and more funders: philanthropy’s approach to learning and evaluation must change. 

A sector-wide practice around how to do this trust-based approach to learning and evaluation has begun to emerge. 

Read the three learning areas that anchor this emergent work here: https://cep.org/toward-a-trust-based-framework-for-learning-and-evaluation/ 

Rise of the philanthropic ‘mega gift’, and how you can join the trend 

A new report shows that philanthropists are giving more, and offers pathways to getting the ‘ask’ right. 

Read the full report here: https://www.artshub.com.au/news/career-advice/rise-of-the-philanthropic-mega-gift-and-how-you-can-join-the-trend-2623776/ 

First Nations Voice to Parliament 

As the conversation around the Voice continues to deepen, the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission has released timely new resources and guidelines for organisations considering contributing to the discussion. 

Read more here: https://www.philanthropy.org.au/news-and-stories/as-indigenous-voice-wording-is-revealed-acnc-releases-advocacy-guidelines/  

Consultation on the National Strategy to Achieve Gender Equality 

The Australian Government is developing the National Strategy to Achieve Gender Equality and are calling on the community to share their thoughts as part of the consultation process.  

Have your say here: https://www.pmc.gov.au/office-women/national-strategy-achieve-gender-equality/consultation 

Investing for not-for-profits in a higher interest rate environment 

With many predicting difficult social and economic times ahead, many NFPs may be confronting short-term underperformance against return objectives and annual spending pressures caused by higher inflation. In this article, JANA assesses the current economic and market backdrop, as well as ideas on how NFPs and funders can financially equip themselves for 2023 and beyond. 

Read the full article here: https://jana.com.au/investing-for-not-for-profits-in-a-higher-interest-rate-environment  

Some upcoming sector professional development opportunities 

Strategic Grants Best Practice Grant-Seeking Workshops – multiple locations across April and May 

Brisbane Climate Lens Launch hosted by Philanthropy Australia – 20 April 

2023 Connecting Up Conference – 10-12 May  

Need further information on funding and how to build effective strategies to ensure you are funder ready? Get in touch with the Strategic Grants team today