Looking for the latest sector news? Catch up on what’s happening across the world of funding, philanthropy, and research with the latest updates from Team SG’s busy research team.

Latest sector news

Ancillary Funds 2020-2021: ACPNS Current Issues Information Sheet 

This report is highly anticipated in our office as we appreciate the time and effort put into analysing the date provided to Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies (ACPNS) by the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) and the Australian Tax Office (ATO). From the report it states: in total, as at 30 June 2021, there were 3,318 ancillary funds, with combined net assets of $16.39 billion. They received $2.35 billion in donations in the 2020–21 year and distributed $1.14 billion in grants. 

Read the full report here: https://eprints.qut.edu.au/242560/1/Ancillary_Funds_2020_21_Final.pdf  

Community Services Outcomes Tree (CSOT) – Latest Insights & Updates (a recorded webinar from the 4th October 2023) 

The webinar introduced updated resources and shared lessons that were learned in the pilot programs. It also delves into the complexities of measuring outcomes using the Community Services Outcomes Tree. 

Watch the webinar here: https://www.csi.edu.au/events/webinar-community-services-outcomes-tree-latest-insights-and-platform-updates/

Helping philanthropic funders to understand impact (New Zealand research) 

Last year, Foundation North commissioned the Centre for Social Impact (CSI) to gain a better understanding of what impact means to the foundation as well as to the funders it provides services to. We often see reports and advice around measurement and impact for charities and how to report on them, but not for funders.  

Read more here: https://www.foundationnorth.org.nz/news-and-reports/article/helping-philanthropic-funders-to-understand-impact 

Australian Cohesion Index 

The Index is a comprehensive assessment that draws on qualitative and quantitative data to provide an ongoing reference to better understand social cohesion in Australia and help plan for the future. It helps to explain our attitudes and perceptions of cohesion within Australia.  

Read more here: https://aci.scanloninstitute.org.au/ 

Reflections about medical research: Philanthropy’s role 

A theme we have come across recently is spoken about again in this article: Unrestricted funding provides the flexibility and speed needed when working on breakthroughs and innovation. This is just one of the topics covered in this article focused on philanthropy in the medical research field. 

Read more here: https://www.philanthropy.org.au/news-and-stories/reflections-about-medical-research-philanthropys-role 

Leveraging the power of data to improve the lives of young Australians 

A couple of key points from this article include:  

  • collaboration is key to breaking cycles of disadvantage, and 
  • breaking cycles of disadvantage is in the data. 

The Australian Government released a statement in July Measuring What Matters a framework to help with collaboration and consistency of terms used. 

Read more here: https://communitydirectors.com.au/articles/leveraging-the-power-of-data-to-improve-the-lives-of-young-australians 

As always, the Strategic Grants team are here to help with all your grant-seeking needs, including building a customised grants calendar for your non-profit. Find out more about our grants database GEMS, and sign up for your free demo, here