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Changemaker: Embracing the Power of People

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Sponsored: What’s Your Fundraising New Year’s Resolution?

Charities Join Forces to Feed Struggling South Australians For Christmas

Maggie Coggan, Wednesday, 19th December 2018 - With Christmas around the corner, Foodbank South Australia and Baptist Care South Australia have joined forces to open Adelaide’s first discounted food store, easing the stress of the holiday season.

Charity Reputation Index Reveals High Levels of Public Trust in Sector

Luke Michael, Wednesday, 19th December 2018 - The Australian public’s level of trust in the charity sector remains high, according to the annual Charity Reputation Index, which named The Royal Flying Doctor Service as the country’s most reputable charity for the eighth year straight.

Opinion

Global Compact: Ensuring Safety and Dignity For Migrants

Contributor, Tuesday, 18th December 2018 - In celebration of International Migrants Day on 18 December, Vicki Mau, the national manager of migration support programs at Australian Red Cross, discusses the importance of supporting vulnerable migrants through the Global Compact agreement.

Sector Celebrates Shorten’s Historic Affordable Housing Commitment

Maggie Coggan, Tuesday, 18th December 2018 - The community sector is celebrating Labor’s election commitment of 250,000 affordable rental properties over ten years, labelling it a game changer for vulnerable Australians facing rental stress.

Around the World

Save the Children Helps Make the World ‘Better With a Sweater’

Luke Michael, Tuesday, 18th December 2018 - People in the UK were able to make a Christmas donation simply by tapping their debit or credit card on a charity worker’s sleeve, thanks to a new contactless Christmas jumper.

Opinion

Could the Charities Act 2013 Pose a Problem for Advocacy Charities?

Krystian Seibert, Tuesday, 18th December 2018 - Krystian Seibert raises concerns about an aspect of the Charities Act that could have major implications for how the act can be used to challenge charities which have advocacy as a purpose.

Sponsored

Holidays – Baloney, We All Need to Keep Our Eyes Wide Open

Jo Scard, Tuesday, 18th December 2018 - Even though Christmas is almost upon us, not for profits still need to keep their eyes wide open and be prepared for the looming federal election, writes communications and engagement agency Fifty Acres founder and managing director Jo Scard.

Federal Government to Overhaul of ‘Punitive’ and ‘Outdated’ Jobseeker Program

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 17th December 2018 - An independent panel has found the federal government’s jobseeker program, Jobactive, to be punitive and digitally outdated, sparking a government commitment to overhaul the program.

Community Groups Dismayed at Labor’s Failure to Raise Newstart

Luke Michael, Monday, 17th December 2018 - Labor’s failure to commit to raising Newstart at their national conference has been slammed by anti-poverty advocates, who say welfare recipients will needlessly struggle to survive if forced to continue living on $39 a day.

Changemaker

Embracing the Power of People

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 17th December 2018 - Shen Narayanasamy is a lawyer and human rights campaign director at GetUp!, fighting fiercely in board rooms, Parliament and the streets, for a better, and fairer future. She is this week’s Changemaker.

Ask Adam

On Earth as It Is in Heaven

Adam Blanch, Monday, 17th December 2018 - In his final column, psychologist Adam Blanch considers the connection between human suffering and happiness, and what it takes to really be yourself.

Government Extends Controversial Cashless Welfare Card

Luke Michael, Friday, 14th December 2018 - The federal government is extending the controversial cashless welfare card trial by 12 months and considering a fifth site, despite continuing criticism about the card’s effectiveness.

Possible Backlash Caused by Planned Changes to Charities Act

Luke Michael, Friday, 14th December 2018 - Legal experts warn that the federal government’s plan to guarantee legal protection for charities advocating traditional marriage may create a backlash, as charities scramble to clarify their legal right to advocate on other controversial issues.

Simulation of Welfare System Reveals Raising Newstart Would Reduce Poverty Gap

Maggie Coggan, Thursday, 13th December 2018 - Raising Newstart by around $300 per fortnight and the Age Pension by $11, while other welfare payments are cut, would reduce the poverty gap by 11 per cent, according to new analysis.

What Impact Will Your Gift Have This Christmas?

Maggie Coggan, Thursday, 13th December 2018 - Australians are expected to spend over $50 billion in the lead up to Christmas, and while gifts are a great way to show appreciation for your loved ones, the charity and B-Corp sectors are encouraging shoppers to think creatively in their gift giving this year.

Sponsored

What’s Your Fundraising New Year’s Resolution?

Contributor, Thursday, 13th December 2018 - FrontStream offers some tips for those looking to get their fundraising in better shape next year.

Philanthropic Scholarship to Boost Indigenous University Students

Maggie Coggan, Tuesday, 11th December 2018 - Monash University and Gandel Philanthropy have partnered to support the next generation of Indigenous change agents, as part of the largest philanthropic fundraising campaigns in the history of the university.

Tasmania Secures Long-Term Funding Certainty For NDIS

Luke Michael, Tuesday, 11th December 2018 - Tasmania has secured long-term funding certainty for the National Disability Insurance Scheme after signing a five-year deal with the federal government.

NFP Sector Faces Growing Fundraiser Shortage

Luke Michael, Tuesday, 11th December 2018 - A not-for-profit recruitment expert warns that a growing demand for fundraising skills within the sector has created a shortage of fundraisers expected to persist into 2019.

Hot Topic

How to ‘Up’ Your End of Year Fundraising Campaign

Nicholas Soraghan, Tuesday, 11th December 2018 - December is upon us, so it is time to get on board with a simple donation drive this Christmas, writes Content For A Cause co-founder Nicholas Soraghan, who looks at how charities can make the most of their end of year fundraising campaign.

NSW Government Called to Help NFPs Become Energy Efficient

Luke Michael, Tuesday, 11th December 2018 - The New South Wales government needs to strongly support the state’s not-for-profit sector to invest in energy saving technologies amid rising energy costs, a report finds.

Re-Branded Yes Campaign Turns Up Heat on Anti-Discrimination Fight

Maggie Coggan, Tuesday, 11th December 2018 - The passing of marriage equality in Australia marked a turning point for LGBTIQ+ people, but one year on, a new legal advocacy group are committing to end discrimination of students in religious schools.

Sponsored

Bringing New Meaning to the Classic Wrist Watch

Contributor, Tuesday, 11th December 2018 - The Timekeeper is a mindful company on a mission to help young people be present and intentional with their time for positive mental health.

NDIS Service Providers Cautious Over Complex Needs Pricing Shake-Up

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 10th December 2018 - A pricing-arrangement shake up for National Disability Insurance Scheme service providers working with people with complex needs has been met with caution by some providers who say all the details haven't been made clear.

Around the World

New Grant Reporting Approach Trialled in the UK

Luke Michael, Monday, 10th December 2018 - A group of funders and funded organisations in the UK are trialling a new approach to grant reporting to fix what grantmakers say is a “broken system”.

Changemaker

Unlocking Remote Australia

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 10th December 2018 - John Burn is head of Many Rivers, a not for profit which works with small business owners in some of the most remote parts of Australia, helping them overcome barriers and showing the rest of Australia what they have to offer. He is this week’s Changemaker.

NDIS Service Providers Cautious Over Complex Needs Pricing Shake-Up

Australians With Disability Twice as Likely to be Evicted Without Cause

Luke Michael, Wednesday, 5th December 2018 - People with disability who rent are almost twice as likely to experience a “no-grounds” eviction compared with other Australians, new research shows.

SA Urged to Embrace Co-Op Model to Fix Aged Care and Disability Worker Shortages

Luke Michael, Wednesday, 5th December 2018 - South Australia should embrace the cooperative business model to fix problems in the state’s care sector, according to a leading UK social entrepreneur.

Glyn Davis Confirmed as New Head of the Ramsay Foundation

Maggie Coggan, Wednesday, 5th December 2018 - Former chancellor of Melbourne University, Glyn Davis, has been announced as the new head of the $3.6 billion Ramsay Foundation, in a move welcomed by the philanthropic and community sectors.

Foodbank Teams Up With Meal Matchmaker App

Luke Michael, Thursday, 6th December 2018 - Leftover food from cafes and restaurants across Australia will soon be used to feed people in need, thanks to a collaboration between Foodbank and a social enterprise app.

Simulation of Welfare System Reveals Raising Newstart Would Reduce Poverty Gap

NFP Sector Faces Growing Fundraiser Shortage

Community Groups Dismayed at Labor’s Failure to Raise Newstart

What Have Encryption Laws Got to do With the Social Sector?

Maggie Coggan, Wednesday, 5th December 2018 - Digital rights activists warn the implications of the federal government’s encryption bill will need to be closely watched by social sector organisations, who may be open to law enforcement agencies tapping their phones and accessing their information.

App Improving Health Outcomes For Wheelchair Users Given $500,000 in Funding

Luke Michael, Friday, 7th December 2018 - An innovative sensor app that helps improve health outcomes for wheelchair users will be piloted thanks to a $500,000 funding partnership.

Government Extends Controversial Cashless Welfare Card

Possible Backlash Caused by Planned Changes to Charities Act

Tomorrow Fund Celebrates Five Years of Funding Changemakers

Maggie Coggan, Thursday, 6th December 2018 - The philanthropic arm of one of Australia’s largest finance companies is celebrating its five year anniversary of awarding $1 million in funding grants to people doing extraordinary things in their local community.

Federal Government to Overhaul of ‘Punitive’ and ‘Outdated’ Jobseeker Program

Spotlight

The War on E-Waste and Everything in Between

Maggie Coggan, Wednesday, 5th December 2018 - With over 20 million tonnes of technology ending up in landfill each year, Cat Harding and Mardi Brown knew they had to “Pony Up” – or do their bit. Now they’re not just diverting tech from landfill, they’re changing a culture of corporate e-waste, writes Maggie Coggan in this month’s Spotlight on Social Enterprise.

Sponsored

Single-Parent Households Suffering Rental Stress

Andrew Cairns, Thursday, 6th December 2018 - The latest Rental Affordability Index paints a bleak picture for single parents who are renting, writes Community Sector Banking CEO Andrew Cairns.

What Impact Will Your Gift Have This Christmas?

Tasmania Secures Long-Term Funding Certainty For NDIS

Luke Michael, Tuesday, 11th December 2018 - Tasmania has secured long-term funding certainty for the National Disability Insurance Scheme after signing a five-year deal with the federal government.

Opinion

Compassion – A Radical Response?

David Crosbie, Thursday, 6th December 2018 - Community Council for Australia CEO David Crosbie explains why he would like to see a more compassionate Australia in 2019.

Changemaker

Unlocking Remote Australia

Sector Celebrates Shorten’s Historic Affordable Housing Commitment

Philanthropic Scholarship to Boost Indigenous University Students

Analysis

UK Study Tour Opens Doors to New Thinking About Gifts in Wills

Contributor, Friday, 7th December 2018 - After recently taking part in a UK gifts in wills fundraising study tour, The Smith Family’s Jakki Travers offers her key takeaways from the trip.

Sponsored

Show Your Gratitude This Christmas and Stay on Your Donors’ Nice List

Dr Steve Francis, Thursday, 6th December 2018 - The Christmas season provides the perfect opportunity to acknowledge and thank loyal contributors for their support over the year, writes Dr Steve Francis, managing director of FrontStream Asia Pacific.

Careers Blog

Stone Throwing

Marilyn Jones, Monday, 10th December 2018 - In her second blog providing advice for job seekers entering and moving within the social sector, experienced recruiter Marilyn Jones discusses how words can harm your chances.

NSW Government Called to Help NFPs Become Energy Efficient

Sponsored

Holidays – Baloney, We All Need to Keep Our Eyes Wide Open

Changemaker

Embracing the Power of People

Sponsored

What’s Your Fundraising New Year’s Resolution?

Contributor, Thursday, 13th December 2018 - FrontStream offers some tips for those looking to get their fundraising in better shape next year.

Sponsored

Bringing New Meaning to the Classic Wrist Watch

Contributor, Tuesday, 11th December 2018 - The Timekeeper is a mindful company on a mission to help young people be present and intentional with their time for positive mental health.

Changemaker

Unlocking Remote Australia

Sponsored

Single-Parent Households Suffering Rental Stress

Andrew Cairns, Thursday, 6th December 2018 - The latest Rental Affordability Index paints a bleak picture for single parents who are renting, writes Community Sector Banking CEO Andrew Cairns.

Sponsored

Show Your Gratitude This Christmas and Stay on Your Donors’ Nice List

Spotlight

The War on E-Waste and Everything in Between

Sponsored

Keeping Your Ducks in a Row

Jo Scard, Tuesday, 4th December 2018 - Not for profits need to get their ducks in a row and engage with the government and opposition now, to get their issues on the political radar before next year’s federal election, writes communications and engagement agency Fifty Acres founder and managing director Jo Scard.

Changemaker

Putting Disability and Leadership in the Same Sentence

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 3rd December 2018 - When disability advocate and entrepreneur, Christina Ryan, realised workplace programs helping people with disability into leadership roles were non-existent, she got angry. And then she started the Disability Leadership Institute, an enterprise that coaches, trains and supports people with disability into decision making and leadership roles. She�

Sponsored

Peppercorn Leases and Other Leases With Significantly Below-market Terms and Conditions

Contributor, Thursday, 29th November 2018 - With not for profits struggling to come to grips with the concept of valuing peppercorn leases and other leases with significantly below-market terms and conditions, HLB Mann Judd explains what the issues are and what the Australian Accounting Standards Board has recently decided on this matter.

Changemaker

Possibilities of the Humanitarian Robot

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 26th November 2018 - With technology playing a bigger part in our lives everyday, Lizzie O’Shea is combining her work with Digital Rights Watch, and as a humanitarian lawyer, to ensure the digital world is as ethical and and democratic as it can be. She is this week’s Changemaker.

Sponsored

Pathways to Employment

Contributor, Thursday, 22nd November 2018 - Optus is encouraging not for profits to get involved with its Pathways to Employment program, which seeks to address youth unemployment in Australia.

Sponsored

The Election Countdown is on, Time to Get Your Voice Heard

Jo Scard, Tuesday, 20th November 2018 - Fifty Acres founder and managing director Jo Scard offers her tips to ensure not for profits get their voices heard before the next federal election.

Changemaker

Standing up and Speaking Out on a Broken System

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 19th November 2018 - Anthony Kelly is executive officer of the Police Accountability Project – an initiative run out of the Flemington and Kensington Community Legal Centre – which provides legal aid to the vulnerable, and works to overhaul a broken system of policing. He is this week’s Changemaker.

Sponsored

Early Bird Tickets Now Available For ‘Transform 2019’ in Melbourne

Contributor, Tuesday, 13th November 2018 - Connecting Up is encouraging everyone to attend Australia’s premier not-for-profit technology conference, which is designed to help the NFP sector gain the knowledge, skills and products required to continue meeting the needs of the people it serves.

Sponsored

True Digital Transformation – The Only Way to Future-proof Your Charity

Contributor, Tuesday, 13th November 2018 - Aaron Diviniti from One Tree Community Services explains why digital transformation is so important for charities and community groups, and offers advice for organisations looking to transform their digital capabilities.

Changemaker

Closing the Eye Health Gap

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 12th November 2018 - Professor Hugh Taylor AC is the founder of Indigenous Eye Health at Melbourne University, and is fighting to close the gap of preventable blindness among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders by 2020. He is this week’s Changemaker.

Sponsored

Vollie Presents the Rotary Youth Forum 2019

Ellie Nikakis, Thursday, 8th November 2018 - In 2019, the Victorian Rotary Club is shaking things up for young people who want to make a difference, writes Ellie Nikakis from Vollie.

Spotlight

A Practical Impact, Period.

Maggie Coggan, Wednesday, 7th November 2018 - Tampons and pads make getting your period a whole lot easier. But a lot of them aren’t that great for the environment, or accessible to everyone. Rozalyn Campbell, founder of Tsuno, is trying to change that however, writes Maggie Coggan in this month’s Spotlight on Social Enterprise.

Sponsored

Okay People, Buckle Up – Are We Heading For a January Election?

Jo Scard, Tuesday, 6th November 2018 - With an early federal election possibly just around the corner, Fifty Acres founder and managing director Jo Scard says not for profits need to take action now to put their organisation in a strong position whatever the outcome.

Sponsored

Carer KaFE Seeks Expressions of Interest For 2019

Contributor, Tuesday, 6th November 2018 - In order to increase learning and development opportunities for kinship and foster carers across Victoria, Carer KaFE is seeking expressions of interests from training providers for 2019.

Changemaker

Farming For a Better Future

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 5th November 2018 - Anika Molesworth is not your ordinary farmer. Founder of Climate Wise Agriculture, and board member of Farmers for Climate Action, she’s on a mission to change the future of farming through sustainable practices, and fighting the endless battle making people take climate change seriously. She’s this week’s changemaker.

Sponsored

In Five Minutes, Learn About the NDIS Audit Process

Bruce Nixon, Tuesday, 30th October 2018 - Registration and renewal can be a daunting process for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, writes Centro ASSIST CEO Bruce Nixon, who offers his tips for navigating your NDIS audit.

Changemaker

Gambling: A Few Bad Choices or a Rotten Industry?

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 29th October 2018 - Tony Mohr is the executive director of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, a coalition of 80 different local councils, not for profits, and community groups, fiercely fighting for an overhaul of the gambling industry.