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Choice and Control At Risk For NDIS Participants

Karen refugee in Mae La refugee camp in Thailand using discounted computer

Changemaker: Changing Perceptions of Fundraising

Sponsored: ACOSS ‘Rise to the Challenge’

Opinion

Six Tips For Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals

Contributor, Tuesday, 25th September 2018 - With 25 September marking the third anniversary of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) being agreed, World Vision Australia policy advisor Dane Moores offers his tips to lift Australia’s domestic and international performance on the SDGs.

Victoria Extends State Care to 21

Luke Michael, Tuesday, 25th September 2018 - Advocates hope Victorian foster children will no longer face the threat of homelessness once they turn 18, with the state government extending state care to 21 years.

Choice and Control At Risk For NDIS Participants

Luke Michael, Tuesday, 25th September 2018 - Choice and control for National Disability Insurance Scheme participants is at risk due to critical workforce shortages and inadequate market supervision, a parliamentary committee says.

Sponsored

Refurbished Computers a ‘Beacon of Hope’ for Young Karen Refugees

Contributor, Tuesday, 25th September 2018 - Australian Karen Foundation co-founder Andrew Flint recounts how discounted Aussie computers and donated software have become the dream makers at the heart of an amazing story in an interview with Connecting Up.

Opinion

Electoral Bill Amendments a Positive Step

Krystian Seibert, Tuesday, 25th September 2018 - Krystian Seibert looks into the new definition of “electoral expenditure” and what the electoral bill amendments mean for charities.

Digital Inclusion Program Hopes to Develop New Skills

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 24th September 2018 - With South Australia facing the worst rate of digital exclusion in the country, a new program is working hard to turn the statistic around.

Around the World

Global Connectivity Driving Overseas Giving

Luke Michael, Monday, 24th September 2018 - The ease of global connectivity and a preference toward online giving means almost a third of donors worldwide are now giving to overseas organisations, new research shows.

Changemaker

Changing Perceptions of Fundraising

Luke Michael, Monday, 24th September 2018 - Katherine Raskob is CEO of Fundraising Institute Australia, the largest representative body for the charitable fundraising sector. She is this week’s Changemaker.

Ask Adam

Control Versus Confidence

Adam Blanch, Monday, 24th September 2018 - Psychologist Adam Blanch offers advice to a control freak on how they can repair their confidence and “chill out”.

Foreign Donations Bill Changes Labelled a Win For Charities

Luke Michael, Friday, 21st September 2018 - Draft amendments to the foreign donations bill have been labelled a win for the charity sector, with the government backing down on measures that threatened charitable advocacy.

ACNC Warns Public to Check Your Charity

Maggie Coggan, Friday, 21st September 2018 - The charities commission is encouraging the public to check the validity of an organisation before donating, following revelations a charity leader stole $750,000 from the not for profits she ran.

Opinion

Reflections on the ACNC Review

Sarah Wickham, Thursday, 20th September 2018 - Recommendations from the recently released review of Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission legislation were positive overall, but there were a number of key missed opportunities, writes policy and research manager at Philanthropy Australia, Sarah Wickham.

Sponsored

ACOSS ‘Rise to the Challenge’

Contributor, Thursday, 20th September 2018 - The 2018 ACOSS “Rise to the Challenge” National Conference will be held at the SMC Conference and Function Centre, 66 Goulburn St, Sydney on Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 October.

Greens Call to Extend Royal Commission to Disability Sector

Luke Michael, Wednesday, 19th September 2018 - Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John says he “will not rest” until the aged care royal commission is expanded to cover the disability sector, despite concerns this would “dilute” the effectiveness of the inquiry.

SDGs Gender Equality Tool Hopes to Ignite Global Change

Luke Michael, Wednesday, 19th September 2018 - It is hoped a new tool measuring gender equality against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will equip advocates with the evidence to influence policymakers and ignite global change.

Open Letter to PM Calls For Action on Indigenous Incarceration

Maggie Coggan, Tuesday, 18th September 2018 - A coalition of Indigenous leaders, academics and community groups are challenging the government over their silence on an inquiry into incarceration rates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, which was tabled in Parliament six months ago.

Research Suggests Significant Benefits to Raising Welfare

Luke Michael, Tuesday, 18th September 2018 - Raising Newstart and Youth Allowance would create jobs, raise wages and significantly boost regional economies, new research suggests, as the Greens ramp up their efforts to increase the payments by $75 a week.

Sponsored

Volunteering Victoria AGM and Panel Discussion

Contributor, Tuesday, 18th September 2018 - Volunteering Victoria is hosting a panel discussion alongside its annual general meeting to explore how volunteers are integral to the wellbeing of society.

Opinion

Young Australians’ Prospects Still Come Down to Where They Grow Up

Contributor, Monday, 17th September 2018 - In order to equally access opportunities that improve life chances, young people in disadvantaged communities need to access the same opportunity structures as more advantaged young people, writes associate professor Gerry Redmond and Dr Jennifer Skattebol, in this article which first appeared in The Conversation.

$50 million Up For Grabs to Help NFPs Drive Change

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 17th September 2018 - Not for profits have the chance to win one of five $10 million grants, with an Australian banking group making a $50 million philanthropic pledge hoping to kickstart social change.

Disability Advocates Question Scope of Royal Commission

Luke Michael, Monday, 17th September 2018 - The social sector says it welcomes the establishment of a royal commission into aged care, but disability advocates are dismayed ongoing calls to address abuse affecting the broader disability community have been ignored.

Changemaker

Giving Children a Voice to Fight Harm

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 17th September 2018 - Lesley Podesta is CEO of the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, a charity that fights to protect children from harm. She is this week’s Changemaker.

VR Helping People with Intellectual Disability Get Behind the Wheel

Maggie Coggan, Friday, 14th September 2018 - A disability support service is using the latest in virtual reality technology to teach people with intellectual disability the skills to drive a car.

A Lighter Note

Aussie Charity Launches ‘Spicy’ Fundraising Campaign

Luke Michael, Friday, 14th September 2018 - An Australian charity is launching a “spicy” fundraising campaign, encouraging people to enjoy a curry with friends while raising funds for poverty-stricken families in Asia.

$50 million Up For Grabs to Help NFPs Drive Change

Family Faces ‘Devastating’ Loss of Support for Son with Disability

Luke Michael, Tuesday, 11th September 2018 - A mother says she faces a “devastating” loss of short-term accommodation for her son with disability, and is calling for greater access to this support under the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Australia’s Most Innovative NFPs Highlighted

Luke Michael, Thursday, 13th September 2018 - There is a clear link between innovation and employee engagement in not for profits, according to new research, which identifies some of Australia’s most innovative NFPs.

Choice and Control At Risk For NDIS Participants

Philanthropic Leader Calls to Overhaul Economic System

Maggie Coggan, Thursday, 13th September 2018 - A philanthropic leader wants to take philanthropy to “the next level” and address “the flaw at the heart of economics”, by overhauling the capitalist economy to see the measurement of social and natural resources standardised, and traded alongside financial capital.

New Deal Sees Red Tape Cut For NSW Charities

Maggie Coggan, Tuesday, 11th September 2018 - The red tape burden for charities in New South Wales is set to be slashed, with an agreement between the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and NSW Fair Trading significantly cutting down the administrative burden.

Cashless Welfare Card Expands to Queensland

Luke Michael, Wednesday, 12th September 2018 - The controversial cashless welfare card trial is expanding to Queensland after government legislation passed the Senate by a single vote.

VR Helping People with Intellectual Disability Get Behind the Wheel

Maggie Coggan, Friday, 14th September 2018 - A disability support service is using the latest in virtual reality technology to teach people with intellectual disability the skills to drive a car.

Disability Advocates Question Scope of Royal Commission

Competition Failing to Deliver in Human Services, Report Says

Luke Michael, Thursday, 13th September 2018 - The government has overestimated the benefits of increased competition in human services, which is largely failing to deliver better outcomes for people, a new report says.

Unsolicited Drought Donations Hampering Charity Relief Efforts

Luke Michael, Friday, 14th September 2018 - Drought-affected communities say Australians’ misplaced generosity is hampering the relief efforts of charities on the ground, but one not for profit is coordinating the social sector’s response to ensure people get the help they need.

Open Letter to PM Calls For Action on Indigenous Incarceration

ACNC Warns Public to Check Your Charity

Accounting Model Highlights Social Impact of Government Spending

Maggie Coggan, Wednesday, 12th September 2018 - A framework measuring the impact of government projects will revolutionise the way social investment is measured, an expert believes.

Analysis

New Brooms: How Younger Givers Are Changing Family Philanthropy

Fiona Higgins, Wednesday, 12th September 2018 - Social change requires new blood and fresh perspectives on what has previously been tried, and younger givers could deliver a much-needed “new broom” to a family’s philanthropy, writes Fiona Higgins from Australian Philanthropic Services.

Greens Call to Extend Royal Commission to Disability Sector

Australian Communities Foundation Divests $90 Million From Fossil Fuels

Luke Michael, Wednesday, 12th September 2018 - A leading Australian foundation is entirely divesting its $90 million corpus investment portfolio from fossil fuels to focus on environmentally sustainable investments.

Foreign Donations Bill Changes Labelled a Win For Charities

Opinion

Reflections on the ACNC Review

Changemaker

Giving Children a Voice to Fight Harm

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 17th September 2018 - Lesley Podesta is CEO of the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, a charity that fights to protect children from harm. She is this week’s Changemaker.

SDGs Gender Equality Tool Hopes to Ignite Global Change

Opinion

Making Australia Safer – Really?

David Crosbie, Thursday, 13th September 2018 - Safety is part of Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s three-point plan to win the next election, but what is he doing to create a safer Australia, asks Community Council for Australia CEO David Crosbie.

Sponsored

I’d Know That Cause Anywhere!

Dr Steve Francis, Thursday, 13th September 2018 - Building an instantly recognisable visual element into your peer-to-peer campaign is a great way to grow your brand and get ahead of the crowd, says FrontStream’s managing director, Dr Steve Francis.

Research Suggests Significant Benefits to Raising Welfare

Choice and Control At Risk For NDIS Participants

Sponsored

Refurbished Computers a ‘Beacon of Hope’ for Young Karen Refugees

Changemaker

Changing Perceptions of Fundraising

Sponsored

ACOSS ‘Rise to the Challenge’

Sponsored

Volunteering Victoria AGM and Panel Discussion

Changemaker

Giving Children a Voice to Fight Harm

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 17th September 2018 - Lesley Podesta is CEO of the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, a charity that fights to protect children from harm. She is this week’s Changemaker.

Sponsored

I’d Know That Cause Anywhere!

Sponsored

Peak Gathering of the Impact Ecosystem

Contributor, Thursday, 13th September 2018 - Since 2015, a few hundred impact enthusiasts have been convening at the Impact Investment Summit Asia Pacific every year in Sydney.

Family Faces ‘Devastating’ Loss of Support for Son with Disability

Sponsored

The New Standard Operating Environment

Jo Scard, Thursday, 6th September 2018 - Fifty Acres founder and managing director Jo Scard considers how not for profits can best navigate the new government in the wake of the recent leadership shenanigans.

Sponsored

Innovation Is the Answer to Securing Grants

Andrew Cairns, Thursday, 6th September 2018 - Andrew Cairns, CEO of Community Sector Banking, reveals the secret to making grant applications stand out.

Spotlight

Breakfast With a Side of Social Change

Maggie Coggan, Wednesday, 5th September 2018 - Well-loved Melbourne cafe, Kinfolk, is fighting barriers to social inclusion and unemployment, one coffee at a time, writes Maggie Coggan in this month’s Spotlight on Social Enterprise.

Zed Seselja Appointed New Minister for Charities

Luke Michael, Tuesday, 4th September 2018 - The Morrison government has appointed a new minister for charities, Senator Zed Seselja, who previously expressed a desire to improve government relations with the sector.

Changemaker

Providing Cancer Support With a Smile

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 3rd September 2018 - Kylea Tink is CEO of Camp Quality, a charity providing support and laughter for kids battling cancer and their families. She is this week's Changemaker.

Sponsored

Connecting Up’s ‘IT Strategy on a Plate’ Program Delivers for MS Auckland

Contributor, Tuesday, 28th August 2018 - Multiple Sclerosis Auckland business manager Mark Blackie highlights the key takeaways from Connecting Up and TechSoup New Zealand’s new IT Strategy on a Plate program.

Changemaker

Getting the Elephant Out of the Room on Women’s Health Issues

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 27th August 2018 - Janet Hailes-Michelmore AO is philanthropic director of Jean Hailes For Women’s Health, an organisation aiming to improve health literacy for women of all ages. She is this week’s Changemaker.

Sponsored

Engagement Opportunities in 2018

Jo Scard, Tuesday, 21st August 2018 - For-good communications agency Fifty Acres offers some top tips to help not for profits refine their political engagement strategy in the lead up to the next election.

Sponsored

Social Media for NFPs

Contributor, Tuesday, 21st August 2018 - Hancock Creative offers some top tips on how not for profits can use social media to grow their brand.

Changemaker

Include a Charity in Your Will for ‘Lasting Impact’

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 20th August 2018 - Helen Merrick is the campaign director of Include A Charity (IAC), a social change campaign encouraging people to leave charitable gifts in their will. She is this week’s Changemaker.

Sponsored

Recruiting Online Volunteers to Champion Your Cause

Ellie Nikakis, Thursday, 16th August 2018 - Vollie, General Assembly and Chuffed.org have teamed up for a free workshop to help not for profits recruit an online army, writes Ellie Nikakis from Vollie.

Sponsored

Managing Change and Getting It Done Well

Contributor, Tuesday, 14th August 2018 - OPTIMUM NFP provides a change management masterclass that supports your not-for-profit organisation.

Changemaker

Going Back to Basics in Domestic Violence Support and Assistance

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 13th August 2018 - Manuela Whitford is the CEO and founder of Friends With Dignity, a charity providing practical support for those displaced by domestic violence. She is this week’s Changemaker.

Sponsored

Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity to Transform and Reduce Social Inequality

Contributor, Thursday, 9th August 2018 - Job creation for those most disadvantaged represents the biggest opportunity for social change in Australia, writes Mark Hemetsberger, head of marketing at Social Traders, ahead of The Social Enterprise Conference.

Sponsored

Donation Point Tap Wins 2018 ABA100 Awards for Product Excellence and Product Innovation

Contributor, Tuesday, 7th August 2018 - Donation Point Tap is changing the way organisations accept donations and is giving people more flexibility to make a donation.

Changemaker

Giving Dignity to People Experiencing Homelessness

Luke Michael, Monday, 6th August 2018 - Suzanne Hopman is the co-founder and CEO of Dignity, a charity providing emergency shelter, food, clothing, advocacy and education to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. She is this week’s Changemaker.

Sponsored

Better Data for Better Fundraising Events

Contributor, Thursday, 2nd August 2018 - FrontStream Asia Pacific managing director Steve Francis answers questions about how much data is too much, and how much you need to make informed decisions.