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Spotlight: The art program healing Indigenous offenders

Changemaker: Meet the woman fighting for a cleaner world for all

Prison is the 'perfect breeding ground' for COVID-19, human rights groups warn

Luke Michael, Friday, 3rd April 2020 - Many people in prison face a greater risk of death should they contract the virus

Court ruling provides advocacy boost for Queensland charities

Luke Michael, Thursday, 2nd April 2020 - The decision provides clarity to the state’s NFPs unsure about their advocacy rights

Opinion

COVID-19, charities and charity

David Crosbie, Thursday, 2nd April 2020 - We need to look after each other to look after ourselves, writes Community Council for Australia CEO David Crosbie.

Physically, not socially distant

Maggie Coggan, Thursday, 2nd April 2020 - “Through our connected strength we will come out the other side stronger,” chair of the Mental Health Commission says.

Government boosts support for mental health and domestic violence services

Luke Michael, Thursday, 2nd April 2020 - The prime minister has already flagged that more support will be on the way

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COVID-19 – Challenges facing the not-for-profit sector in Australia

Contributor, Thursday, 2nd April 2020 - There has been a lot of commentary on the potential impacts of coronavirus on health, businesses and the economy, but what does all this mean for Australian charities and the millions of people who rely on these services?

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Why businesses need a cultural overhaul for gender equality in the workplace

Andrew Cairns, Thursday, 2nd April 2020 - For too long, women have been blamed for inequality. It’s up to businesses to look within themselves and weed out systemic structural inequality, writes Andrew Cairns.

Hot Topic

Fundraisers will get through by staying calm and thinking strategically

Katherine Raskob, Wednesday, 1st April 2020 - Fundraising Institute Australia CEO Katherine Raskob shares some of the key findings from a recent survey on the impact to the fundraising sector of COVID-19, along with some key advice for fundraisers on how to get through this period.

ACNC needs to reassess its 'light touch' approach, audit finds

Luke Michael, Wednesday, 1st April 2020 - The charities watchdog was found to be mostly effective in its role, but issues were highlighted around compliance and building public trust

Charity leaders unite to lead sector through COVID-19

Maggie Coggan, Wednesday, 1st April 2020 - The newly formed Charities Crisis Cabinet has identified gaps in the current government support packages

Collective insights

How can we ensure the success of our major gifts program in this period of physical distancing?

Teisha Archer, Wednesday, 1st April 2020 - The Xfactor Collective major gifts fundraising specialist Teisha Archer looks at the ways that major gift fundraisers can adapt and innovate in a time of uncertainty and physical distancing.

Opinion

A new world is being born

David Ritter, Wednesday, 1st April 2020 - In Australia, the politically, socially and economically unthinkable has become commonplace within a matter of days – and these changes will set the course for our future, writes David Ritter.

Help available for NFPs struggling through COVID-19

Luke Michael, Wednesday, 1st April 2020 - With coronavirus having a devastating impact on the not-for-profit sector, we take a look at some recently launched funds that could help organisations get through the crisis

Aussie social enterprises unite to shake up Victorian food system

Maggie Coggan, Tuesday, 31st March 2020 - The enterprises will start by delivering thousands of meals to vulnerable groups

Opinion

Out of the shadows: A turning point for social and environmental change

Sally McCutchan, Tuesday, 31st March 2020 - What if 2020 was not only remembered for the bushfires and coronavirus, but for positive change and a widespread recognition that our decisions about money have consequences beyond finance, writes Sally McCutchan, CEO and executive director of Impact Investing Australia.

How are co-ops responding to the coronavirus?

Wendy Williams, Tuesday, 31st March 2020 - We look at how 10 cooperatives across Australia are supporting their communities in the face of an international health crisis.

Hot Topic

COVID-19⁠: Five things philanthropists can do

Caitriona Fay, Monday, 30th March 2020 - Caitriona Fay from Perpetual Limited shares ways that philanthropists can help address critical community needs in these challenging times.

Opinion

We need to be physically distant, but we need to share our collective pain

Tim Costello, Monday, 30th March 2020 - Self-isolation is not the crisis, it is the beginning of the crisis. We need to prepare for the sadness that will be thrust upon us, writes Tim Costello.

Changemaker

Meet the woman fighting for a cleaner world for all

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 30th March 2020 - With COVID-19 spreading around the world, there’s never been a more important time to keep clean. Rosie Wheen, the CEO of WaterAid Australia, is fighting for a world where everyone has that option. She’s this week’s Changemaker.

Opinion

Imagining life after COVID-19

Contributor, Sunday, 29th March 2020 - With so many opportunities for shaping a better society on the table, we need to think beyond the present. The challenge is to resist the pressure to return to business as usual, writes Andrew Hamilton.

Cheers! The (virtual) happy hour connecting the blind community

Maggie Coggan, Saturday, 28th March 2020 - “It’s very easy to feel like you’re the only one experiencing challenges”

Finance sector urged to keep Australians safe through COVID-19

Luke Michael, Friday, 27th March 2020 - Australians increasingly expect financial institutions to demonstrate a good social purpose

Recruiting from home: How to nail the video interview

Maggie Coggan, Friday, 27th March 2020 - Face-to-face interviews are out in the age of COVID-19, so what's the best way to help your clients through a virtual interview? We take a look.

Government temporarily doubles unemployment payments amid COVID-19 outbreak

Luke Michael, Monday, 23rd March 2020 - The announcement has already caused long lines outside Centrelink and the government's MyGov website to crash

Calls to extend coronavirus supplement to DSP recipients

Luke Michael, Tuesday, 24th March 2020 - Advocates say people with disability need extra support to get through the COVID-19 pandemic

Government unveils stimulus support for charities

Luke Michael, Monday, 23rd March 2020 - But sector advocates say more help for the sector is desperately needed

The hidden crisis of COVID-19

Maggie Coggan, Tuesday, 24th March 2020 - Australians are being told to stay at home to keep coronavirus at bay. But what if that home isn’t safe?

The acts of kindness shining through as coronavirus panic takes hold

Luke Michael, Friday, 20th March 2020 - Amid all the doom and gloom around coronavirus, it can be hard to keep a positive mindset. But thankfully, out of the chaos has emerged many inspiring stories of people helping others and doing good. Here we share some of our favourites…

Opinion

Coronavirus will devastate Aboriginal communities if we don’t act now

Contributor, Monday, 23rd March 2020 - Aboriginal people are at greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19 than non-Aboriginal people. But plans to protect remote communities and keep the virus out are progressing too slowly, write James Ward and Jason Agostino.

Charity leaders unite to lead sector through COVID-19

Maggie Coggan, Wednesday, 1st April 2020 - The newly formed Charities Crisis Cabinet has identified gaps in the current government support packages

Families of children with disability left in the dark during COVID-19 crisis

Luke Michael, Friday, 20th March 2020 - Disability advocates say governments across Australia need to better communicate their plans for at-risk groups

Opinion

Coronavirus and charities: What the world needs now is less punditry and more practical ideas

Dan Geaves, Thursday, 26th March 2020 - Dan Geaves shares some practical advice on how charities can adapt to this challenging new reality.

'You can't self-isolate on the street'

Luke Michael, Wednesday, 25th March 2020 - Help is desperately needed for the homeless during COVID-19

Opinion

A new world is being born

The online divide leaving disadvantaged Australians behind

Maggie Coggan, Thursday, 26th March 2020 - There are 1 million Australian households without a home broadband internet connection

Opinion

Imagining life after COVID-19

Help available for NFPs struggling through COVID-19

Opinion

Communications, COVID-19 and the not for profit CEO

Fran Connelley, Tuesday, 24th March 2020 - Fran Connelley shares five communication tips to help the servant leader, whose main goal is to serve, in these challenging times.

Philanthropy giant pledges millions to help find coronavirus cure

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 23rd March 2020 - It’s the first round of grants from the foundation to support COVID-19-related research

Opinion

Get dressed and set goals: Some routines not to break if coronavirus means you have to work from home

Contributor, Friday, 20th March 2020 - Many office workers around Australia have transformed their lounge-room into their daily office following the outbreak of COVID-19. But with no certainty on when it’ll be safe to go back to work, Paula Brough shares some tips on how to set a solid work-from-home routine.

Collective insights

Managing corporate partnerships in extraordinary times

Linda Garnett, Wednesday, 25th March 2020 - The Xfactor Collective corporate partnerships specialist Linda Garnett deals with a question of concern for many organisations right now – what do we do about our corporate partnerships?

Opinion

The values that can guide us in these changing and challenging times

Rachel Clark, Thursday, 26th March 2020 - Professionals who work with human vulnerability and need, including teachers, medics and social workers, have a leading role to play in this current crisis, due to the values they bring to the work, that have been honed over years of practice, writes Rachel Clark.

The stories behind the young Australians struggling with homelessness

Maggie Coggan, Tuesday, 24th March 2020 - “I was passed around like a hot potato,” 21-year-old Tayla says.

Opinion

COVID-19, charities and charity

David Crosbie, Thursday, 2nd April 2020 - We need to look after each other to look after ourselves, writes Community Council for Australia CEO David Crosbie.

Changemaker

Humanity in uncertain times

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 23rd March 2020 - Samantha Klintworth has only just started as Amnesty International Australia’s new managing director, and she knows she’s got a big job ahead of her. But she’s also got big plans for the organisation. She’s this week’s Changemaker.

Opinion

Heads down. Eyes up. Leadership in volatile times

Shamal Dass, Wednesday, 25th March 2020 - In times like this the job of a for-purpose board director is not only to guide management in dealing with the crisis, but also to lift their gaze and contemplate the long-term impacts on beneficiaries and organisations, writes Shamal Dass, with a postscript for philanthropists.

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Strategy in strange times: What not for profit leaders need to consider in a crisis context

Contributor, Tuesday, 24th March 2020 - In the unprecedented pandemic context, not for profit leaders need to consider strategy and business model implications for today’s demands and tomorrow’s subsequent fallout. 

Hot Topic

COVID-19⁠: Five things philanthropists can do

Caitriona Fay, Monday, 30th March 2020 - Caitriona Fay from Perpetual Limited shares ways that philanthropists can help address critical community needs in these challenging times.

Happenings on the hill

Lobbying in the age of COVID-19

Neil Pharaoh, Monday, 23rd March 2020 - Neil Pharaoh explains why you should use this time to position your organisation to get the assistance you and your communities need during this unprecedented period.

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COVID-19 – Challenges facing the not-for-profit sector in Australia

Sponsored

Why businesses need a cultural overhaul for gender equality in the workplace

Changemaker

Meet the woman fighting for a cleaner world for all

Sponsored

Strategy in strange times: What not for profit leaders need to consider in a crisis context

Changemaker

Humanity in uncertain times

Impact 25 judges choice award winners revealed

Wendy Williams, Thursday, 19th March 2020 - In light of the COVID-19 circumstances, this year’s 2019 Impact 25 awards night was cancelled… but the congratulations live on

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New learning program to help deliver on NDIS service demand and encourage sector growth

Contributor, Thursday, 19th March 2020 - Whether you’re an organisation looking to break into the fast-growing disability sector, or one that already provides services but wants to expand, a new interactive learning program unveiled by Community Business Bureau (CBB) offers a roadmap for success.

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Applications open for award allowing everyday Australians to learn globally and inspire locally

Contributor, Thursday, 12th March 2020 - Australians from all walks of life are being encouraged to apply for an award, which offers a life-changing opportunity to travel overseas and investigate a topic or issue they are passionate about.

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Ten social innovators receive $50,000 fellowship to invest in their leadership potential

Contributor, Monday, 9th March 2020 - Ten extraordinary Australians have been recognised for their leadership potential in driving social impact in Australia, with each receiving a fellowship of up to $50,000 from Westpac Scholars Trust to invest in their personal and professional development.

Spotlight

The fruit and veg shop for all

Maggie Coggan, Wednesday, 4th March 2020 - The Community Grocer is more than just a place to stock up on fresh and affordable produce. It’s fighting food insecurity, and carving out a space in the community for all to feel included, writes Maggie Coggan in this month’s Spotlight on social enterprise.

Meet this year’s Impact 25

Wendy Williams, Tuesday, 3rd March 2020 - Over 28,000 people voted for this year’s winners

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Why big little brush?

Contributor, Tuesday, 3rd March 2020 - It’s easy to take for granted the resources we have at our disposal, but having access to health and hygiene resources can lead to better outcomes for entire communities, writes social enterprise big little brush.

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Women empowering women: How Australian volunteers are supporting gender equality in Papua New Guinea

Contributor, Monday, 2nd March 2020 - International Women’s Day on 8 March provides an opportunity to acknowledge three women who, through the Australian Volunteers Program, are working with organisations to empower women in Papua New Guinea.

Changemaker

Clothing the gap and sparking a conversation

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 2nd March 2020 - Proud Narungga woman Sianna Catullo is the chief creative officer at Clothing the Gap, an Indigenous owned and run clothing label supporting Aboriginal health programs and uniting people of all colours and backgrounds. She’s this week’s Changemaker.

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Protecting your organisation’s reputation during the Disability Royal Commission

Jackie Hanafie, Thursday, 27th February 2020 - With the Disability Royal Commission kicking off its public hearings in Sydney last week, disability organisations and service providers may come under intense scrutiny. It’s vital that your organisation prepares now in order to best manage issues that may arise in the media. Jackie Hanafie from communications agency Fifty Acres offers her tips f

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Power up your not for profit at the Connecting Up Conference 2020 with an early bird plus 5 per cent discount

Contributor, Tuesday, 25th February 2020 - Want to increase your organisation’s impact through technology by learning from world-class presenters? The Connecting Up Conference in Melbourne from 6 to 8 May is your chance.

Changemaker

From the catwalk to the garden: The social enterprise leader growing jobs for the unemployed

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 24th February 2020 - Toby Whittington is the founder and CEO of Green World Revolution, a social enterprise that’s doing its bit for the planet and lifting people out of long-term unemployment. He’s this week’s Changemaker.

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We need to facilitate responsive, future-focused philanthropy

Contributor, Tuesday, 18th February 2020 - Equity Trustees’ involvement in establishing two disaster response trusts and the 2019 Annual Giving Review highlight the critical necessity for innovative approaches to adapt to current community expectations and needs, writes Jodi Kennedy, general manager of charitable trusts and philanthropy at Equity Trustees.

Changemaker

Living HIV positive

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 17th February 2020 - Living with HIV for 25 years, Heather Ellis knows all too well about the stigma and shame that accompanies the diagnosis, particularly for a woman. It’s something that as the chair of Positive Women Victoria, she’s fighting to stamp out. She’s this week’s Changemaker.

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‘It’s our national shame’

Andrew Cairns, Thursday, 13th February 2020 - Addressing domestic violence in our communities must be a national priority, writes Andrew Cairns, CEO of Community Sector Banking.

Changemaker

Keeping purpose at the core of the job

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 10th February 2020 - With nearly 15 years in the welfare sector, Katie Hooper is taking over the Foyer Foundation to lead the organisation through its next chapter in tackling youth homelessness. She’s this week’s Changemaker.

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Lifting your gaze: Governing for social impact

Contributor, Thursday, 6th February 2020 - In a partnership between the Centre for Social Impact (CSI), AGSM @ UNSW Business School, JBWere and NAB, more than 200 social impact leaders from across the Australian not-for-profit sector have now progressed through a unique “Governance for Social Impact” education program.

Spotlight

The key to success is collaboration (and an app)

Maggie Coggan, Wednesday, 5th February 2020 - As the primary carer for a son with multiple and complex disabilities, Danny Hui juggles appointments with up to 40 different doctors and therapists at any one time. But his app, Sameview, could be the answer to making life easier for himself and his son, as well as for other carers and people with disability, writes Maggie Coggan in this month�

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Salary packaging – End of year tips. Act now!

Contributor, Tuesday, 4th February 2020 - The next few months are very important if you work in the not-for-profit sector and you salary package.

Changemaker

It’s a positive body image revolution

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 3rd February 2020 - For young people, social media platforms such as Instagram can be a portal to negative and dangerous perceptions around body image. It’s a problem that Monash researcher and clinical psychologist Dr Gemma Sharp is fighting to find a solution to. She’s this week’s Changemaker.