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Changemaker: On the Homestretch

Spotlight: A For Good Farming Adventure

Susan Pascoe Appointed Head of Newly Formed Community Directors Council

Luke Michael, Friday, 22nd September 2017 - Outgoing commissioner of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Susan Pascoe AM, has been appointed head of the newly formed Community Directors Council.

Recruitment Expert Says NFPs Need Thorough Process to Hire Honest Candidates

Luke Michael, Friday, 22nd September 2017 - A not-for-profit recruitment expert has warned that organisations need to implement a thorough hiring process to select honest candidates, after new research revealed one in five people lie on their CVs.

Thinkers Look to Melbourne to Grow SA Purpose Economy

Wendy Williams, Thursday, 21st September 2017 - The “world’s best thinkers” are turning to Melbourne to help foster growth in the South Australia purpose economy.

Mental Health Groups Call for Same-Sex Marriage to Prevent Suicide

Luke Michael, Thursday, 21st September 2017 - Distress among Australia’s LGBTIQ community over the postal-survey debate has put a strain on mental health organisations, who have launched a campaign to support same-sex marriage and prevent 3,000 youth suicide attempts every year.

$2 Million Grant Helps Give Australians in Need A Fair Go

Wendy Williams, Thursday, 21st September 2017 - A total of 200 community organisations working to create a fairer, more inclusive Australia have received a share of $2 million in grant funding.

Volunteering Tasmania Forced to Close Launceston Office

Luke Michael, Thursday, 21st September 2017 - Volunteering Tasmania have said there is no need to be concerned about the future of the organisation, despite having to close its second office in the space of just 15 months.

Alliance Calls on Government to Lead the Way in Protecting Displaced Children

Lina Caneva, Wednesday, 20th September 2017 - A coalition of NGOs has called on the Australian government to lead the way in protecting child refugees and migrants when two ground-breaking compacts are discussed at the United Nations General Assembly this week.

Social Procurement Challenge – Crowdsourcing a Solution

Lina Caneva, Wednesday, 20th September 2017 - A national competition is using crowdsourcing and philanthropic funds to gather the best ideas from across Australia to solve issues around social procurement and the growth of social enterprise.

Sponsored

Finding Meaning on the Hamster Wheel? How is That Working for You?

Contributor, Wednesday, 20th September 2017 - Need to get off the hamster wheel? Upcoming Melbourne workshops by leading capacity building consultant Alison Coughlan have been designed for professionals engaged in purpose-driven work to help translate passion and purpose into impact.

AICD Announces NFP Scholarships Across Australia

Luke Michael, Wednesday, 20th September 2017 - Directors and governance leaders across Australia have received scholarships to enhance their leadership skills, and support the long-term governance of the not-for-profit sector.

Indigenous Australians Face Lack of Access to Cataract Surgery

Luke Michael, Tuesday, 19th September 2017 - Indigenous Australians face a 30 per cent lower cataract surgery coverage rate than non-Indigenous Australians, according to findings from a recent national eye health survey.

Opinion

On Marriage Equality, Australia’s Progressive Instincts Have Been Crushed by Political Failure

Frank Bongiorno, Tuesday, 19th September 2017 - It is surely deficiencies in our recent democracy rather than deeper historical or cultural issues that lie at the heart of our failure to resolve the issue of same-sex marriage, writes Australian National University professor of history Frank Bongiorno, in this article which first appeared in The Conversation.

Analysis

NDIS Pricing – New Research Confirms Risks to Service Users

David Gilchrist, Tuesday, 19th September 2017 - If the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is going to deliver, it will have to adjust its pricing model, writes University of Western Australia Professor David Gilchrist following the launch of the second report of the National Disability Benchmarking study.

Future Uncertain for Disability Organisations Following Funding Cuts

Wendy Williams, Tuesday, 19th September 2017 - Disability representative organisations (DRO) have launched a campaign to #SavePDA amid claims the not for profit and its partner organisations in the national peaks consortium could go out of business following changes to government funding.

Australia Launches its First Live Impact Investing Database

Luke Michael, Monday, 18th September 2017 - Investors looking to support businesses making a social impact have been bolstered by the launch of a live impact investing database, which looks to connect investors and investees in this growing market.

Australian Organisations Score in the Top 10 Per Cent of B Corps Globally

Luke Michael, Monday, 18th September 2017 - Australian organisations have been scored in the top 10 per cent of B Corps globally, in B Lab’s annual Best for the World List.

$1.2M for NFPs and Social Enterprises Supporting Regional Communities

Wendy Williams, Monday, 18th September 2017 - Social enterprises that support Australian regional communities and the unique environmental issues impacting them are for the first time able to apply for a share in $1.2 million in grant funding, alongside not for profits.

Changemaker

On the Homestretch

Wendy Williams, Monday, 18th September 2017 - Paul McDonald is the CEO of Anglicare Victoria, which delivers out of home care and family support to vulnerable children, young people and families. He is this week’s Changemaker.

Taking Naps and Eating Food During Shift Work Could Reduce Alertness, Says Research

Luke Michael, Monday, 18th September 2017 - Health care and social assistance workers have been warned that eating a meal and taking a power nap during shift work could be dangerous, as research shows this may reduce alertness.

Levi Strauss Foundation Head Says SSM Survey a “Mission Moment” for Philanthropy

Luke Michael, Friday, 15th September 2017 - The visiting executive director of the Levi Strauss Foundation, Daniel Lee, has said the upcoming postal survey on same-sex marriage is a “momentous occasion” for the philanthropic sector to advocate for the rights of LGBT citizens.

Australia Council Grants Allows Diverse Range of Artists to Prosper

Luke Michael, Thursday, 14th September 2017 - A diverse range of Australian artists have received a boost to their careers, after the Australia Council for the Arts announced $6.1 million in grants for arts projects.

Opinion

Public Interest / Private Interest – A Fundamental Distinction

David Crosbie, Thursday, 14th September 2017 - Over the coming month, major political parties will be deciding whether charities should be exempted from new restrictions on election campaigning to be introduced as part of reforms to overseas donations to political parties. In this article, CEO of Community Council for Australia, David Crosbie argues charities should not be treated like other po

Australian Companies Recognised for Changing the World

Luke Michael, Wednesday, 13th September 2017 - Two Australian companies have been recognised for making a positive social impact, after being named in Fortune Magazine’s Change the World List.

Moves to Stop Volunteering at Overseas Orphanages

Luke Michael, Wednesday, 13th September 2017 - The push to stop Australians supporting and volunteering at overseas orphanages is gathering momentum, after a major volunteer travel company agreed to end its association with orphanages.

Future Uncertain for Disability Organisations Following Funding Cuts

Majority of NFPs Are Not Believed to be Well-Run, According to New Survey

Luke Michael, Tuesday, 12th September 2017 - A survey of the not-for-profit sector has found that less than one-third of respondents believed most NFPs are well-run, while only 14 per cent believed NFPs are adequately investing in internal capacity building.

More Australians Are Giving Time Not Money

Wendy Williams, Monday, 11th September 2017 - More Australian’s are giving their time but not their money, according to two new reports released at the Philanthropy Meets Parliament Summit on Monday.

Ignoring Social Housing is a Recipe for Failure Expert Warns

Wendy Williams, Tuesday, 12th September 2017 - Throwing money at crisis responses to homelessness while ignoring social housing is a recipe for failure, an Irish expert on homelessness has warned Australia.

Australia Launches its First Live Impact Investing Database

$1.2M for NFPs and Social Enterprises Supporting Regional Communities

$2 Million Grant Helps Give Australians in Need A Fair Go

Wendy Williams, Thursday, 21st September 2017 - A total of 200 community organisations working to create a fairer, more inclusive Australia have received a share of $2 million in grant funding.

Analysis

NDIS Pricing – New Research Confirms Risks to Service Users

Understanding USP is Key to Securing Philanthropic Income

Wendy Williams, Monday, 11th September 2017 - Not for profits wanting to build philanthropic income need to have an elevator pitch and must understand their unique selling point (USP), according to the director of Strategic Grants, who has been sharing her secrets on how to build and sustain philanthropy.

Volunteering Tasmania Forced to Close Launceston Office

Boosting Philanthropy For A Stronger Australia

Wendy Williams, Monday, 11th September 2017 - Boosting philanthropy is a fundamental part of building a stronger Australia, Labor MP Andrew Leigh has told audiences at the Philanthropy Meets Parliament Summit, in a speech calling for greater support of the ACNC and addressing the need to fix fundraising.

Disability Industry Plan Cites Large Scale Growth in WA NDIS Transition

Lina Caneva, Wednesday, 13th September 2017 - Transitioning to the full National Disability Insurance Scheme has the potential to trigger large-scale economic growth and job creation in Western Australia, despite the state’s future operational status within the national scheme being still unclear, according to a new report.

Levi Strauss Foundation Head Says SSM Survey a “Mission Moment” for Philanthropy

Social Procurement Challenge – Crowdsourcing a Solution

Feature

An Unholy Mess – Lifting the Lid on the Catholic Church and Child Sex Abuse

Lina Caneva, Wednesday, 13th September 2017 - A ground-breaking research study has analysed the reasons why the abuse of children has plagued the Catholic Church in Australia and worldwide – examining what it describes as the “unholy mess” unfolding over many decades.

Changemaker

A Quest to Avoid Complacency

Wendy Williams, Monday, 11th September 2017 - Georgie Harman is the CEO of mental health not for profit beyondblue which tackles stigma and discrimination, and provides support and information on anxiety, depression and suicide. She is this week’s Changemaker.

Opinion

On Marriage Equality, Australia’s Progressive Instincts Have Been Crushed by Political Failure

Analysis

Extreme Weather Makes Homelessness Even Worse. Here’s How We Can Help

Contributor, Monday, 11th September 2017 - A new study has revealed how extreme weather deepens the cycle of homelessness, writes Danielle Every from Central Queensland University and Australian Red Cross national resilience adviser John Richardson, in this article which first appeared in The Conversation.

Sponsored

Why is Digital Information Management So Important for NFPs?

Contributor, Tuesday, 12th September 2017 - The day to day frustrations with data, processes and systems require tough decisions to upgrade an organisation’s technology. Help is at hand with two new workshops by Kate Fuelling Consulting – information management specialists for the not-for-profit sector.

Sponsored

Finding Meaning on the Hamster Wheel? How is That Working for You?

Opinion

Public Interest / Private Interest – A Fundamental Distinction

Sponsored

Finding Meaning on the Hamster Wheel? How is That Working for You?

Changemaker

On the Homestretch

Spotlight

A For Good Farming Adventure

Wendy Williams, Wednesday, 6th September 2017 - The award-winning George the Farmer story app is helping to teach a new generation of Australians about life on the farm and where food comes from, writes Wendy Williams in this week’s Spotlight on Social Enterprise.

Podcast: Housing the Homeless – The Cause

Wendy Williams, Tuesday, 21st March 2017 - Homelessness is not a choice. But for many it is a reality.

Spotlight

Eradicating the Silent Killer

Ellie Cooper, Wednesday, 15th March 2017 - Two per cent of the population lives with viral hepatitis, but many are unaware until it’s too late, so a social enterprise is upskilling individuals and organisations to respond to the silent pandemic.

Feature

WA NDIS: Comparability Critical for West Success

Alison Blake, Wednesday, 8th March 2017 - Regardless of the outcome of Saturday’s state election in Western Australia, there will be continuing close scrutiny of the roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme in that state.

Spotlight

Brewing a Message in a Can

Ellie Cooper, Wednesday, 1st March 2017 - Young female brewers and winemakers are producing all-natural alcoholic beverages with socially-conscious messages inscribed on the can.

Changemaker

Helping Refugees to Thrive

Wendy Williams, Monday, 27th February 2017 - Mahir Momand is the founding CEO of Thrive, a new microfinance business aimed at helping refugees in Australia. He is this week’s Changemaker.

Podcast: How to Social Enterprise – Scale

Ellie Cooper, Tuesday, 14th February 2017 - Social entrepreneurs may dream of changing the world, but to make a dent in the most pressing social and environmental issues, they need to achieve scale. Find out how in the final episode of our three-part series.

Podcast: How to Social Enterprise – Skills

Ellie Cooper, Tuesday, 7th February 2017 - Find out what it takes to set up and run a social enterprise in the second episode of our three-part podcast series.

Spotlight

Art With Heart Empowers Disadvantaged

Ellie Cooper, Wednesday, 1st February 2017 - Disadvantaged artists, with experiences from homelessness to domestic violence to disability, have been given a platform to sell their work.

Podcast: How to Social Enterprise – Motivations

Ellie Cooper, Tuesday, 31st January 2017 - Have you ever thought about setting up a social enterprise? Find out whether it’s right for you in the first episode of our three-part series.

Changemaker

Breakfast is the Most Important Meal of the Day

Wendy Williams, Monday, 30th January 2017 - Ian Steel OAM is the founder and CEO of KickStart for Kids, a not-for-profit organisation that helps school children achieve positive educational and self-esteem outcomes through breakfast, lunch and mentoring programs.

Feature

Working for the ‘Evolution’ of Australian Philanthropy

Lina Caneva, Thursday, 19th January 2017 - The country’s peak body for donors, Philanthropy Australia, is embarking on a strategic plan which includes a bold new business model around membership and changes to its legal structure while still retaining its core policy and advocacy work. Lina Caneva spoke to CEO Sarah Davies about the changes for 2017 and beyond.

Spotlight

A Fresh Start for Former Offenders

Ellie Cooper, Wednesday, 18th January 2017 - Social enterprise Fruit2work creates second-chance jobs, hiring former offenders to pack and deliver fresh fruit to businesses around Melbourne.

Going Against the Odds in 2016 – Year in Review

Wendy Williams, Thursday, 22nd December 2016 - As we come to the end of year there is a growing consensus on social media that 2016 will be entered into the history books as one of the worst years ever. But this year has also brought it’s share of good news as the social sector has rallied to make a difference amidst the chaos. Wendy Williams takes at a look back at the year and what 2016 mea

Changemaker

Balancing Heart and Head

Wendy Williams, Monday, 19th December 2016 - Dominique Mecoy is the director of client services at Metropolitan Cemeteries board, the chair of Technology Assisting Disability WA and a Leadership Western Australia alumna. She is this week’s Changemaker.

Feature

Data for Social Good

Ellie Cooper, Thursday, 15th December 2016 - A new initiative is connecting not-for-profit organisations with data and data analysts to help them solve social problems and measure their impact.

Executive Insight

Paving the Way for Women in Tech

Ellie Cooper, Wednesday, 14th December 2016 - Cyan Ta’eed co-founded Envato in her parents garage 10 years ago. It has since become a multi-million dollar global marketplace for developers and designers, and Ta’eed a shining light for female entrepreneurs.

Changemaker

Encouraging People to Ask Why

Wendy Williams, Monday, 12th December 2016 - Anita Le Lay is the head of Uniting Disability. She is this week’s Changemaker.

Podcast: Green Nation – Reimagining Climate Change

Ellie Cooper, Thursday, 8th December 2016 - When it comes to climate change action, looking to the next century, while essential, is difficult to do. But in this episode of Not for Podcast we envision a green future and find out what it will take to get there.

Changemaker

Coming Together for the Common Good

Wendy Williams, Monday, 5th December 2016 - Listed by The Times as one of the 50 most influential women in Britain, Dame Julia Cleverdon has established an international reputation for building cross-sector partnerships across business, charities and education. She is this week’s Changemaker.

Podcast: Green Nation – People Power

Ellie Cooper, Tuesday, 29th November 2016 - Halting climate change sounds like an insurmountable task, but solutions are emerging everywhere.

Changemaker

Looking Back on One Woman’s Journey

Wendy Williams, Monday, 28th November 2016 - Andrea Mason is an Indigenous advocate and the CEO of the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) Women’s Council in the Northern Territory. She is this week’s Changemaker.

Podcast: Green Nation – The Fight Against Climate Change

Ellie Cooper, Tuesday, 22nd November 2016 - Climate change has been described as the most difficult problem human society has ever faced. But in the face of influential vested interests and governments that seem slow to respond, the social sector plays a vital role.