Tracy Gary Tour Heralds New Era of Social Change Philanthropy
15 September 2010 at 12:01 pm
Renowned US Philanthropic advisor, author and donor activist Tracy Gary is returning to Australia for a tour aimed at equipping Australians with the “how-to” of strategic social change philanthropy.
Sponsored by the Australian Women Donors Network, the “Inspired Living and Giving” tour from 18 to 26 October involves a series of workshops and special events for private donors, corporate and family foundations, financial advisors and the Not for Profit sector. Pro Bono Australia is a supporting partner of the tour.
When Gary was in Australia 10 years ago, she worked closely with the Myer, Reichstein and Fouress Foundations, but the Australian Women Donors Newtork says this visit is about democratising philanthropy and inviting all Australians to share her knowledge.
Touted as the “most brilliant woman in philanthropy in the USA,” Gary has worked with over 7,000 wealth holders, 3,000 NFPs and 2,500 advisors over the past 30 years.
She became involved in the philanthropic world after giving away her entire $1million inheritance at age 25 in the 1970’s and continues to give 40% of her income today.
Gary has co-founded 18 Not for Profits and served on over 30 boards and is now arguably a leading authority on social justice – work which focuses on the root causes of economical and social injustices.
Julia Keady, CEO of the Australian Women Donors Network says this tour is a “calendar-must” for anyone serious about their philanthropy making a real difference.
Keady says while philanthropy is often in the headlines, especially thanks to Gates and Buffett, Australia rarely has access to world-class educators who can provide the tangible and evidence-based “how to”.
She says it’s one thing to give; it’s quite another to be effective, create change and develop intergenerational giving and legacies in the family and the community. The new wave of philanthropy is all about engagement – chequebook philanthropy is becoming a thing of the past.
She says they invited Tracy Gary out because she offers these tools to donors, grant-makers, advisors and the Not for Profit community.
The Australian Women Donors Network aims to grow and drive effective long-term philanthropy and recognises the growth in “women’s philanthropy”. Their mission is focused around seeing an increased investment in women and girls, both in Australia and globally.
The tour commences in Melbourne on October 19 and concludes in Perth on October 26.
For full tour information please visit: www.womendonors.org.au
