News Shorts: inaugural young fundraiser fellowships, new autism strategy and a plethora of opportunities

All the news you need to know from around the sector.

Inaugural fellowships to support emerging fundraisers

20 new and emerging fundraisers from across Australia have been chosen to take part in Fundraise for Australia’s inaugural fellowship, which involves a training program designed to advance their careers and inspire positive community impact.

The fellows represent a range of for-purpose organisations, including Beyond Blue, WWF Australia and the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation. It’s all part of Fundraising for Australia’s goal to identify and train over 250 new fundraisers to support the social sector as it seeks to double giving by 2030.

“This program is both a jobs creator as much as it is a capacity builder for not-for-profit organisations nationwide,” said founder Ryan Ginard. “Yet, in order to take advantage of these opportunities we need inspired and engaged individuals who bring energy, creativity, and new perspectives to the sector and that [is] what we have found in those selected for our first class of fellows.” 

Government progresses national autism strategy and research centre 

The Albanese government has allocated a further $2 million to the Autism Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) to continue its research and support the development of a National Autism Strategy, coming good on an election commitment.

The strategy will span key reform areas including healthcare, education and employment to create a whole-of-life plan for Australians with autism and a coordinated national approach to services and support. 

Social services minister Amanda Rishworth said the government is partnering with Autism CRC to ensure the strategy is co-designed with those with lived experience.

“A considered, evidence-based approach to consultation is not only vital in developing meaningful policy, but also in ensuring the voices of autistic Australians and the broader community are heard,” Rishworth said.

The grant will support the work of Autism CRC over a period of 12 months. 

Sector grants aim to reduce unemployment for young people

Charities and social enterprises that support young people and families to secure work are encouraged to apply for new grants from the Paul Ramsay Foundation. The funding can be used to establish or deliver new employment-focused initiatives for the target audience, scale initiatives or build an evidence base.

“We want to invest in organisations and initiatives that help reduce the systemic barriers to long term, secure employment, so all people have access to secure work and economic dignity,” said Paul Ramsay Foundation’s employment head Josephine Khalil.

More information and grant guidelines can be found online. Expressions of interest close 26 February 2023.

New coalition aiming to diversify International Women’s Day

A coalition of 25 advocates and purpose-driven organisations have joined forces to campaign for International Women’s Day (IWD) events and celebrations to better reflect Australia’s diverse and intersectional population of women.

The More Voices, More Representation campaign aims to make IWD equal for all women, launching with the release of a national survey that found almost 70 per cent of respondents did not feel represented at IWD events, panels or in the media.

“IWD must be inclusive of all women, so that together we can celebrate our achievements and combine forces to collectively fight for equality for all women,” said disability rights campaigner Elly Desmarchelier who is part of the coalition along with Sisterworks, Hue: Colour the Conversation and Rainbow Families, among others.

Awards celebrate the contributions of Victorian refugees

Nominations are open for the 2023 Victorian Refugee Awards, which recognise the achievements and contributions of those in the state who arrived in Australia as refugees or asylum seekers, and have excelled through study, work, entrepreneurship or volunteering.

“Refugees and asylum seekers are passionate and dedicated contributors to our state, and they deserve to be recognised for their unique stories, achievements and contributions,” said Victorian Multicultural Commission’s deputy chair Bwe Thay.

More information about the nominations, which close 14 March 2023, can be found online.

Australia’s first Executive Leadership Program by and for Women of Colour

NFP Women of Colour Australia has teamed up with First Nations led Women’s Business to launch a first-of-its-kind executive leadership program that aims to build the capability and confidence of Women of Colour, and improve diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.

The seven-month culturally safe program, supported by the Victorian government, is delivered by and designed for Women of Colour who hold or aspire to hold senior leadership positions. Small group coaching and executive mentoring is also offered to participants.

“Diverse women are ready to lead, they are capable and ambitious. This program presents a real opportunity for businesses to do more than just talk about supporting diversity and inclusion, it’s an opportunity to show it,” said Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins.

Applications are open throughout February. More information can be found online.

Supporting the creation of a digitally inclusive society

Leading for-purpose organisations, including Justice Connect, Life Without Barriers and Accessible Beaches Australia, are among the 15 recipients of the auDA Foundation’s 2022 grant round, which supports digital inclusion and innovation.

Each organisation will receive $40,000 for an education, research or community project that seeks to increase the utility of the internet to benefit Australians living with disability; First Nations peoples; older Australians; rural, regional and remote communities; and small businesses.

“I congratulate each of the recipients for their applications and dedication to improving online outcomes for Australians. We will watch their projects come to life with great enthusiasm,” said auDA CEO Rosemary Sinclair AM.

NFP climate start-ups focus of global accelerator program

Subak Australia will support 14 not-for-profit start-ups focused on data-led climate initiatives to increase impact, scale operations, and drive policy and behavioural change, through its 2023 accelerator program. 

Open to start-ups across Australia, New Zealand, Asia Pacific, UK and Europe, the program includes a bespoke curriculum, grant funding, networking opportunities and ongoing personalised support. 

“The need for rapid, data-led climate innovation has never been more critical. We call on climate startups who share our sense of urgency to apply for Subak Australia’s 2023 cohort,” said director Chris Wilson.

More information about the program can be found online. Applications close 24 February 2023.