The evolution of giving: Philanthropy Australia turns 50
From modest beginnings to a vibrant national movement, Philanthropy Australia marks 50 years as the peak body for giving, empowering Australians to connect, contribute and create lasting change.
For half a century, Philanthropy Australia has connected people and organisations who want to make a difference and championed a culture where generosity and inclusion thrive.
Founded in the 1970s by two pioneering women – Lady Meriel Wright of The Myer Foundation and Patricia Feilman of The Ian Potter Foundation – and a small group of supporters, Philanthropy Australia began as a modest network of givers determined to strengthen their collective impact.
Fifty years on, it stands as the national peak body for philanthropy. Philanthropy Australia represents a diverse membership of 900 that spans individual philanthropists, family, new generation and corporate foundations, and community giving groups. Equity Trustees is a proud member of the organisation that mirrors the diversity of Australian philanthropy through its stewardship of charitable trusts and work with individuals and organisations.
“Our purpose is simple,” says CEO of Philanthropy Australia, Maree Sidey. “We exist to support more and better giving for a generous and inclusive Australia. Whether you’re new to giving or well on the journey, we’re here to connect you with others, help you to find your areas of interest and make sure the policy environment supports your philanthropy.”
Over the decades since the peak body’s inception, the Australian philanthropic environment has evolved dramatically. Maree says the causes people and organisations now give to are increasingly diverse. The way that giving currently occurs has also changed, with online platforms and social media influencing the modern philanthropic environment.
“The sector has matured and diversified beyond recognition. We've always had trusts and foundations, but in the last 10-to-15 years, we’ve seen the sector flourish into an ecosystem of private foundations, collective giving circles, workplace programs and online crowdfunding platforms. We’ve seen a steep rise in people setting up their own private foundations and in corporate giving.”
Australian philanthropy has also matured as a sector, Maree says. “We are no longer looking overseas for guidance and learnings. We're now large and diverse enough as a sector to be confident that we're developing our own approaches. We share our learnings with our international colleagues and we are taking our place on the global stage.”
Nationally, Philanthropy Australia’s influence runs deep through the partnerships, policies and networks that enable others to give. Maree explains that the organisation’s government advocacy has helped to create an “authorising environment” that makes it easier for money to reach the causes that matter, from cultural institutions and medical research to community development and education.
“Every gift from our members contributes to a stronger, fairer Australia. Our role is to make giving easier and help generous Australians to connect and collaborate.”
Looking ahead, Philanthropy Australia is preparing to launch its next strategic plan in 2026. Maree envisions the organisation’s refreshed vision will build upon its role as a convener, enabler and leading voice in philanthropy. It aims to strengthen global and regional networks, particularly across the Asia-Pacific, and encourage responsible and impact-aligned investing and grow community philanthropy to “ensure that giving becomes part of the everyday fabric of Australian life”.
“One of our biggest challenges is that people still think philanthropy is only for the ultra-wealthy. It’s not. It’s for everyone. Whether you give your time, your talent or your treasure – it’s all part of the same story of generosity.”
As Philanthropy Australia celebrates its golden anniversary, Maree looks at the organisation’s inspirational ambitions for the next 50 years. “We want every Australian to see themselves reflected in the nation’s giving culture.
“Giving is simply how we show up for each other. It’s an expression of who we are and the kind of country we want to be.”
Equity Trustees, along with trusts stewarded by Equity Trustees are proud members of Philanthropy Australia.
“Giving is simply how we show up for each other. It’s an expression of who we are and the kind of country we want to be.”