Key Philanthropy Trends, Partnerships and Impact Insights

The Philanthropy Australia Conference 2026 brought together philanthropic leaders, practitioners, advisers and community organisations to explore some of the sector's most important questions: how can philanthropy mobilise generosity and shape the future?

Representing Equity Trustees were Ferdi Hepworth, Emily Cormack, Ophelia Lai, Kellie Takenaka, Alex White and Amanda Sartor, each contributing their expertise and perspectives across the conference program and broader sector conversations.

A key theme throughout the event was the growing recognition that effective philanthropy extends beyond funding. Creating meaningful change requires strong partnerships, a willingness to learn, and an ongoing commitment to understanding the needs and aspirations of the communities philanthropy seeks to support.

This was reflected in breakouts with Amanda Sartor, who highlighted the importance of selecting the right philanthropic structures to align purpose, impact objectives and long-term legacy goal and Ferdi Hepworth, who explored how philanthropy can move beyond transactional grantmaking towards deeper learning partnerships, built on trust, accountability and shared outcomes. Their sessions also highlighted the importance of selecting the right philanthropic structures to align purpose, impact objectives and long-term legacy goals.

These conversations reinforced something we see every day at Equity Trustees: philanthropy is most effective when it combines generosity with expertise.

“As Australia's most trusted steward, we are proud of the depth of knowledge across our philanthropy team ”

Our team works alongside donors, families, foundations and not-for-profit organisations to navigate complex decisions, identify opportunities for impact and establish giving structures that can deliver meaningful outcomes over the long term. Whether through granting, active philanthropy, donor engagement or social impact initiatives, our focus remains on helping clients turn their philanthropic aspirations into measurable community benefit.

As Australia's most trusted steward, we are proud of the depth of knowledge across our philanthropy team and our ongoing commitment to learning, innovation and continuous improvement. Conferences such as these provide valuable opportunities to share ideas, challenge assumptions and strengthen the collective capability of the sector.

The challenges facing communities continue to evolve, and so too must philanthropy. By working together, sharing expertise and remaining focused on impact, we can help ensure that philanthropic capital creates lasting value for the communities that need it most.

Read more about Equity Trustees Philanthropy

Photo left to right
Emily Cormack National Manager, Social Impact Team, Ophelia Lai, NAB Foundation Associate Director, Active Philanthropy, Ferdi Hepworth William Buckland Foundation Lead, Kellie Takenaka, Senior Business Development Manager, Kellie Takenaka, Senior Business Development Manager, Philanthropy, Alex White Granting Specialist, Amanda Sartor National Manager, Active Philanthropy