In Australia’s Hunter, New England, and Central Coast regions, suicide rates are devastatingly high, highlighting the urgent needs for innovative suicide prevention programs. In partnership with The Funding Network (TFN), the Hunter, New England Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) launched a community-driven funding initiative called Pitch Night. Through this model, community members ...
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When Rick Cohen founded Worthy Cause, his vision was clear: create a program where food could be a bridge to self-sufficiency and empowerment for vulnerable people.
Inspired by his own experiences, Cohen sought to build a social enterprise that could provide essential support for individuals from backgrounds similar to his, offering them the opportunity to build stable lives. "Worthy Cause started...
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Big Brothers Big Sisters in Tumut (BBBS), is transforming young lives through one-on-one mentorship.
Located in regional NSW just outside of Wagga Waggga, the Tumut program of BBBS provides friendship-based mentoring for vulnerable young people aged 7-17. Regional communities like Tumut face unique challenges when it comes to accessing funding networks, making Pitch Up a vital opportunity for orga...
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5 December 2024
When Angelique Wan co-founded Consent Labs with Joyce Yu in 2016, their mission was simple but ambitious: create a society where young Australians understand and engage in respectful relationships free from violence.
"Consent Labs is a not-for-profit with a bold vision," Wan explains. "We are working towards an Australian society where young people can engage in respectful relationships…free from ...
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5 December 2024
Studio A, led by Artistic Director & CEO Gabrielle Mordy, is redefining what’s possible in the art world by creating pathways for artists with intellectual disabilities to showcase their talent.
Studio A, a non-profit based in Sydney, first pitched at a TFN event in 2016. That seed funding enabled the Studio to grow and scale their impact. "That initial funding allowed us to employ people with int...
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5 December 2024
At Tikkun Olam Makers: Melbourne (TOM), innovation and community collaboration go hand in hand.
TOM connects individuals with disabilities, known as “need-knowers,” with skilled volunteers, “makers” to develop practical, custom solutions to daily challenges. With The Funding Network's (TFN) support, TOM has expanded its reach and made significant strides in the assistive technology sector, benefit...
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20 November 2024
The Funding Network’s First Nations pilot event will showcase a model of collective giving and trust-based funding.
In our work at The Funding Network (TFN), we have seen the transformative power of flexible funding for early-stage social enterprises. Traditional philanthropy can place an undue burden on leaders, demanding continuous proof of value – a demand that weighs especially heavily on Firs...
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15 November 2024
The First Nations Crowdfunding Event is an innovative pilot uniting communities and philanthropists in support of three high-potential First Nations enterprises working and delivering social impact in regional Australia. Here, Darryl Majid, Director of Esparq Ventures, which is delivering the event in partnership with The Funding Network (TFN), explains how it will work.
1. How does this event dif...
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11 November 2024
Why is this pilot event an important step in the right direction for First Nations funding?
Firstly, we want to acknowledge the incredible work already being done in this space by First Nations-led organisations. We're not entering as leaders, but as contributors, adding our voice and efforts to an ongoing conversation. Many have been part of this journey long before we arrived, and we deeply resp...
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4 November 2024
Our pilot First Nations funding event in November has collaboration at its heart.
Sparked by ongoing discussions our CEO, Kristen Lark, has had with First Nations leaders across the philanthropy and non-profit sectors, this initiative was further strengthened through our partnership with Darryl Majid of Esparq Ventures and close collaboration with our First Nations Advisory Council.
Igniting ea...
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5 August 2024
As I delve into the insights of the 10th Charities Report by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission, I am struck by Commissioner Sue Woodward AM's poignant observation: "The differences between the smallest and largest charities could not be starker." This statement resonates deeply with our mission at The Funding Network (TFN) as we continually work to bridge the gap between thes...
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2 August 2024
The landscape of philanthropy is undergoing a profound transformation and McCrindle’s NFP Insights: Empowering Impact report, published earlier this year, provides important data for not-for-profit leaders looking to secure their organisations’ futures. The Funding Network Australia CEO, Kristen Lark, reflects here on the new patterns in donor behaviour.
Despite the challenging economic environmen...
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8 May 2024
The cost of living crisis currently gripping Australia is no doubt going to be at the top of many family’s minds this year. As families seek ways to make each dollar go further, some are even finding themselves in a position where they have to ask for help for the first time ever. According to Foodbank Australia, more than 23% of households fall into the category of severely ‘food insecure’, with ...
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1 May 2024
The funds pledged over two events in Sydney and Melbourne connected some of Australia’s brightest changemakers to people and organisations who can help them grow and build their capacity to deliver greater impact. It is estimated that around 2,371 young people across Australia will be directly impacted by this funding support. For Joe Kwon, co-founder and CEO of NSW-based Confit Pathways, this fun...
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7 March 2024
AMP Foundation has become the first Catalyst Partner for The Funding Network (TFN), paving the way for increasing giving to chronically underfunded Australian grassroots non-profit organisations.
AMP Foundation and TFN have announced the next phase of their long-standing partnership. Over the next 2 years, AMP Foundation will support the delivery of TFN’s Flagship program, amplifying the impact of...
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15 February 2024
In Episode 454 of the Impact Boom podcast with Tom Allen, Kristen Lark, CEO of The Funding Network, discusses the mutual benefits created by nurturing sustainable connections between mission-driven organisations and individuals willing to fund change in the world.
Highlights from the interview (Listen to the podcast on the Impact Boom website for full details)
[Tom Allen] - To start off, could y...
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22 January 2024
At The Funding Network (TFN), we recognise the transformative power of collaboration in expanding and fortifying your support networks. We work with other non-profits in Australia to assist them in achieving their fundraising objectives through utilising our innovative TFN live crowdfunding model. Unlike conventional sit-down fundraisers with their high associated costs, our model offers a high-en...
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12 January 2024
Evans and Partners partnered with The Funding Network (TFN) to host the 2023 Equity & Inclusion fundraising event in their Melbourne CBD offices.
This collaboration aimed to kindle workplace giving, fostering a positive relationship between employers, employees, and charitable organisations.
Witnessing the Magic
Having attended previous TFN crowdfunding events, Paul Benveniste and Philip Anglin o...
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19 December 2023
The cost of living crisis currently gripping Australia is no doubt going to be at the top of many family’s minds this Christmas.
As families seek ways to make each dollar go further, some are even finding themselves in a position where they have to ask for help for the first time ever. According to Foodbank Australia, 77% of those households experiencing food insecurity did so for the first time ...
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Women who have been incarcerated are more stigmatised than men, according to Amelia Pickering CEO at Prison Network, an organisation that has been providing support for women and their families for over 75 years.
Considering trauma and abuse is the driver of incarceration for many women in prison, the dignity that Prison Network provides by travelling with the women in and beyond prison is life c...
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It’s a Melbourne spring afternoon when I check my map to see if I can find The Beautiful Bunch, a non-profit floral-delivery service that creates jobs for women from refugee backgrounds.
I peer down a cobbled bluestone lane and follow my nose to find a light-filled studio workspace bursting with an oasis of beautiful flowers, beautiful smiles, and the founder and CEO of The Beautiful Bunch, Jane,...
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Noel Lim, founder of Anika Legal, is part of a growing number of young and vulnerable Australians who will likely never own a home.
The once touted ‘Australian Dream’ of securing a piece of land is no longer in reach after successive governments policies have protected home ownership as a ‘safe investment’ rather than a ‘human right’. Renting a home that you can raise a family in, long term, is a...
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Anyone who has any contact with BackTrack will tell you they’re special.
Founded by Bernie Shakeshaft in 2006 in Armidale NSW with a magic brew of strong community support, a shed, some working dogs and a group of young people. Bernie saw that these young people deserved an opportunity to connect to something meaningful to stay out of jail, learn skills for work and follow their dreams.
Fast forw...
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1 December 2023
Our corporate philanthropy model is unsustainable with 94 per cent of all donations going to just 10 per cent of Australian charities and the top 20 charities raking in about 25 per cent of all the money given each year. The concentration of giving is leaving many small charities struggling, according to Kristen Lark, the CEO of The Funding Network, which operates as a link between business, phila...
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28 November 2023
As the holiday season shifts into full swing and your inbox begins to swell, you’ll be tempted to do something that costs your favourite charities hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Please, please, please resist the urge to unsubscribe. The impact on your inbox will be minimal, yet each cause you care about will receive a precious gift of support.
Today’s email marketing platforms are so sophis...
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The Funding Network wants gift-giving to feed good. Shop ethically this holiday season with our #TFNAlumni!
Embrace the spirit of the season with our Alumni who have handpicked a selection of holiday gifts and premium products just for you. Feel good knowing that every purchase will support the incredible work of Australian grassroots non-profits, social enterprises, and the many marginalised comm...
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6 September 2023
The Funding Network’s live crowdfunding events build bridges between business, philanthropy, everyday Australians and the social sector to transform compassion into action. These events provide a platform for grassroots nonprofits to share stories of impact, build support and raise vital funds.
This year marks TFN’s tenth year of giving, so I spoke to TFN CEO Kristen Lark to get the highlights fro...
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28 April 2023
Kristen Lark, CEO of The Funding Network Australia, on why TFN has created a special fundraising event, Giving Heroes, that engages young people and their parents by focusing on the impact they can make in the lives of disadvantaged children.
From chores to washing cars, cleaning up our parks to bake sales, fundraising initiatives provide valuable life lessons and empower children to understand th...
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28 April 2023
The Funding Network is celebrating its 10th Anniversary – and $22 million in giving – with a specially streamed pitching event. Philanthropy Weekly speaks with CEO Kristen Lark and its founder and former CEO, Lisa Cotton, who are working together again. They reflect on the decade’s achievements, how crowdfunding has changed and what more is possible.
Congratulations on TFN celebrating its 10th ann...
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17 January 2023
Philanthropy is changing
What do you think of when you hear the word philanthropist? The traditional view of philanthropy was often limited to the wealthy giving large donations to established charities. However, today’s philanthropist is harder to define and includes people from all walks of life who give in different ways, including volunteering, activism, and impact investing. Importantly, for ...
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17 January 2023
7News covers Pitch Up Wagga Wagga, our first live crowd-funding extravaganza in Wagga Wagga where we're harnessing the power of community to keep grassroots charities thriving.
WATCH NOW
At our inaugural #TFNRegional event in NSW meet the three amazing local non-profits pitching to raise funds to positively impact the lives of people living in Wagga Wagga today:
Pro Patria Centre Australia - focu...
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17 January 2023
For grassroots organisations to survive, they need to quickly and effectively communicate their unique case for support to potential funders. Improving their skills and confidence in this area is essential to developing and strengthening connections and can play a critical role in securing much-needed funding.
The Funding Network (TFN) has delivered pitch coaching workshops to more than 2,000 non...
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At TFN we are all about feel-good giving and this holiday season is no different. This giving season, shop ethically with our Alumni Gift Guide!
https://thefundingnetwork.s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/tfn_corporate/ALU...
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15 September 2022
Social enterprise is a global movement with the potential to truly change the world. By applying business savvy to social change projects and programs, social enterprise organisations have the capacity to drive positive change from the bottom up.
The Funding Network (TFN) has long championed the work of local social enterprises in Australia. Through high-energy, high-impact live crowdfunding event...
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16 December 2021
It’s that time of the year again – when we spend hundreds of dollars on gifts for family and friends who, let’s face it, likely don’t need those presents.
One Christmas I gave my children a goat. Technically the goat wasn’t for them – it was for a family on the other side of the world, and meant to provide them with nutritious milk and an extra income stream to help lift them out of poverty.
M...
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30 July 2021
On 23rd June 2021, The Life You Can Save partnered with The Funding Network Australia to organize our third virtual crowdfunding event. Like our first virtual crowdfunding event hosted one year earlier, this event featured speakers from three of our recommended charities: Moses Baraza from Evidence Action, Dorelle Hinton from New Incentives and Warren Blessing Tukwasibwe from Living Goods.
Once ag...
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1 July 2021
Wayside Chapel, a high-profile not-for-profit, has been a fixture of Sydney’s eastern suburbs since 1964, when it threw open its doors to support people who had, quite literally, fallen by the wayside. Founded by humanitarian Reverend Ted Noffs — who also founded Sydney’s first Drug Referral Centre and was involved in the creation of what would eventually become Lifeline — its situation was precar...
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12 April 2021
The Funding Network held their first hybrid crowdfunding in April. Find out how much they raised and how they did it.
I log in at 5:45pm and am greeted by some toe-tapping 80s classics while I wait for the show to start from my couch (a sub-conscious reminder that in NSW it’s now legal to dance, perhaps?). It’s The Funding Network’s (TFN) first hybrid crowdfunding event held at AMP in Sydney, and ...
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1 April 2021
Julie McDonald, CEO of The Funding Network, describes the run-up to the organisation's first live online fundraising event in April 2020 as "the most nerve-racking week of my life". Until then, the organisation had run in-person crowdfunding events, described as a philanthropist "shark tank", where three small non-for-profits (NPFs) pitched to a roomful of potential donors who were, unfailingly, s...
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25 March 2021
Australians at the forefront of tackling domestic violence, supporting people seeking asylum and changing the narrative around alcohol are among those voted as the sector’s most inspiring and influential leaders for 2021.
From 400 nominations, to a shortlist of 150, this year’s Impact 25 winners have been picked for their innovation, influence, and collaboration following one of the toughest years...
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23 December 2020
The Funding Network CEO Julie McDonald says charities have successfully harnessed technology to adapt in “all sorts of ways” during the coronavirus pandemic.
“In our world, in The Funding Network we do live events, so COVID was set to have a detrimental impact on what we did, but we quickly adapted online and we’ve actually seen a 32 per cent increase over 19 events,” McDonald told Sky News. “We w...
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13 October 2020
How The Funding Network adapted live crowdfunding events to a virtual format in a pandemic…and what we learned
Back in June, we spoke to F&P about The Funding Network’s pivot to virtual events in the face of COVID-19 restrictions. At the time, we had successfully delivered two events online, dipping our toe in the virtual world, determined to keep the fundraising wheels turning at a time when the...
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“We were absolutely blown away,” says The Funding Network CEO Julie McDonald of the success of TFN’s first virtual crowdfunding event.
A couple of years ago I experienced an emotional night of pitching and pledging atop a gleaming skyscraper.
That was in a pre-COVID-19 world, when The Funding Network, could still run live crowdfunding events. When a crowd up to 200 could come together in a heady...
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18 June 2020
In the midst of a challenging period for fundraising events across the country, an organisation is proving that innovation and adaptability critical to successfully keep moving forward.
The Funding Network (TFN) is the largest collective giving model in Australia, having run 99 live crowdfunding events to date, facilitating over $13 million for more than 320 non-profit programs.
Speakers at TFN ev...
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14 March 2020
Norm McGillivray’s new program Beddown currently being piloted in Australia transforms disused carparks into temporary hotel rooms which provide shelter and dignity for those with no where else to go.
Currently there are more than 116,000 homeless people in Australia and of that number over 8,000 will ‘sleep rough’ each night. Mr McGillivray said he didn’t wanted to “replicate and duplicate” othe...
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14 March 2020
Making Tracks CEO Julie Gill says mainstream school “does not work for every student,” and the kids who "fall through the cracks deserve the same opportunities as their counterparts” who slot easily into the conventional education system.
Ms Gill said the primary role of her organisation was to run a youth program for the two local high schools in Broken Hill, providing an innovative approach to ...
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10 December 2019
In an interview with Third Sector Australia, TFN CEO Julie McDonald discusses the potential of ‘the power of the collective’ and why the model of live crowdfunding events is so effective in encouraging generosity.
The TFN model aims to make giving accessible to all individuals. By empowering anyone and everyone to contribute to their community in a meaningful way, small and often overlooked grassr...
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15 November 2019
Pitch Up Wangaratta, an exciting collective giving event celebrating local changemakers in Wangaratta, was held on November 26 last year. Powered by The Funding Network, the event gave three selected charities the opportunity to pitch their local initiative for a share of over $30 000, to promote the transformative effects of philanthropy and to strengthen community support for local charities.
G...
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26 October 2019
Anika Legal is an online legal and education platform that provides vulnerable people in Melbourne’s communities with free legal advice. CEO and co-founder of Anika Legal Noel Lim was disheartened by the number of Australians who could not afford legal services, with 160 000 people being turned away from community legal services each year due to insufficient resources.
In its current pilot stage, ...
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8 October 2019
In the lead up to the inaugural Collective Giving Australia Summit, F&P (Fundraising & Philanthropy) shared seven steps in establishing a collective giving group.
Held in November 2019, the Summit brought together leaders and members of collective giving groups, both new and established, to share successes, workshop challenges and ultimately boost overall engagement with philanthropy.
The Funding ...
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1 October 2019
The former management of St Thomas’ Childcare Centre Rozelle has donated more than $150,000 to support disadvantaged children as it marks the end of its 23 years of supporting children.
Jenny Cleary, President of the Parent Management Committee explained, “At the end of last year the Management Committee of St Thomas’ Childcare Centre were faced with a difficult change of circumstances outside its...
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31 August 2019
There are over 55,000 registered charities in Australia – with 10 added daily – competing for limited funding. The Funding Network has launched a crowdfunding campaign to assist smaller charities that struggle to receive financial backing to achieve their goals.
CEO Julie McDonald told Sky News live crowdfunding is successful because "it is about human connection... we've gone back to basics in a...
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4 July 2019
The Funding Network welcomes two new appointments to the team: Kristen Lark, who joins as General Manager, and Lauren Tuck, as Partnerships & Events Manager. A former SVP and partner at a global communications consultancy, Kristen helped launch TFN in 2013 and previously served on the Sydney Leadership Council. Lauren joins TFN from fundraising technology firm Givergy, where she was Senior Manager...
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1 July 2019
Panellists Tim Lo Surdo, Gemma Salteri, Jack Manning Bancroft, Chris Cuffe and Wendy Scaife lead a discussion on philanthropy in this special edition of The Drum. The panel discusses philanthropy, the nature of giving in Australia, why philanthropists choose to give, how charities have adapted their models, whether it is working for recipients and whether philanthropy can deepen the wealth divide....
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15 June 2019
The Man Cave is an organisation working to improve men's mental health by helping boys to manage their emotions at a young age. Three quarters of mental health issues in men emerge before they turn 25, and one in five young men experience anxiety or depression before they turn 18.
Founder of The Man Cave Hunter Johnson told Sky News ‘the most important thing for us to do is expose young boys to a...
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5 June 2019
How can you make your organisation’s fundraising stand out in an increasingly competitive market? Beatrix Kates from the Funding Network explains why ‘live crowdfunding’ is contagious fun.
For years we’ve fundraised the same ways – direct mail, gala balls, fun runs and the like. But with over 55,000 registered charities in Australia, it’s an increasingly crowded marketplace. And it’s only going to...
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1 June 2019
Some of Queensland's most dynamic social enterprises are gearing up to pitch to The Funding Network next week to secure vital funds to continue their life-changing work.
Library For All is an organisation with a mission to provide books to the 617,000,000 children around the world who fail to reach basic literacy levels.
[embed width="600" height="348" fileid="14508" class="leftAlone" thumbnail=...
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1 June 2019
Male farmers in Queensland commit suicide at more than double the rate of the national average with limited access to mental health services.
As the state is crippled by drought, - the driest season on record - natural disasters and financial hardship, Outback Futures is an organisation that delivers much needed psychological counselling and support to people in remote regions.
[embed width="600"...
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7 May 2019
The term ‘philanthropy’ can evoke images of high net worth individuals bequeathing large sums of money to worthwhile causes, yet new ways of giving are making the space more accessible to everyone — regardless of how much they can afford to give.
By Jocelyn Biddle
With social issues on this rise, it’s a necessary change as pressure on the charitable dollar increases. In 2017-18 alone, another 2830...
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13 April 2019
With mental health shaping up as a major election issue and the Coalition pledging an additional $22.5 million dollars to help tackle youth depression, Ocean Mind is doing its part by helping young people through 'surf therapy'. The organisation is one of TFN's charity alumni, with founder Rachael Parker pitching at TFN Live Geelong in April 2018 and successfully raising $22,400 to expand its prog...
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5 April 2019
Forty-one per cent of Australians say they would donate more to charity if they knew where the money was going, a new report claims. This has given rise to crowdfunding, allowing people to interact more closely with charities. The Funding Network connects donors to grassroots charities generating more than $10 million for organisations working to make a difference.
The Funding Network CEO Julie Mc...
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25 March 2019
In partnership with The Funding Network and Sydney School of Entrepreneurship (SSE), the Southern Cross Enterprise Lab is proud to be co-hosting an exclusive Pitch Workshop targeted at not-for-profits and social enterprises in Byron Bay on April 9, 2019.
The exclusive workshop, delivered by The Funding Network’s Head Pitch Coach, Rob Irving, will focus on how organisations can develop a clear unde...
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1 July 2018
Clare Joyce spends an emotional evening with The Funding Network.
Above from left: Lana Borg, Sister Diana and Simone Patterson pitched for their causes
On an unseasonably warm evening in Sydney, the doors of the elevator slide open onto the 25th floor of the AMP building. I collect my name badge and accept a glass of champagne. I catch glimpses of the Sydney Harbour Bridge as I make my way throu...
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1 July 2018
Julie McDonald, CEO of The Funding Network, on how the giving landscape is changing and how to tap into new funding models.
What are some of the challenges many charities and social enterprises are facing today?
There are currently more than 50,000 registered charities in Australia and recent studies show almost 10 new charities are registered each day. We understand a key challenge for nonprofi...
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9 August 2018
The Funding Network and nine of its nonprofit partners will be featured in a three-part documentary series on ABC Compass called Pitch Up.
3 Episodes. 9 Grassroots Charities. A Live Audience… Lights, camera, action.
In three different towns, Sydney, Geelong and Brisbane, Compass host Kumi Taguchi goes behind the scenes with The Funding Network as each nonprofit presenter is coached to craft and ho...
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9 August 2018
The Funding Network and nine of its nonprofit partners will be featured in a three-part documentary series on ABC Compass called Pitch Up.
3 Episodes. 9 Grassroots Charities. A Live Audience… Lights, camera, action.
In three different towns, Sydney, Geelong and Brisbane, Compass host Kumi Taguchi goes behind the scenes with The Funding Network as each nonprofit presenter is coached to craft a...
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8 August 2018
Crowdfunding is an online funding source for projects or businesses raised by online donors.
But what is live crowdfunding? And how does it work?
Julie McDonald is the CEO of The Funding Network Australia, an organisation that facilitates live crowdfunding events around the country.
Compass on ABC TV is running a three-part series following organisations as they prepare to pitch to an audience ...
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7 August 2018
Sister Di is driven by her passion to educate migrant and refugee women and create meaningful connections for these women in their local community.
Next Saturday 11th August, local Newcastle hero, Sister Diana Santleben will gain a national profile through an ABC Compass documentary series titled “Pitch Up”.
Sister Di is the Founder of Zara’s House Refugee Women’s Centre; a safe place for new...
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6 August 2018
FREE DOWNLOAD: TOP 10 FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS
Finding funding is one of the biggest challenges faced by social entrepreneurs. You can have what you think is the best idea in the world but without the moolah to make it happen it’ll be close to impossible to even get off the ground. Your options get thin when your business is focused on maximising social i...
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3 August 2018
IMAGE: Sister Diana Santleben, Zara’s House Refugee Women’s Centre founder.
TIRELESS: Sister Diana Santleben is the founder of Jesmond-based Zara's House Refugee Womens and Children's Centre, which is featured in Pitch Up. Picture: Supplied
As the 2017 Newcastle Citizen of the Year, Sister Diana Santleben might not need an introduction for some.
But for those who do, she is the founder o...
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7 July 2018
nib foundation has launched a special grant round, Pitch for a Healthy Cause, to celebrate its 10th anniversary of giving, with a pool of $100,000 in funding up for grabs for three registered charities with a presence in the Hunter.
Applications are now open, with the foundation focusing its support on organisations that are actively supporting local communities in recognition of its origina...
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17 May 2018
‘You don’t need to be mega-wealthy to make a difference’: John Grenshaw
Retired financial adviser, John Grenshaw, is among a growing number of unassuming philanthropists who are quietly demonstrating that philanthropy doesn’t have to be a complicated exercise requiring a billion-dollar bank account.
While there’s a growing body of research confirming that the secret to happiness is helping othe...
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23 April 2018
A convincing pitch is a powerful tool to unlock opportunities, form key relationships with investors or volunteers, attract funding, and inspire new audiences. And, for charities and social enterprises in particular, a single pitch could really be “make or break”.
At The Funding Network (TFN), our mission is to enable grassroots non-profits to access the capital, skills, connections and resou...
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18 April 2018
Inside an evening with The Funding Network.
Simone Patterson, Sister Diana and Lana Borg and will pitch for their causes.
On an unseasonably warm evening in Sydney, the doors of the elevator slide open onto the 25th floor of the AMP building. I collect my name badge and accept a glass of champagne. I catch glimpses of the Sydney Harbour Bridge as I make my way through the throng of people. T...
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13 April 2018
Three Geelong charities providing surfing for disadvantaged kids, unique drug rehab and food for the needy will compete for $15,000 next Tuesday.
The charity leaders will present their pitch ‘shark tank’ style in front of a live audience at Federal Mills.Torquay youth worker Rachael Parker hoped the funding would allow her to take more disadvantaged children surfing.
The former Melbournian ...
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9 April 2018
Collective giving. Is it just another buzzword? A passing trend? Or is it here to stay?
New giving concepts and donations platforms seem to be popping up left, right and centre. But let’s take a look at collective giving – you might be wondering what it is and how is it changing the way Australians are interacting with charities. We often get asked what you can do to leverage the movement for y...
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25 January 2018
Lisa Cotton, co-founder and former CEO of The Funding Network (TFN), shares the essential lessons for impact-focused startups that TFN has learned along the way.
Over the past six years, The Funding Network has given 170 grassroots not for profits with extraordinary ideas, a chance to publicly flex their entrepreneurial muscle.
Based on TFN UK, TFN Australia was launched in 2013 to he...
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24 January 2018
It would be tough to find a bigger champion of democratised philanthropy than Lisa Cotton, co-founder of The Funding Network. As she prepares to step down from her role as CEO, she reflects on the growth of collective giving, changes in the sector and the challenges that lie ahead.
Nicole Richards, Jan 2018
‘Transformational, not transactional’ is how The Funding Network (TFN), one of Australia’s...
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19 December 2017
New Roots of Change online portal aims to help alumni organisations tell their story.
The Funding Network's CEO Lisa Cotton.
The Funding Network has launched a new searchable database called the Roots of Change, which provides comprehensive information about more than 160 nonprofit organisations across Australia.
The Roots of Change storytelling platform provides comprehensive information ab...
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19 December 2017
People can now seek out organisations that are aligned with their missions.
The Funding Network (TFN), a national capacity building model for non-profit organisations, has today announced the launch of its online portal Roots of Change, which is designed to provide information on grassroots non-profits around Australia and share their stories of social chang e funded through TFN .
The Funding Net...
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25 October 2017
“Lisa’s vision and uncompromising commitment to getting TFN off the ground and flourishing has contributed to the growth of the broader philanthropic ecosystem.”
Six years after establishing The Funding Network in Australia and growing it to be one of the most respected collective giving models in Australia, CEO Lisa Cotton will step down in February 2018.
“Under Lisa’s leadership, The Funding ...
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26 October 2017
New boss has been named.
Six years after establishing The Funding Network in Australia and growing it to be one of the most respected collective giving models in Australia, CEO Lisa Cotton will step down in February 2018.
“Under Lisa’s leadership, The Funding Network (TFN) has deeply impacted both the social and philanthropic sectors in Australia and we’re so proud of what this lean organisati...
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24 October 2017
Organisation hosts 50 live crowdfunding events.
The Funding Network (TFN), is celebrating a significant milestone of 50 live crowdfunding events supporting social innovation and the growth of grassroots non-profits around the country.
TFN hosts events around Australia that bring together individuals, foundations, corporates and grassroots non-profits to pool funds and create social change.
Lis...
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19 October 2017
160 Australians, including 2016 X Factor Winner and 2017 Eurovision contestant Isaiah Firebrace and AFL hero Michael O’Loughlin, will take part in The AMP Foundation Big Zipper — an Australian-first, building-to-building charity zipline, spanning the rooftops of AMP’s two iconic skyscrapers at Sydney’s Circular Quay.
The event has been specially developed to celebrate 25 years of the AMP Foundat...
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8 October 2017
22 September 2017
The icare foundation to invest in promising, inspiring programs using a live crowdfunding model.
Social venture the icare foundation is inviting charities leading innovative programs in the prevention or post-injury-care space to pitch for the opportunity to receive up to $100,000 in funding.
Three charities will be invited to pitch for the funding at the ‘Pitch In’ event at the icare foundat...
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18 September 2017
It’s about coming together to collectively support social change in our community. Photo: Supplied by The Snow Foundation.
This event provides a platform for GG’s Flowers, Women’s Centre for Health Matters, and Mental Illness Education ACT to showcase their programs.
These local charities think outside the box to address complex social problems in the ACT. In a bid to expand their services they w...
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11 September 2017
Jo Garner, who joined The Funding Network co-founder and CEO Lisa Cotton for a “fireside chat about philanthropy” at the Third Sector Live conference on Thursday, told Pro Bono News organisations needed to learn to communicate their key messages.
“[The Funding Network] model of promoting philanthropic giving to charities is all around the charities doing a pitch at an event that there are many phi...
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8 September 2017
17 August 2017
WE’RE SURE YOU’RE ALREADY A FAN OF INVESTMENT PITCH PROGRAM SHARK TANK.
You know, the show where brave individuals pitch to millionaire entrepreneurs who may choose to invest in their venture?
Well, The Funding Network is pretty much Canberra grass-roots equivalent of Shark Tank, but with nicer sharks and pledges of support rather than investments. The Funding Network hosts pitch events, at which ...
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10 August 2017
The Funding Network’s September Event
The Funding Network (TFN) is returning to Canberra on Thursday 21 September and three local grassroots organisations addressing social disadvantage in the Canberra community will benefit. TFN is a fresh approach to capacity building for grassroots non-profit organisations and social enterprises that harnesses the power of live crowdfunding.
At the inaugura...
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30 July 2017
It's an ordinary Wednesday evening when 120 Sydneysiders decide to give away more than $40,000.Think of it as live crowd-funding meets Shark Tank meets MasterChef, replete with strict time slots, nervous contestants and a big reveal at the close.
Armed with a drink and an open mind, this miscellaneous group of strangers, colleagues and friends will hear a six-minute pitch from three different soc...
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5 July 2017
The Funding Network has welcomed a new member to its Board of Directors.
The Funding Network (TFN), a pioneer in developing a live-crowdfunding model to help build the capacity of grassroots nonprofits, has welcomed Shaun Kamler to its Board of Directors.
Kamler is a Division Director for the Banking and Financial Services Group at Macquarie Bank. As such, he is an internationally experienced b...
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3 July 2017
The Clayton Utz national partnership has joined with the firm’s Brisbane office to pledge over $100,000 to three worthy community causes.
Lawyers of the Australian firm gathered last month to raise money for not-for-profit groups Health Justice Australia, Share the Dignity and Mimi’s House.
Clayton Utz partner Karen Ingram from Sydney joined 150 members of staff alongside event partners Morga...
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9 May 2018
At a time when individuals have more power than at any time in history, inequality is widespread and deepening. The Funding Network’s Lisa Cotton says collaboration and collective giving are powerful practices with the potential to make lasting structural changes.
A word you hear frequently in the nonprofit sector is ‘collaboration’, but what tends to happen in practice is usually more transac...
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13 June 2017
"Who here likes to ask for money?" Rob Irving, a pitch and performance coach, stared around the meeting room on the 17th floor of the tower overlooking Sydney Harbour, while letting his question sink in. The six people gathered around the table shuffled in their seats. It was clear they didn't like asking for money, not in the least.
And who does, really? Asking someone for money is about as enjo...
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13 June 2017
Funding for grassroots nonprofits via innovative live crowdfunding events is only the start for The Funding Network, explains Lisa Cotton.
The Funding Network is a capacity building model for grassroots nonprofit organisations and social enterprises that convenes live crowdfunding events and enables deeper donor connections into the community via skilled volunteering, mentoring and learning forums...
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6 April 2017
Social entrepreneurs are using creativity to create powerful change, and radical new platforms are enabling them to reach new audiences and diversify their funding streams, explains Lisa Cotton.
Australia has a rich and expansive history of organisations using arts and creativity to bring about powerful social change; from performance art celebrating artists with disabilities, and exhibitions fost...
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6 April 2017
And the winners are…
Six of Australia’s most strategic funders were recognised for the impact of their giving at the 2017 Philanthropy Australia Awards in Melbourne on Wednesday night.
The Awards – an initiative of Philanthropy Australia – celebrate innovative partnerships between grant-makers and not-for profits, highlighting the significant achievements of projects that help solve complex soci...
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6 April 2017
Philanthropy is in a “pretty good state in Australia”, according to documentary filmmaker Ian Darling who was named the leading philanthropist at the 2017 Philanthropy Australia Awards.
The awards, held in Melbourne on Wednesday night, celebrated innovative partnerships between grantmakers and not for profits, highlighting significant achievements of projects that helped solve complex societal iss...
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5 April 2017
More than a third of respondents to the Philanthropy and Philanthropists survey (38.5 per cent) said they were now participating in collective giving. This was on top of giving individually or through foundations.
Of those who participated in collective giving, 90 per cent indicated they were motivated by the desire to encourage giving in others.
The report said a working definition of collectiv...
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14 March 2017
Australians are a famously giving people, but what are some of the issues surrounding charities in this country? You can see our infographic snapshot here, and follow our series Charities in Australia here.
Some 80.8% of adult Australians – 14.9 million of us – contributed financially to charities and non-profit organisations in 2015-16. At A$12.5 billion, total giving was well up from $4.7 billio...
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14 March 2017
Victorian grassroots social enterprises have the chance to pitch for more than $15,000 funding each at a live crowdfunding event.
The event will be hosted by The Funding Network (TFN) Australia, marking the first time the organisation has exclusively showcased social enterprises at one of its events.
Based on a flourishing UK model, TFN Australia gives philanthropists, foundations and corporates t...
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Listen to a live radio broadcast from our TFN Live event in March with the Macquarie Foundation. Nick Grimm investigates how collective giving is enabling individuals to pool their resources and create powerful social change.
Read the full broadcast clip here.
Featured: James Valentine, MC Dr Frederick Mulder, Co-Founder, The Funding NetworkSebastian Robertson, Chairman, batyrBernie Shakesh...
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By Nick Grimm
The way that Australians give to charity is changing, with the days of rattling tins on street corners becoming a thing of the past.
About eight in 10 Australians gave a total of $12.5 billion to charity in 2015, down from a decade ago, according to new research.
It means charities and community organisations are having to come up with more creative ways to raise much-needed funds...
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Words by Patrick Lindsay AM
Sometimes - like a champion sporting team, a virtuoso orchestra or a brilliant fighting force - all the elements blend together to create a performance greater than the sum of the parts. It happened last Wednesday night at The Funding Network Australia’s crowdfunding event held at Macquarie Bank’s Shelly Street office in Sydney.
It was one of those rare and magical occ...
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Analysis of how Australians donate to charitable causes has revealed that fewer people are reaching into their pockets to less those less fortunate. However, there is good news from the QUT research commissioned by the Australian Government. While smaller numbers of people are giving to charity those who do donate are actually donating more.That trend may explain why many non-profit organisations ...
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Last week, one of Australia’s most thoughtful and sensible brains, Dr. Ken Henry, the former head of Treasury, made the observation that “economic reform is dead” in Australia. Yet it comes when the USA recently signed up for a truckload of economic changes at the behest of their newly elected President, Donald Trump!
I’ve shared this with you before and I’m doing it again now but you have to ac...
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While a revised fundraising code of practice is welcome, the responsibility for any charter in this space is to be visionary and bold, writes Good2Give CEO Lisa Grinham.
This week we welcomed the Fundraising Institute of Australia’s revised fundraising code for the charity and not-for-profit sector. The exposure draft addresses key public grievances towards fundraising practices of late. Namely ho...
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The Funding Network Australia stands to receive a $1 million gift from the Australian sale of an original Picasso linoleum cut proof collection owned by The Funding Network UK founder Dr. Frederick Mulder CBE.
Dr. Frederick Mulder CBE will make a personal donation to The Funding Network (TFN) Australia of $1 million upon the successful sale of the rare 121 piece collection which is valued at ...
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A group of young women living in high poverty areas of rural Cambodia will have access to tertiary level education after a recent live crowdfunding event in Perth raised more than $10,000.
Grassroots organisation Classroom of Hope, which is dedicated to enabling access to education for children in poverty, pitched for funds alongside other local charities FairGame and Teach, Learn, Grow at The Fu...
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One of the three of the world’s most valuable and comprehensive collections of original Picasso linoleum cut proofs is being for private sale, exclusively in Australia, by Canadian-born British art collector, print dealer, and philanthropist Dr. Frederick Mulder CBE.
Valued at $9.3 million and named “The Lump Collection” after Picasso’s beloved Dachshund, the collection consists of 121 lino...
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The sale of a rare collection of Picasso prints valued at $9.3 million will result in a generous gift to Australian grassroots non-profit organisations.
When you are sitting on a collection of Picasso artworks valued at $9.3 million, the question of whether to take them to auction or offer them for private sale could be a game changing one.
Regardless of one's choice, the sale outcome doesn...
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One of the most extensive and valuable collections of Picasso’s linocut proofs is up for sale exclusively in Australia, with $1 million of the proceeds to be donated to a not-for-profit organisation.
British art collector and philanthropist Dr Frederick Mulder will use the collection of 121 original lino cuts, valued at $9.3 million, to support The Funding Network Australia, provided the sale is ...
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In 2002 Mulder co-founded The Funding Network, a charity that runs live crowd-funding events to raise money for social entrepreneurs and grassroots organisations. He exported this model to Australia in 2013, and the organisation has since supported 130 local charities with $4.5m raised plus in-kind support.
Mulder has pledged $1m from the sale of the Lump collection to the Australian branch of TFN...
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4 February 2017
Duncan Ward said Classroom of Hope recently came away from the TFN Perth event with $11,500, which will help accelerate its work. "The money will fund second-year tertiary scholarships for ten young women from rural parts of Cambodia who are studying in the STEM disciplines. TFN has such a great model for democratising giving and creating an inspiring experience with a community of people", said D...
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22 November 2016
On the very evening that the US election result stunned the world, 150 shell-shocked corporate heavyweights gathered in the vast foyer of Clayton Utz’s citadel in Sydney’s Bligh Street.
They weren’t seeking legal advice. They came to participate in The Funding Network’s live crowd-funding event on diversity and social inclusion.
An air of disbelief hung heavy in the room as guests pointed out t...
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10 May 2016
Meet the presenters
Don Palmer, CEO, The Malpa Project
Good health strengthens communities. The Malpa Project works to realise this in Aboriginal communities by working with young Aboriginal people to create local ‘health ambassadors.’ With an emphasis on extending Indigenous leadership within the organisation, CEO Don Palmer is pitching to The Funding Network to provide a paid internship for an ...
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12 September 2016
By popular definition, to be 'rich' is to have a great deal of money or assets. That's wealth, isn't it? We're fed this message constantly, by advertising and by each other; accumulate a great deal of money and material possessions and these things will bring you satisfaction, high self-esteem and, ultimately, a good and happy life.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that the average full...
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5 September 2016
One of Australia’s most respected and entrepreneurial media executives, Anita Jacoby has joined The Funding Network’s (TFN’s) board. Anita has been closely following the growth of TFN since it launched in Australia in 2013 and is excited by the organisation’s future potential to expand and impact even more people.
“With Anita’s extensive television background, she is joining TFN at the perfect ti...
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1 September 2016
In part one of our two-part story, Collective giving in Australia, our ten collective giving leaders reflected on their experiences to date.
Here in part two, they ponder sustainability and turn their attention to the future.They also reveal their top 3 wishes for the future of collective giving in Australia.
Generosity invited senior representatives of 13 Australian collective giving groups to ta...
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1 September 2016
There’s no telling where a connection made at The Funding Network will take you. Its events have sparked the beginning of many an inspiring relationship between grass-roots nonprofits and new supporters.
On the surface, social entrepreneur and Manjeri School Project CEO, Nick Harrington, 26, and futures trader and Managing Director of Vivienne Court, Rob Keldoulis, 55, might appear not to have muc...
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1 September 2016
When it comes to engaged philanthropy, collective giving is a force to be reckoned with. Here, in Part 1 of our collective giving special, leaders from nine of Australia’s biggest collective outfits reflect on the popularity of collective giving, challenges and lessons learned. When it comes to good news stories in philanthropy, the rise of collective giving is hard to beat.
Engagement, access and...
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22 June 2016
The Funding Network was featured in The Sydney Morning Herald's article about a new wave of collective giving. TFN is proud to be part of this trend of planned and purposeful philanthropy and hope to continue to have a big impact on Australia's small charities...
"Wendy Scaife is the project director of Giving Australia 2016, a project led by QUT's Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit ...
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9 May 2016
14 April 2016
Generosity Magazine celebrates The Funding Network's recent milestone of helping its 100th grassroots charity.
To read the full article, visit www.generositymag.com.au.
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7 April 2016
Meldi Arkinstall from Generosity Magazine talked to The Funding Network's Tom Hull following a terrific event in Sydney on March 10.
To read the full article, visit www.generositymag.com.au
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3 March 2016
An article by The Funding Network CEO, Lisa Cotton, recently featured in Generosity Magazine about the importance of collaboration between women and philanthropy.
When it comes to giving, the gathering of women is particularly powerful.
I believe that this is because of a particular set of characteristics that they hold: compassion for others; an understanding of equality; and the ability to sha...
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2 March 2016
Giving Circles Asia has published a case study on The Funding Network for an upcoming paper on corporate philanthropy, to be published by NUS Business School.
The Funding Network is a variation of a giving circle model based around public events where selected nonprofits “pitch” in front of an audience of donors (John, 2014). These “live crowdfunding” events were pioneered by the London-based fou...
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4 February 2016
Generosity Magazine asked 23 leaders, 'Who are the leaders (in philanthropy and beyond) who inspired you in the past 12 months and why?' The Funding Network Co-founder and CEO, Lisa Cotton, shared her insights and was also listed in this inspiring cohort.
"More and more leaders are emerging which is fantastic to see. Deanne Weir (gender-wise giving), Ian Darling (impact documentaries), and Peter ...
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4 February 2016
Chair of The Funding Network, Andrew Tyndale, shared his hopes for philanthropy in 2016 with Generosity Magazine.
"I’d like to see more strategic leverage: giving where the funds have secondary impact, too. For that reason, I am involved in Good360 and The Funding Network. In both examples, by supporting one charity, I can positively impact hundreds of other charities. My funds are needed and well...
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4 February 2016
Generosity Magazine asked leaders "Do we need bolder leadership in philanthropy?". According to the group, the resounding answer was 'Yes'. The Funding Network Chair, Andrew Tyndale, and Co-founder and CEO, Lisa Cotton, shared their perspectives.
"Yes, I believe we need risk-takers to back things that might not work. For example, let’s trial neuro-plasticity in men’s behavioural change programs fo...
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14 January 2016
The Funding Network Co-founder and CEO, Lisa Cotton, featured on Pro Bono Australia about why trust is the key to ensuring a powerful return for everyone.
Participating in social change often needs several years of regular interaction to build up sufficient experience to recognise and appreciate in each other a common motivation behind discrete effort. But does it have to take years? Is it possib...
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24 November 2015
Business News WA spoke with the TFN team ahead of our event in Perth on 25 November.
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24 September 2015
Watch Former Chairman and TFN Ambassador for Grassroots Giving speak about social entrepreneurship on Sky News.
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17 September 2015
This article by Nicole Richards was originally published in Generosity magazine on September 17, 2015. For full text, scroll below.
Kicking goals from coast to coast: The Funding Network celebrates 20 events and $2.5m in facilitated funding
More than 130 people turned out for The Funding Network’s Perth event earlier this month which raised over $56,000 for inspirational projects supporting wom...
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28 November 2016
Digital disruption of traditional philanthropy has also allowed ordinary citizens to make direct contributions to causes they feel close to their hearts.
Today marks the beginning of 'Give Now Week', and The Funding Network is one initiative that aims to connect small social-change projects to fundraisers.
You can listen to the full interview with The Funding Network CEO, Lisa Cotton, here.
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7 September 2015
When we invest in girls and women the impact is greater for all. This phenomenon, recognised as the multiplier effect, united over 130 people on Thursday 3rd September in Perth at TFN’s 20th live collective giving event.
In partnership with Rio Tinto and Deloitte, Thursday’s sold-out evening was hosted at the intimate Central Park Conference Theatrette. Over $56,000 was raised in under two hours t...
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31 August 2015
Partnership Shines
"A program aimed at educating and empowering young women in Geraldton is building on a unique partnership to diversify its funding base.
Shine, which encourages young women to stay in school and pursue careers, is working with Iluka Resources in a bud to connect with new sponsors and supporters.
The girls involved in the program undertake hair dressing and beauty therapy class...
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20 October 2015
18 June 2015
Silver Chef boss Allan English and the gang over at Morgans stockbroking in Brisbane are giving each other high fives after pulling off a pretty impressive fundraiser this week. They managed to squeeze more than 150 guests into the Bille Brown Studio on Tuesday night for a “collective giving’’ bash which was able to generate just over $160,000 in donations.
The recipients were four social enterp...
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4 June 2015
Vivid Sydney is where art, technology and commerce collide in testimony to human imagination. This illumination festival transforms the CBD into a gigantic nocturnal art installation and draws a crowd like moths to a flame.
On Wednesday 3 June, at the Google Australia office in Pyrmont, another crowd gathered to see the light shine on four creative social change projects pitching at The Funding Ne...
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3 June 2015
This article by TFN Pitch Coach Rob Irving was originally published in Generosity magazine.
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29 May 2015
25 May 2015
The sisterhood showed its heart when TFN, in collaboration with CommBank's Women in Focus and the Women Donors Network, hosted its fifth live collective giving event for 2015 – raising over $111,000 in less than an hour to support four outstanding social change projects focused on gender-wise giving.
The projects pitching shared a common theme: to promote and protect the rights and opportunities ...
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23 March 2015
Once again The Funding Network has matched supply and demand for social good with its collective-giving model.
TFN’s first event of the year achieved an outstanding result – with the most funding pledged at a TFN event to date.
Macquarie Wealth Management and the Macquarie Group Foundation hosted the private client event on 10 March, which saw over $212,000 pledged (including $100,000 match-funded...
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16 March 2015
The Funding Network was featured in an article by Steve Butler in the West Australian, in anticipation of our March 2015 event in Perth. Photo by Michael Wilson.
Register for tickets for this event here.
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9 March 2015
Download the review here.
The Funding Network Australia marked the completion of an extraordinary first year (and the beginning of a hotly anticipated schedule for 2015) with a lunch gathering on Friday March 6 hosted by founding partner, the Macquarie Group Foundation.
Renowned social researcher and best-selling author Hugh Mackay AO delivered the keynote address on the importance of strong integ...
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20 February 2015
Due to expanding commitments as Executive Chairman of publicly listed company Silver Chef Limited, Allan English will be stepping down as Chairman of The Funding Network (TFN) on March 6, 2015, and handing over the reins to Andrew Tyndale.
Andrew has been closely following the progress of the organisation since the pilot events preceding its official launch in February 2014.
“Like Allan, Andrew...
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3 December 2014
On Tuesday 2nd Dec, 132 Melburnians gathered for the last Funding Network event for the year to pool funds and resources to support some of the most exciting social change makers in Australia.
The event, hosted by AMP and Eluvia, saw four organisations each pitch their ideas in just six minutes, then answer probing questions from the audience eager to understand more about their growth plans.
E.m...
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18 November 2014
The Funding Network held an event in Perth on November 18, which featured Olive Kankawa Nagarra Knight. The event was covered by Inside Cover.
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19 November 2014
Last Tuesday night The Funding Network held its second live, collective-funding event in Perth at the Commonwealth Bank offices in Murray Street and in just 30 minutes Western Australians pooled small donations reaching over $40,000.
TFN is an Australian non-profit organisation and part of a global network that makes it possible for individuals from all walks of life to give (in increments start...
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6 November 2014
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead
On Wednesday 150 people gathered at AMP on a stormy Sydney evening in support of four dynamic grass-roots non-profits at the Funding Network Event. The organisations were diverse but united by fresh approaches to difficult social problems. Fittingly,...
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22 September 2014
Raising funds for small non-profit organisations can be hard and unpredictable. But from time to time even the most judicious audience can surprise and remind us that sensitive and sympathetic hearts still beat under level heads. So it was at The Funding Network event held in partnership with Australian Communities Foundation at JBWere in July, where four social entrepreneurs pitched for $10,000 e...
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6 September 2014
There’s lots to be thankful for in Australia, but so caught up are we in the trappings of life, we often forget to be grateful. I was reminded of this at a recent dinner party where I heard about a new, privately funded initiative that hopes not only to readdress this, but raise funds to do good. That sounded like an idea worth throwing money at, I thought.
Project Thankful, as it’s called, might ...
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3 September 2014
High-profile Queensland entrepreneur and corporate philanthropist Allan English has won the 2014 inaugural Philanthropy Leader of the Year award, while newcomer Michael Gonski, a partner at Herbert Smith Freehills law firm, has been award Emerging Philanthropy Leader at the Philanthropy Australia Conference.
The selection panel, chaired by Tim Fairfax, Philanthropy Australia Council member and Cha...
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23 July 2014
How fabulous would it be if your organisation had the opportunity to showcase your work, secure funding and expand your donor base and networks in a friendly and welcoming environment? Or, how fabulous would it be if you, as an individual, could learn about a non-profit organisation and, with other like-minded people, donate and collectively support their cause?
Well, now, with a new initiative th...
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3 July 2014
With the outstanding success of its latest Sydney event in association with Creative Partnerships Australia, The Funding Network has now raised almost $900,000 plus extensive in-kind support at its live collective-giving events in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.
TFN’s most recent event last week at Minter Ellison in Sydney, raised $114,000 for the four grass-roots non-profit organisations that pitch...
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19 June 2014
ALLAN ENGLISH in conversation with FRANKIE AIREY
FRANKIE: I’m hearing a lot of new language about the cross over between traditional philanthropy, Social Entrepreneurship and Impact Investing. You do all three, so I’d like to hear from you about what you see as the difference between them and the impacts you’d like to see.
ALLAN: Our foundation works in three areas – one is poverty alleviation, w...
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10 May 2014
Philanthropy is for everyone. That’s the message from Lisa Cotton, who launched The Funding Network (TFN) in Perth this week. The innovative not-for-profit fundraising organisation is based on a UK model to host live crowd-funding events, raising money for a cross-section of social-issue projects.
by Sarah McNeill, Editor (read the original article on The Post website, p.28)
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28 March 2014
The Funding Network (TFN) Australia is a new philanthropy model for everyday Australians – a bit like a “giving circle on steroids”. It’s easy to join and understand, and it makes philanthropy and having a real impact accessible, believes TFN co-founder and CEO Lisa Cotton.
TFN recently held its first event for 2014 at the pointy end of town in Sydney. A ‘smokin’ affair – literally – the event on ...
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13 March 2014
Wednesday night saw a triumphant opening event for The Funding Network Australia in Sydney with donors pledging more than $90,000 to the four social-change organisations at an evening hosted jointly by Macquarie Private Wealth and the Macquarie Group Foundation. This figure was generously matched on the night by the Macquarie Group Foundation under its staff support policy, boosting the total rais...
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5 March 2014
In the dark foyer of Sydney’s AMP building, suits and skirts collapsed into heavy armchairs at the end of another long business day last week. “There never seems to be enough time”, someone grumbled in private discussion. Agreement wrinkled silently among the waiting strangers.
“The Funding Network launch?” a desk attendant asked. The weary mob shuffled into elevators and pushed up on obligatory b...
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2 March 2014
After a year of community consultation and pilot events, The Funding Network Australia is officially up and running following our launch in Sydney last week.
Hosted by the AMP Foundation at its Circular Quay HQ, the launch was attended by around 120 guests and featured speeches from our CEO and co-founder Lisa Cotton; our board chairman Allan English; and interviews with CEOs of two social-change ...
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1 February 2014
The Funding Network featured in 2014's Outlook Magazine:
Read the original article here
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27 November 2013
Part auction, part live telethon, The Funding Network is agitating philanthropy and feeding a hunger for purpose. Look out Australia, a new era approaches.
“There is a moral hunger in our society. A hunger for purpose. And when you bring people together to feed that hunger, true alchemy happens. A kind of giving magic.”
Canapés and capacity building are on the menu for social giving initiative The...
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