Government Funds Philanthropic Partnerships

The Federal Government has announced $160,000 in grants for 24 community organisations to allow them to showcase their philanthropic partnerships during the inaugural Community and Philanthropy Partnerships Week.

“Each grant recipient will receive up to $10,000 to showcase their work and highlight their achievements including through film, books or case studies,” Minister for Social Services Christian Porter said.

“The successful recipients of these grants will celebrate the theme Achieving More Together, acknowledging the great work that community groups and their philanthropic partners do.

“The successful recipients come from communities across Australia and will be an integral part of Community and Philanthropy Partnerships Week, which brings together community and business leaders to help advance Australia’s culture of philanthropy and volunteering.”

The Government said it was investing $650,000 over the next three years for the Community and Philanthropy Partnerships Week.

It will be held each December and delivered by Philanthropy Australia in partnership with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal.

“As the Deputy Chair of the Prime Minister’s Community Business Partnership I am pleased to see these great examples of success achieved through community groups and philanthropic organisations working together for the greater good,” Porter said.  

“These successes are at the heart of the work of the Partnership, which advises the Government on strategies to foster a culture of philanthropic giving, volunteering and investment in Australia.

“In recent years, levels of philanthropy have dropped. Australia now lags behind other countries, so the Partnership aims to eliminate institutional barriers to giving. It will consider innovative investment models and help build research, education and best practice.

“The Government is on the front foot in supporting a culture of philanthropy and giving in Australia, so I encourage community groups and business organisations to take part in these initiatives.”

FRRR and Philanthropy Australia have welcomed the funding announcement.

Community and Philanthropy Partnerships Week is an initiative supported through the Prime Minister’s Community Business Partnership, which brings together community and business leaders to advise the Australian Government on practical strategies to foster a culture of giving in Australia. It is being managed by Philanthropy Australia in partnership with FRRR.

The CPP Week initiative will culminate in a week-long celebration of what has been achieved around Australia, thanks to strong partnerships between community organisations and those that support and work with them, whether they are philanthropic trusts and foundations, businesses or individuals.

“The projects awarded grants this year will celebrate the theme achieving more together. The activities planned will showcase and promote the great work that community groups and their philanthropic partners do together,” Alexandra Gartmann, CEO of FRRR, said.

CEO of Philanthropy Australia, Sarah Davies, said the event is an important networking opportunity for the sector.

“Community and Philanthropy Partnerships Week is a great opportunity to share knowledge and best practice, and to strengthen or develop new relationships and partnerships between grassroots community groups and philanthropy,” Davies said.

Community groups are encouraged to plan an event during CPP Week, even if they didn’t receive a grant. There are resources on the CPPW website, which can help to plan and execute an event.

They are also encouraged to share what they are doing via the CPP Week Facebook page and on the events register on the website.

For more information on Community and Philanthropy Partnerships Week, including information on the grants, click here.