TFN Blog

  1. Why we champion a strength-based approach to First Nations funding

    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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  2. Creating Impact: TFN's collaboration with First Nations leaders to drive change

    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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  3. Reflecting on the 10th Charities Report: The Stark Differences Between Small and Large Charities

    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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  4. New trends in giving favour disruptors and causes over established charities

    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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  5. Opinion: Everyday giving and ethical spending as a way of life

    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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  6. The Funding Network celebrates the success of Thriving Young People crowdfunding events

    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. AMP Foundation to Amplify Efforts of Grassroots Organisations Through Expanded Partnership with The Funding Network Australia

    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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  8. Kristen Lark On Connecting Mission-Driven Initiatives With Communities Seeking To Finance Change - Impact Boom Podcast Ep. 454

    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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  9. Grow your Funding Networks with these three top tips!

    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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  10. 3 Strategies to Encourage Workplace Giving

    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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  11. Opinion: Ethical Giving at Christmas

    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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  12. Reducing the stigma for incarcerated women | In conversation with Amelia Pickering - CEO, Prison Network

    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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  13. The silver lining borne out of the pandemic | In conversation with Jane Marx - founder & CEO, The Beautiful Bunch

    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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  14. Giving renters access to justice | In conversation with Noel Lim - founder & CEO, Anika Legal

    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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  15. A magic brew of innovation and commitment | In conversation with Marcus Watson - CEO, BackTrack

    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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  16. Too much funding going to 10 per cent of charities - The Australian

    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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  17. Think twice before you unsubscribe: The free gift your favourite charities need from you this holiday season.

    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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  18. 2023 Holiday Giving Gift Guide

    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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  19. The Funding Network building on 10 years of giving - On Impact

    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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  20. How cultivating the joy of giving in children will grow the next generation of changemakers - Philanthropy Australia

    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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  21. Two minds better than one as The Funding Network marks 10 years - Philanthropy Australia

    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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  22. Is philanthropy a dirty word? - Fundraising & Philanthropy

    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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  23. Pitch Up Wagga Wagga - 7NEWS Riverina

    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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  24. How to fundraise better with Pitch Coaching

    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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  25. 2022 Alumni Festive Gift Guide

    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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  26. Opinion: Discover the Power of Giving at the Social Enterprise World Forum - Third Sector

    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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  27. It's time to rethink the Christmas gift-giving tradition – Body + Soul

    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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  28. Reflecting On Our June 2021 Virtual Crowdfunding Event- The Life You Can Save

    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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  29. Finding a better way - Company Director Magazine

    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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  30. A Night with The Funding Network- F & P Magazine

    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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  31. Rethinking governance in the non-for-profit sector - Company Director Magazine

    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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  32. Meet your Impact 25 for 2021 – Pro Bono News

    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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  33. Charities successfully utilise online platforms to fundraise during the pandemic - Sky News

    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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  34. Seven events, ten hours, over $1.1 million raised - F & P Magazine

    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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  35. From live to virtual: How TFN transformed its events - F & P magazine

    “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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  36. The Funding Network shakes up fundraising in COVID-19 era - Third Sector

    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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  37. Beddown to provide pop-up beds in carparks for the homeless – Sky News

    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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  38. Making Tracks helps youth who fall through the cracks at school – Sky News

    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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  39. CEO Julie McDonald shares “the power of the collective” in empowering individuals to give – Third Sector

    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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  40. Inspiring event is looking to help bankroll local projects – Wangaratta Chronicle

    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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  41. Offering free legal advice to those in need – Sky News

    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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  42. How to start a collective giving group – F&P

    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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  43. $150,000 donated to disadvantaged youth as community ends 23 years of supporting children

    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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  44. The Funding Network helping smaller charities achieve their goals

    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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  45. TFN appoints new managers following record year-on-year growth – Third Sector

    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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  46. Philanthropy Special – ABC The Drum

    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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  47. 'The Man Cave' working to improve men's mental health through role models – Sky News

    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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  48. How to boost your fundraising with live crowdfunding – Our Community Matters magazine

    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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  49. Library For All seeking to provide books for 20 million kids by 2030 – Sky News

    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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  50. Qld male farmer suicide double the national average – Sky News

    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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  51. Taking philanthropy mainstream – The Village Observer

    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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  52. Helping young people with mental health issues stay afloat – Sky News

    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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  53. The Funding Network connecting donors to grass roots charities – Sky News

    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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  54. Pitching workshop for Northern Rivers social enterprises coming to Byron Bay – Mirage News

    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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  55. Laughter, tears and pledges - Fundraising and Philanthropy Magazine

    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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  56. Crowdfunding Explained - Fundraising and Philanthropy Magazine

    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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  57. Pitch Up: TFN on TV! - Fundraising and Philanthropy Magazine

    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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  58. Pitch Up: TFN on TV! - Generosity Magazine

    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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  59. What is Live Crowdfunding? - ABC

    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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  60. Newcastle hero, Sister Diana Santleben to be profiled in new ABC series - Newcastle Live

    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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  61. Top 10 funding opportunities for social entrepreneurs - Social Change Central

    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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  62. Hunter Hero: Sister Diana Santleben - Founder pitches story of Zara's House Refugee Women's Centre - Newcastle Herald

    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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  63. Hunter charities to share in $100,000 in celebration of nib foundation’s 10 year milestone - Hunter Headline

    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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  64. Stories in Philanthropy - Philanthropy Australia

    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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  65. Top Tips to Take Your Pitch from Mediocre to Memorable - Social Change Central

    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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  66. Laughter, tears and pledges - Generosity Magazine

    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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  67. ‘Shark’ Pitch for Charities - Geelong Independent

    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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  68. Demystifying Collective Giving: How Your Social Enterprise Can Leverage the Movement - Social Change Central

    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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  69. Six Essential Lessons For Impact-Focused Start-Ups - ProBono Australia

    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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  70. Do the most you can for those you serve: Lisa Cotton - Philanthropy Australia

    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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  71. The Funding Network launches online database to connect donors with nonprofits - Generosity Magazine

    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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  72. TFN launches online portal ‘Roots of Change’ - Third Sector

    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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  73. TFN CEO Lisa Cotton to Step Down in 2018 - Generosity Magazine

    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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  74. Lisa Cotton steps down as CEO of TFN - Third Sector

    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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  75. TFN Celebrates Significant Milestone - Third Sector Magazine

    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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  76. Zipline across iconic Circular Quay skyscrapers - The Daily Telegraph

    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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  77. Eat Up project getting lunch to hungry kids - Sky News Australia

    8 October 2017


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  78. icare foundation to ‘Pitch In’ - Generosity Magazine

    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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  79. Three innovative Canberra charities to pitch for $15,000 at crowd-funding event - Riot ACT

    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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  80. Understanding USP is Key to Securing Philanthropic Income - ProBono News

    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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  81. Third Sector Award winners announced - Third Sector Magazine

    8 September 2017


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  82. The Funding Network: Grassroots growth - Her Canberra

    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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  83. The Funding Network’s September Event - Her Canberra

    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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  84. Collective giving groups attracting Australians to alternative fundraising - Sydney Morning Herald

    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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  85. Shaun Kamler joins The Funding Network board - Fundraising & Philanthropy Magazine

    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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  86. Lawyers dig deep for not-for-profits - Lawyers Weekly

    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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  87. Collaboration + collective giving = Game changer - Generosity Magazine

    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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  88. Cash-strapped arts groups discover the power of pitching for funds - Sydney Morning Herald

    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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  89. The Funding Network: going live! - Fundraising & Philanthropy Magazine

    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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  90. The Art Of Social Impact: A Powerful Convergence - VIVID Ideas

    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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  91. Leading Australian philanthropists honoured at Industry Awards - Third Sector Magazine

    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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  92. Effective Philanthropy In The Spotlight - ProBono News

    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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  93. Collective Giving Trending for Australian Philanthropists - ProBono News

    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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  94. There’s cause for celebration and concern in how Australians are giving to charity - The Conversation

    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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  95. Social Enterprises to Pitch at Live Crowdfunding Event - ProBono News

    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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  96. 'Collective giving' encouraging small charities to compete for help - ABC The World Today

    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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  97. Can collective giving change the way Australians contribute to charity? - ABC Radio

    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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  98. How is collective giving changing the face of our social sector?

    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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  99. Grassroots non-profits hone their pitches to win a slice of the charity dollar - ABC Radio National

    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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  100. Could Common Sense Solve Our Economic And Social Problems? - Switzer Report

    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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  101. Beyond a Strong Fundraising Code of Conduct - ProBono News

    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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  102. Powered by Picasso: The Funding Network set to benefit from million dollar art sale - Generosity Magazine

    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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  103. A study in democratised giving - Business News WA

    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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  104. Rare Picasso Print Collection Offered for Sale in Australia

    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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  105. Picasso to bring big dollars to Australian non-profit

    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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  106. Picasso Collection Sale to Give $1 Million to Australian NFP

    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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  107. Picasso connoisseur Frederick Mulder parts ways with linocuts

    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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  108. Meet the Perth couple doing charity differently and changing the world

    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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  109. The Antidote to Negativity - Generosity Magazine

    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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  110. The Funding Network at the Change Leadership Summit

    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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  111. You're Probably Not As Rich As You Think You Are - Huffington Post

    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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  112. Top media executive Anita Jacoby joins TFN board

    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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  113. The Future of Collective Giving Part 2 - Generosity Magazine

    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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  114. It takes two - Generosity Magazine

    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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  115. Collective giving in Australia: 10 leaders share their wisdom Part 1 - Generosity Magazine

    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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  116. How giving models are changing the face of Philanthropy

    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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  117. TFN appoints Andrea Heffernan as VIC State Director

    9 May 2016


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  118. TFN 101: The Funding Network passes its first century

    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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  119. Raising the roof: The Funding Network's latest Syd event

    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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  120. Catching Goodness Through The Power Of Sisterhood

    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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  121. Giving Circles Asia releases case study on The Funding Network

    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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  122. Who are the leaders that inspired you?

    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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  123. What do you hope to see in philanthropy in 2016?

    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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  124. Do we need bolder leadership in philanthropy?

    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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  125. The tactics of building trust - Pro Bono Australia

    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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  126. Social enterprises go live for funds - WA Business News

    24 November 2015

    Business News WA spoke with the TFN team ahead of our event in Perth on 25 November.
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  127. Allan English discusses social entrepreneurship on Sky News

    24 September 2015

    Watch Former Chairman and TFN Ambassador for Grassroots Giving speak about social entrepreneurship on Sky News.
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  128. Kicking goals from Coast to Coast - Generosity Magazine

    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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  129. How fundraising for charity is changing

    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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  130. TFN Perth supports Women & Girls

    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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  131. Partnership Shines - WA Business News

    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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  132. Are philanthropists the new revolutionaries?

    20 October 2015


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  133. Brisbane Funding Triumph - The Courier Mail

    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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  134. The Art of Giving: TFN at Vivid Ideas, Sydney

    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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  135. How to win a pitch in 6 minutes - Generosity Magazine

    3 June 2015

    This article by TFN Pitch Coach Rob Irving was originally published in Generosity magazine.
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  136. TFN's Lisa Cotton profiled in Yours Magazine

    29 May 2015


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  137. The Power of Sisterhood

    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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  138. Record set at TFN’s first event for 2015

    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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  139. Philanthropy takes on a new twist - The West Australian

    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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  140. The Funding Network 2014 Annual Review

    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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  141. TFN welcomes Andrew Tyndale as new Chair

    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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  142. The Power of Aggregation and Multiplication

    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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  143. Song for Change - The West Australian

    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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  144. Proof that philanthropy is for everyone!

    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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  145. Contagious Giving

    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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  146. TFN Australia reaches $1m milestone

    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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  147. Philanthropy: The gift that keeps on giving - AFR

    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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  148. Allan English Philanthropy Leader of the Year 2014 - PBA

    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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  149. A New Approach to Giving - Fish Community Solutions

    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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  150. The Funding Network Australia nears $1m mark

    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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  151. Allan English interview - The Thinkery, Philanthropy Squared

    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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  152. Funds fun for cashed up crowds - The Post

    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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  153. Big business backs new charity - Ruby Connection

    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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  154. TFN Australia off to a great start

    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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  155. Alchemy, wine and feel-good funding! - Generosity magazine

    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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  156. Philanthropy reframed

    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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  157. Perspective: Crowdfunding in Outlook Magazine

    1 February 2014

    The Funding Network featured in 2014's Outlook Magazine:  Read the original article here
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  158. Raise your hand - Generosity magazine

    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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