We are delighted to announce that Bianca Stern (All Things Equal) has joined The Funding Network Australia Board as a Non-Executive Director, after serving as a Board Observer. Bianca brings deep experience across disability inclusion and the for-purpose sector, and has been part of the TFN community for years through All Things Equal, a Melbourne-based social enterprise creating award-wage employment and training pathways for people with disability in hospitality.
Bianca’s appointment is a genuinely full-circle moment. She first connected with TFN during COVID, pitching All Things Equal for funding at an Equity & Inclusion event in Melbourne. Since then, Bianca has watched closely how TFN supports grassroots organisations beyond the event, investing in capability through pitch coaching and our Alumni community so organisations can grow sustainably.
“The Funding Network plays a powerful role in Australia’s philanthropic ecosystem, bringing people together to back grassroots organisations doing vital work in our communities,” says Bianca. “Having experienced TFN in many ways, from pitching to joining the alumni community and observing the board, I’ve seen firsthand the care and intention behind the scenes that make those moments possible. I’m incredibly proud to now join the board and support TFN’s continued impact.”
We also want to acknowledge and sincerely thank Melissa Abu-Gazaleh as she steps down from the Board. Melissa, Founder and Managing Director of the Top Blokes Foundation, has brought a powerful founder lens and deep commitment to young people’s health and wellbeing. Importantly, Melissa has ensured the perspectives of our Alumni community have been represented at the Board table, grounding our governance in the real experience of organisations after they pitch. Bianca will continue this focus, serving as the Board’s Alumni representative and bringing her insight into Australia’s NFP sector to help strengthen the scaffolding that supports organisations post-event.
Please join us in welcoming Bianca, and in thanking Melissa for her leadership, generosity and service.
You can learn more about our Board here.