Jenny Davidson

An important survey to be part of to understand how much giving goes *directly* to First Nations organisations (rather than to organisations who in turn are working with and for First Nations people).

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For all the social entrepreneurs in the ACT...

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There are five systemic barriers we must overcome to fully unlock the potential of skilled migrants and refugees, including improving the recognition of overseas qualifications and tackling labor market discrimination. I shared some thoughts with CEDA - Committee for Economic Development of Australia in a recent article. Ultimately, the underutilisation of these skilled professionals is not only limiting their potential but also holding back our economy. Addressing this skills mismatch is a shared responsibility — and a shared opportunity — for government, industries, employers, unions, social services, and affected communities. If you're interested in finding out more about our Billion Dollar Benefit campaign: https://lnkd.in/g9nRaHZm

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The Victorian government has just responded to recommendations from the latest inquiry into the experiences and outcomes for Victorian children and young people in out-of-home-care. Reading this report about their experiences in our public education systems we are heartened to see examples of amazing care, as well as confronted by the amount of work - too much work - still to do. All people involved in the care and education of these children must be supported to be trauma-responsive. These young ones have not always been kept safe. The two recommendations relating to trauma-informed training for educators and whole-of-school trauma-based approaches (13 and 14) have been accepted, and accepted in principle, respectively. At ThinkWell we know that we need to go further. Educators must have ongoing support to connect with and support these potential-filled young people who are the future of our communities. Training is not enough - ongoing coaching, practical assistance, and reflective practices are needed to protect against burnout and care for our educators. We are deeply invested in providing this at ThinkWell Consultancy.

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There are many resources that can help you find grants. These include: - Australian Government's GrantConnect - State Government grant databases - Local Council and regional initiative websites - Funder websites, newsletters and social media - Subscription-based services (e.g. The Grants Hub, GEMS, The Funding Centre, GrantGuru). Want to get the best value for your needs? I'm happy to share what I've learned over the years and feedback we've heard from others. Whichever methods you use, you also need a strategy to be proactive and assess grants effectively. Getting a bunch of daily updates is pointless unless you have an actionable plan for filtering opportunities and prioritising resources. If you want to save time and search smarter, get in touch. #findgrants #governmentgrants #philanthropy #australiangrants #purposeplus by Tender Plus

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This webinar is a must-watch! Co-hosted by Community Research and Inclusive Aotearoa Collective Tāhono, it eloquently explores the challenges faced by ethnic minority communities in finding belonging as tauiwi, the role of Te Tiriti o Waitangi for all New Zealanders, and the opportunities and responsibilities we have for meaningful change. Some of my key takeaways: 💡Shifting demographics: Aotearoa is becoming more diverse, yet discrimination persists. Inclusion in language, institutions, and communities is crucial. 💡Te Tiriti as a cloak: Te Tiriti protects our differences and unites us under shared principles—it must be upheld. 💡Solidarity: Colonial tactics create division; building connections between Māori, Pacific, and ethnic communities is vital and there are a lot of examples of communities doing just that 💡Multiculturalism grounded in biculturalism: Aotearoa’s future is multicultural but grounded in biculturalism. Decolonising our minds and systems is key. 💡Compassion & connection: Change happens through storytelling and relationships—and we can all be a bridge-builder. 💡Uniting in our difference: Belonging comes from uniting our strengths, not competing cultures. 💡Capitalising on the momentum: Positive movements such as the recent hikoi and growing recognition of indigenous knowledge offer a hopeful future. There’s a sense of realignment as people of the Pacific—it’s important we embrace this opportunity. 💡Systemic change: There is ongoing marginalisation in the kāwanatanga (governance) sphere, as described in the Matike Mai Report. We must advocate for systemic change within our own sphere, while being allies to tangata whenua and supporting tino rangatiratanga. 💡Choosing unity over division: As demographics shift, we need to avoid creating division and instead embrace unity. Stories of our people are powerful tools to connect us and weave a new, hopeful way forward. The wero for us all: Do we uphold colonial systems or become part of the change? Let’s choose transformation and a more equitable and inclusive future for Aotearoa. Thank you to the panelists for sharing your personal stories with us all. Anjum Rahman Danny Karatea-Goddard Ganesh Ahirao Vira Paky #TeTiriti #Belonging #Inclusion #EthnicCommunities #Decolonisation #Solidarity

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The Telstra Foundation, alongside Wallis Social Research and Youth Advisory Council members Sucheta and Alex launched the Australian Youth Digital Index, a comprehensive benchmarking tool that captures the digital lives of young Australians. The report details the experiences of a nationally representative sample of 4,718 young people aged 8-25 and the index is structured around five key pillars: Access, Connectivity, Skills, Safety, and Wellbeing. Each pillar provides detailed information on specific aspects of young people’s digital lives. A important tool, particularly as we explore rhetoric around young people’s safety online, in particular social media this week. Importantly, the NYDI draws on the experiences of young people. Within the data, findings are shared on how young people are navigating the risks and building the skills to deal with the digital world. Today, members of the batyr team and I attended the launch and started to explore the NYDI dashboard, with one question catching our attention. Participants were asked; How confident are you in dealing with unsafe content when online, in the context of fake news, disinformation or misinformation? 81% of respondents either confirming they are confident or somewhat confident online. With the remaining respondents sharing “not at all confident” (3%) or “not very confident” (16%) A powerful data point when thinking about our batyr Mindful Media School Program and the further development of our own conversations with young people. The report and dashboard is a free tool for individuals and organisations to reference and a huge piece of gratitude needs to be shown to Jackie Coates, CEO of the Telstra Foundation and her team for leading the charge on this, and for allowing young people to have a seat at the table. Today Jackie closed with a question to Sucheta and Alex (Youth Council members) “Can you provide one word to describe your individual experience in a digital world?” They shared “versatile” and “empowerment”. An important perspective for key decesion makers and influencers to consider, how do we better utilise young people’s experiences to support further conversations now and into the future. We all want to keep young people safe and connected, so there needs to be a consistent effort to ensure that we are walking with and beside young people in shaping the outcomes that will support them. We all want a safer, inclusive and enriching experience online. “If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. “ - African Proverb You can read the full report here: [https://lnkd.in/gxaqTFz6] #youngpeoplesexperiencesmatter #sectorcollabs #sharingdata #sharingstories #AustralianYouth #DigitalWellbeing #DigitalSkills #YouthVoice #batyr #givingavoicetoyoungpeoplesexperiences Robert O'Leary Krisztina Javor batyr

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Beyond the direct service provision and support needed by women who experience violence in Australia, #charities and #communitygroups play a fundamental role in promoting community attitudes that value and empower women.    CCA CEO David Crosbie writes for the Community Advocate (excerpt):    It is men who are overwhelming the perpetrators of violence against women, and their actions are fuelled by many factors including cultural norms of male power, gambling and associated financial stress, alcohol and drug use, lack of appropriate housing, lack of access to education and employment, and untreated mental health issues.   In all these areas, charities and community groups have a critical role to play. It’s not just domestic violence services, family support, legal aid or better policing that needs an urgent injection of resources; the changes we need are bigger, broader, more encompassing.   Beyond the direct service provision and support needed by too many women in Australia, charities and community groups play a fundamental role in promoting community attitudes that value and empower women. A national campaign about respect can only ever have limited impact when power and indifference remain largely undisrupted in our communities and our workplaces.   A more equal and connected community experiences less violence against women than one where socio-economic inequality is greater and there is higher tolerance for gender discrimination and controlling behaviour in relationships.   One of the more worrying trends emerging in various surveys from around the world is the growing divide between young men and young women in attitudes to our community.   The latest Glocalities polling released this month found that “Young women were worried above all about social issues such as sexual harassment, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect. Young men were more geared towards achieving social and economic status, and set store by conservative family values and competition, bravery and honour.”   There’s a lot of specific work to be done within charities and community groups to reduce intimate partner violence in Australia, beginning with the idea that it is us men, not other men, who are perpetrators of violence, and we all share a responsibility to ensure women are not living with fear and experiencing control, abuse or violence in any form.   We also have a responsibility within our own organisations to better engage with women and men, to both model and promote the values of equality, justice and respect that are core to most charities.   The epidemic of violence against women will not end unless we all recognise that it is us, not them, who can and will make a difference.   From the article by David Crosbie: Violence against women – it’s us, not them, Community Directors: https://lnkd.in/eswuJNEr #domesticviolence #womenssafety #endviolence #charities #communitygroups

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The Mental Health and Wellbeing Grants Program 2024 - administered by the Queensland Mental Health Commission - is offering three levels of grants to organisations focused on promoting mental health and preventing mental ill-health. This grants program seeks to enhance community resilience and wellbeing through evidence-based, place-based approaches. With a funding pool of $9 million, the grants aim to strengthen community-driven mental health initiatives, targeting vulnerable groups and addressing local needs across the state. The three funding categories are: (1) Up to $50,000; (2) Up to $100,000; and (3) Up to $150,000. No co-contribution is required. If an application exceeds the upper limit of a funding category, the applicant must identify the funding source to cover the gap. Organisations can apply for grants that: * support and promote mental health and wellbeing * prevent mental ill health by enhancing protecting factors and reducing risk factors * encourage early help-seeking * improve mental health, wellbeing, alcohol and other drugs, or suicide prevention literacy and understanding Applications close on October 10, 2024. Here is a link to further information: https://lnkd.in/g7P5PRfR

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The Community Affairs Legislation Committee has just published the joint submission I have co-authored with my friend and NDIA co-design colleague, Uli Cartwright, on the NDIS Bill. Our submission addresses: - The lack of co-design for major changes to the primary legislation according to Article 4(3) of the UNCRPD - Destruction of the golden thread between funding, goals and aspirations for a life worth living on an equal basis with others - Parallels with Robodebt culture in the participant experience and the further risks this Bill imposes - Legislating NDIA accountability to participants - Legislating NDIA, DSS and Government accountability in co-design - Our vision for the co-design commitment we need This submission was made independently of our roles as NDIA Participant Reference Group members. However, in light of the following statement published on the DSS website last night regarding NDIA co-design, we wish to set the record straight: “Since the Government introduced proposed changes to the NDIS Act, the NDIA has been working closely with Disability Representative and Carer Organisations (DRCOs), our Independent Advisory Council (IAC) and Participant Reference Group (PRG) to improve their approach and confirm the next set of priority topics for co-design.” We do not know who drafted this FAQ, but we do not believe “working closely” with the PRG is a fair or accurate representation of a one hour briefing the day after the Bill was tabled, a two hour Q&A for us to give our feedback on the proposed legislative changes, and a two hour meeting on the NDIA’s already-formed, already-drafted co-design approach and proposed topics. At this meeting, we asked the NDIA to ask us what we can contribute and how much work we can take on, not to assume we are not up to the task. We go much further in our submission: We ask the Government, DSS and the NDIA to “assume that we can” contribute much more, and to invite people with disability to lead these reforms, including drafting of amendments (or indeed, re-drafting) of this Bill.

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A must read to understand the breath and spread of systemic racism and what needs to be done in moving forward. If we are to create a socially inclusive society racism needs to be addressed. ‘The burden to address racism is still predominantly borne by people and communities who experience racism, rather than the systems, structures, and institutions that perpetuate it’ Positive examples of what can and has worked in pockets is also highlighted with a positive path forward identified

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The ANPA have put together a step-by-step plain english guide on how to respond to receiving an NDIS reassessment letter. It explains the process you need to go through to exercise your review rights. It also explains in clear, accessible terms, how to lodge a case with the ART. We are just finishing the visuals and audio, and in the next few days will send this out to members. It will be publicly available before Xmas. We will also run a webinar in the first week of January on this topic.

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For the last 5 years Support Coordination pricing has been frozen, risking the closure of essential services and leaving participants at risk. It's time for this to change. This decision is indefensible. Immediate action is needed! We call on the NDIA to increase prices for support coordination (level 2 and 3) at least in line with wage increases in the Disability Support Worker Cost Model. #4abetterNDIS #SupportPeopleWithDisabilities #SupportNDISregisteredproviders

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🌟 Introducing Stories of Leadership 🌟 For over 21 years, the Fellowship for Indigenous Leadership has been privileged to support and walk alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders across Victoria. We have launched a new series that celebrates these incredible journeys. Each story highlights the resilience, vision, and impact of leaders who are driving positive change in their communities with the Fellowship’s support.   Join us as we honour these voices, their achievements, and their contribution. Stay tuned for inspiring insights and stories of leadership that reflect the heart and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Victoria.   #IndigenousLeadership #21YearsOfImpact #StoriesOfLeadership #FirstNationsLeaders #FellowshipForIndigenousLeadership #InspiringChange #EmpoweredVoices #CommunityImpact #LeadershipInAction #CelebratingCulture #LeadingWithPurpose

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Effective messaging really matters. Despite having important perspectives and key information, these messages can feel lost if you are unable to communicate and present your information effectively. Persuasive and values-driven messaging has been shown to be a powerful tool in driving positive change within social frameworks. If you're interested in understanding more and delving deeper into effective messaging, then I strongly suggest attending the upcoming Disability Messaging guide workshop hosted by Australian Progress & DANA.

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📢 Weekly Grants Wrap-Up 📢 🆕 Flight Centre Foundation Giving Grants are now open. The grants are targeted towards organisations focused on supporting vulnerable children and victims of domestic and family violence. Up to $25,000 available. Closing 21 November. 👩‍💼 SPARK Business Grants help women in business grow their profit and impact. Grants range from $5,000 to $10,000. Closing 30 November 2024. 🚺 Action for Women’s Health Program is now open, through Pivotal Philanthropies Foundation, to support organisations working to improve women’s mental and physical health. Up to $5mil available. Closing 3 December. 💡 IMPACT Philanthropy Application Program (IPAP) is now open, through Perpetual Limited, to connect philanthropists and NFPs, supporting projects that improve community outcomes. Funding up to $120,000. Closing 6 December. DGR Status Required. 🆕 Future Generation Australia Social Impact Partner is now open, through Future Generation Australia, to support non-profits aiding children and youth at risk. Up to $180,000 available. Applications close 09 December. DGR Status Required. 🏡 Homes for Homes Funding is now open, through Homes for Homes, to support projects that increase the supply of social and affordable housing. Up to $250,000 available. Closing 11 December. 🆕 SEQ Innovation Economy Fund is now open, through Advance Queensland, to support innovation infrastructure and accelerate job creation in South East Queensland. Up to $25 million available. Closing 13 December. 🖥️  Preventing Tech-based Abuse of Women Grants Program through the eSafety Commissioner, funding projects that prevent online harms and enhance safety for women and their children. Up to $400,000 availabe. Closing 16 December. 🆕 Capricorn Foundation Grants are now open, through the Capricorn Foundation, to fund initiatives in nurturing nature and overcoming disadvantage. Up to $90,000 available. Closing 31 December. DGR status required. 🆕 LiftHER Female Founders Grant Program is now open, through Lift Women, to empower women and girls in Australia and Asia to achieve their dreams. Mentoring only. Closing 10 January. 🆕 Keeling Curve Prize is now open, through the Global Warming Mitigation Project, recognising innovative climate solutions that reduce atmospheric CO2 and greenhouse gases. Up to $50,000 available. Applications close 15 Jan 2025 or until the first 500 eligible submissions have been received. 🆕 Queensland Innovation Precincts and Places Fund: Stream 3 is now open, through Advance Queensland, to support regional innovation precincts with smart infrastructure, technology, and upgrades. Up to $3 million is available. Closing 30 June 2027 or until allocation exhausted.

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🌈Exciting news! Today, GiveOUT and Aurora have officially merged to become Rainbow Giving Australia: a new, national foundation for Australia's LGBTQIA+ communities. We are proud of this decision, and how it demonstrates our commitment to acting in the best interests of our rainbow communities and maximising the impact of our resources. Why are we merging? ✔️ We hold a shared vision of an empowered, sustainable and united rainbow community sector ✔️ We achieve great things when we work together (e.g. our successful collaboration on Rainbow Resources report and Amplify Pride Fund) ✔️ We have complementary strengths, resources and programs that can have a greater impact when shared ✔️ There is an urgent need from our communities, who are facing a rise in anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric and anti-trans disinformation I feel a big sense of responsibility and gratitude stepping into the role of inaugural CEO. This is about better mobilising much needed funding, but it's also about unity, and empowering our communities to lead and thrive. We are stronger together, and together, we can work towards a safer and more inclusive Australia for all. Mergers in the not-for-profit sector are rare and difficult to execute (we have many lessons to share!). There are so many people to thank who have worked on this in the background over many years, including but not limited to: Jones Jones, Leonard Curmi, Lexi Murrant, Niki, Georgia Mathews, Caitriona (Cat) Fay, Richard Brett GAICD, David Sloan, Mishma Kumar-Jonson, Sam Turner, David Scamell, Danielle Yung, Luke Exell, Tracey Martinovich, Jonathon Ellis, Kuan Chia, Damien Attwood, Lily, Arani Ahmed, David Anthony, Neil Pharaoh, Elle Thielke, Kirsten Pitt-Nash (Shearn), Jane Marsden, Aurora trustees- Bruce, Damian, David, Joy, Judith, Robyn, Martin Linhart, Emerald Cowell, Alison Erlanger, Maggie Eudes, Alexander Ward, Ross Colebatch, Mia McDonald, the team at Corrs Chambers Westgarth

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Thank you Philanthropy Australia for the opportunity to comment on McCrindle's recent report. I was particularly struck by these insights, which are mirrored in the growth of collective giving models worldwide, across Australia and at The Funding Network Australia. - Five in six Australians are giving financially - 68% of all donors value the cause area or need over familiarity and reputation of the charity - 61% of Gen Z prefer to give to a start-up charity versus 36% of older donors - Nearly half of Baby Boomers and 65% of Gen Z are “opportunity givers” who give when they hear about a need/issue or are approached for support - Younger generations are more likely to be generous and often spread their donations across multiple charities. Source: https://lnkd.in/gX3PUeUS Enabling a broader number of charitable organisations to thrive, not just the largest, most visible and influential, is the only way we can address the complex and daunting social challenges we face. And, inviting everyone, not just the wealthy, to engage in giving is the only way we will truly change the world. Join us! #phlilanthropytogether #collectivegiving #grassrootsgiving

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Economic pressures are testing a key pillar of our national identity: multiculturalism. Historically, tough economic times have often led to misplaced blame, with migrant communities often unfairly targeted. But through our work SSI, we know migrants are part of the solution, not the problem. That’s why we’re leading an advocacy coalition to Activate Australia’s Skills and reform a system blocking highly skilled migrants in Australia from positively transforming our economy.

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