Network information
Network information
The power of 'we'.
A healthy and evolving culture of change is essential for lasting social impact, and those who drive change are often the ones who suffer the most.
Benefolk’s critical purpose is to wrap our arms around changemakers, provide expertise and support and eradicate changemaker burnout.
But we can’t do this alone.
Introducing the network
The Benefolk Network comprises Australia’s leading consultants, professional service firms, coaches, trainers and practitioners in Australia’s social purpose sector.
Being part of Benefolk Network gives our business members access to a senior leadership peer network, as well as professional and business development opportunities. It also gives them an opportunity to be part of one of Australia’s most important and urgent sector reform agenda: the wellbeing of changemakers.
Who's it for?
Experienced consultants and professional service business owners who provide services to not for profits, social enterprises, NGOs, charities, philanthropy, business and government. They seek autonomy and independence, and support of a broader network of consultants and business owners.
Business owners must have a minimum of 7 years’ experience in their expertise, and a minimum 3 years’ running their own business/consulting. An established business is essential. All prospective members are reference checked seven times, which is essential part of the due diligence we conduct for our network, clients and partners.
Benefits
Providing the Benefolk Network program is supportive to our clients, but is also part of our overall sector wellbeing agenda, and insights from our last network survey showed that:
- 80% - Report having built 10-15 trusted colleagues in the first two years, and peers they could confidently recommend to clients
- 95% - Report that being in the community makes them feels more connected, less isolated and able to achieve their business goals
- 77% - Test ideas and share support with other business owners
- 60% - Access opportunities shared by us and others to share their thought leadership and increase their profile in sector
- 85% - Report that professional development received has helped them build new skills and confidence
Benefolk Network overview
- Monthly online business meeting with networking (required)
- In person networking (new - launching FY25)
- Quarterly online peer to peer discussions (strategic input, sector trends etc)
- Bi-annual professional development sessions (optional)
- Annual national network gathering (in person in Melbourne)
- Access to Benefolk Masterclass webinar series (free for you/your team) and special rates for your clients
- Receive project opportunities and collaborate with other great business owners
- Provide your clients with Benefolk Conciege support to find resources and services
- Opportunity to participate in other Benefolk programs and resource hubs
- Share your thought leadership through webinars and our community blog
- ** NEW IN 2024 - Participate on our new innovation Online Expert Bar (30-90 minute consultations) booked through our website **
Benefolk Services
Benefolk Services team manages all incoming referrals from partners, grantmakers, new and repeat clients and the network.
The Benefolk Services team connects network members into project opportunities through two proven and established approaches – either direct service engagement between the business member and client, or managed contractually through Benefolk Services. Service proposals are branded accordingly.
Service engagements that come through Benefolk Services team are centrally co-managed with you to give clients a Benefolk wrap-around service and support. Where we need to bring 2 or more specialists together, we support this, and clients love us for it!
Project fees to Benefolk are related to the level of our involvement, and range from 0-15%. We work with you on each case to get the best outcome for all involved.
We explain all of this in detail in our Information Sessions.
Important notes
- Benefolk Network is not a BNI-style referral network. We do not require you to meet referral quotas, because we know referrals come after trust after is established.
- Benefolk Network is for those with established business practices, that are looking to be part of an enriching and collaborative impact network.
- Benefolk Network is also for those with collaborative and strong business mindset, who live by the values of mutual self interest, give and take.
- The business owner must attend the Information Session and interview. We cannot proceed otherwise, as per the information shared here.
Information Session
Check upcoming dates here
Bookings are essential.
Fees (ex gst)
Application/Reference Checking Fee: $275 (non refundable)
Network fees till 30 June 2024
Solo operator $2000 per annum
Duo/agency $3000 per annum
Network fees from 1 July 2024
Solo operator $2350 per annum
Duo/agency $3750 per annum
Pay upfront and save $300.
Quarterly instalments available.
Joining process
- Attend 60-minute Information Session (Must be attended by the business owner, and attended in full)
- Submit EOI (before or after Info Session)
- Attend interview with CEO/Founder and Benefolk Network Community Manager (allow 60-90 minutes)
- If successful, you will be invited into our Reference Checking Process
- If your Reference Checking is successful, you will be invited to join the network. All fees are payable upfront.
- Attend onboarding sessions.
Questions
Please contact our team here
Provider testimonials
Janis McKenna,
Management Consultant
"Being part of the Benefolk community has positively impacted me threefold. It has enabled me to grow my business nationally and with a diverse client base. I have grown as a consultant through the professional development opportunities on offer. Lastly, I have grown as a person through the collegiality, support and mentorship extended by the membership."
Darren Taylor,
Brand Strategist
All the opportunities we receive through the Benefolk community are intellectually fascinating and expansive projects with very worthwhile organisations. I am so passionate about Benefolk and the value it creates for Australia’s social impact organisations.”
Jo Smyth,
Culture and Change Consultant
“Being part of Benefolk has really opened a door to the most amazing group of specialist consultants. Recently, one of my long-term clients engaged two new executives. Upon meeting them for the first time, I proudly spoke about the breadth of capabilities in my team - that is, my Benefolk team. They both knew of Benefolk and were immediately impressed that I was part of such a great organisation. Just knowing that I can confidently find the right capabilities within Benefolk to help deliver for my clients has added a new level of confidence and credibility to my business.”
