This piece was first published by Pro Bono Australia. People who know me know that I get fired up about language.

The recent Global Philanthropy report pays homage to the incredible work of Community Foundations and noting they are becoming beacons of philanthropy everywhere.  

Philanthropy Australia’s recent conference theme Future Ready inspired me to tease out the issue with long-standing sector leader and author of Savvy Giving, Genevieve Timmons. (Many thanks to Pro Bono News for first publishing this piece on 8 November 2016)

This morning, I was fortunate to spend 15 minutes chatting on ABC Gippsland about social change and philanthropy, and we homed in on the subject of crowd-funding which has long been something I have felt nervous about. I am often warning people to be really careful with crowd-funding.  

I have been working with a fabulous lady in her 70s, and we have been delving into a sector that very few large-scale donors have navigated. In this sector – like many – there are the obvious big players and countless smaller organisations, many of which have never received a direct inquiry from a potential philanthropist.

Yesterday I attended Day 2 of the National Community Foundations Forum, where I was fortunate enough to speak about community engagement, and also participate in the audience and learn from some of our sector's inspiring leaders.

Over the last 10 years, I’ve been on a Board, answered to a Board and worked with numerous client Boards across the for-purpose sector.  

I was listening to a podcast last night by Smita Singh from Womenpreneur program in the USA, and something she said really hit me... 

Nearly 10 years ago, I read about this guy Peter Hero, who literally put philanthropy, community foundations, impact investing and so much more on the map. 

Working in the philanthropy 'sector' is very rewarding. Every day, I get to live by my values, and work with others who want to live according to their values. I'm invited into the private worlds of people's hearts, which is such a privilege.