In our 12th show, we focused on the role that technology plays in remote and virtual service delivery, both during COVID-19 and into the future.

We joined Specialist Member Roland Maxwell, who helps leaders and boards untangle their IT mess. He explained how to avoid making costly IT mistakes by using his company’s Enterprise Architecture Framework, showcasing how it works in practice. He also discussed the three tiers of online software that are essential to enable cost effective, cyber safe and future-fit remote and virtual service delivery

CASE STUDY
We also heard from our inspiring case study
Allison Holland, Curator, Australian Centre for Photography (ACP)
Allison shared how, at the start of COVID, ACP quickly pivoted to generate income by using online technology for their exhibitions, workshops and other services. She took us behind the scenes of the challenges of making technology decisions on the run, whilst working remotely! She also explained how their initial technology choice was not fit-for-purpose, what they are doing now to fix it and how they are integrating new and old technology, saving money, increasing efficiency, generating revenue AND improving the customer experience.

In our eleventh show, we focussed on how organisations are evolving and responding in a COVID-19 world, particularly when they have a growth agenda.

We heard from Specialist Members John Hunter and Jo Smyth, who each help organisations navigate organisational change and deliver business strategy through organisational culture, people experience and change leadership. They share the benefits of having agreed pillars, values and behaviours that guide people on how to connect, work and behave during times of rapid organisational growth and change. We learnt how organisations can explore the elements of cultural liquidity and the benefits of having a flexible mindset for boards, leaders and staff to successfully manage change.

CASE STUDY
We also heard from our inspiring case study
James Forbes, Chief Executive Officer, Jane Goodall Institute Australia
James outlined how the Jane Goodall Institute Australia (JGIA) is responding to growth and new opportunities. He shared their strategic approach to diversification of income and long-term sustainability, as well as insights into how JGIA is working remotely with staff, philanthropists, international specialists, universities and schools during COVID-19. He also discussed the importance of creating cultural change and engaging with donors to invest in people to create better impact and outcomes for animals, people and the environment.

In this Live Show, we continued to explore how organisations are evolving and responding in a COVID-19 world.

We heard from Financial Specialist Brenton Cox, who helps organisations navigate financial and compliance obligations, he shared ideas for budgeting and forecasting in 2020/21 and beyond, as well as key issues to keep in mind to ensure financial sustainability and solvency. He also shared some examples of how organisations are redesigning revenue models to respond to the uncertainty created by COVID-19.

CASE STUDY
We also heard from our inspiring case study
Leanne Raven, CEO & Bruce Rosengarten, Chair, Crohn’s and Colitis Australia (CCA)
Leanne and Bruce outlined how they worked together to reshape CCA’s operations as COVID-19’s impacts unfolded. They explained the steps they took to reshape the operating budget to ensure financial sustainability, yet still support members with chronic illness. They also shared what they have learnt about leadership, strategy and the importance of a strong culture in ensuring a sustainable future.

In this Live Show, we turned our attention to how organisations are reshaping and transforming, with a particular focus on prioritising strategic projects in these unusual times.

We heard from Organisational Strategist Jane Smith, who works with organisations during times of disruption and innovation will talk us through how to prioritise investment, assessing risk and return against organisational strategy and core mission.

CASE STUDY
We also heard from our inspiring case study ...
Julia Cambage, CEO, Australian Institute of Architects (AIA)

Julia shared how to bring your board and key stakeholders on the journey, what AIA considered in choosing which projects to invest in now, and what to defer, and how to balance those considerations while still delivering value in a complex membership-based organisation. In a session relevant to large and small organisations alike, she shared some of the trade-offs they made and the practical steps they took to ensure long-term financial sustainability, as well as support the team.

In these two live shows, we brought together sector leaders for their current perspectives on philanthropy and funding and to answer your questions.

We heard from

Sarah Davies, CEO, Philanthropy Australia
Sarah discussed the results of Philanthropy Australia’s recent research, where 100 trusts and foundations shared their current focuses and intentions related to grants and impact investment for the coming financial year.

Dr Catherine Brown OAM, CEO, Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation
Catherine took us behind the scenes of the devastating impacts across the sector, the changing needs of the community and where LMCF and other funders are putting their focus to deal with the impacts of COVID-19.

Jodi Kennedy, General Manager, Charitable Trusts and Philanthropy, Equity Trustees
Jodi oversees $120 million in philanthropic giving per year, one of the largest stewards of trusts and foundations in Australia. Jodi shared the impacts on trusts and foundations as a result of COVID-19, and speak spoke to engaging with trusts and foundations at this time.

Natalie Egleton, CEO, Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR)
FRRR works closely with philanthropy, government and private sector to strengthen rural, regional and remote communities. Natalie brought a perspective of COVID-19 that envelopes the cumulative impacts post bushfires and floods, the increasing support from private sector, and the current and planned initiatives.

Maree Sidey, CEO, Australian Communities Foundation
Maree updated us on the National Funding Platform initiative, talked about the opportunities for both funders and fund-seekers, how the Platform works, and shared some inspiring success stories from this initiative.

In this Live Show, we heard from Recruitment and Retention Specialists Michelle Varcoe and Rachael McLennan – both leaders in Australia – having advised hundreds of social purpose organisations on sustaining and growing their organisations with the right people onboard.

CASE STUDY
We also heard from our inspiring case study ...
Patrick Walker, CEO, Australian Sports Foundation
Pre COVID-19, the Australian Sports Foundation recruited new team members to respond to surging interest and commitment to sports philanthropy. Bushfires hit communities severely impacting sport, then COVID-19 tragically demolished every level of sport from community to elite including cancelling the Australian Grand Prix and AFL. Patrick will provide insights on leading through significant change. He will also share what it’s like to be an organisation that attracts huge numbers of job applications, which increasingly other organisations may need to navigate.

In this Live Show, we heard from Psychologist Adam Blanch who trains organisations around Australia in preventing and responding to trauma, along with People/Culture Specialist Leanne Hart who draws on 16 years Human Resources experience to help organisations large and small to build impactful strategies to build organisational resilience.

CASE STUDY
We also heard from our inspiring case study ...
Bernadette Black, CEO/Founder, Brave Foundation
Bernadette shared how the ‘Brave Village’ across Australia is dealing with the demand on their mentors – an increase of some 230% since COVID-19 hit, and the strategies and supports the organisation has in place to support the wellbeing of its teams far and wide.

In this Live Show, we heard from Fundraising Specialists Teisha Archer and Kimberly Downes, who bring a combined 50 years' experience in major gifts, capital campaigns and fundraising. As former Development Directors, they know exactly what it feels like for many fundraisers, CEOs and Boards right now, and able to share practical solutions and be a great strategic sounding board.

CASE STUDY
We also heard from our inspiring case study ...
Belinda Collins, Director of Development, Swinburne University of Technology

Belinda Collins shared why Swinburne decided not to shy away from their fundraising activities when COVID-19 hit, and why they have invested in these activities at a time when many organisations are cutting fundraising budgets. Belinda will talk about how she has rallied her team, the wider staff, executive and council to get behind a $2 million campaign focussed on supporting students, who otherwise might struggle to participate in higher education because of the pandemic. She will also share insights into donor and funder feedback on their efforts and reinforce that the greatest priority is connecting with and supporting donors through this period.

In this Live Show, we heard from Brand Marketing Specialist Darren Taylor, an award-winning brand strategist and advisor, alongside Media and Public Relations Specialist Jodie Artis who has run her own PR agency for 20 years across hundreds of projects. 

CASE STUDY
We also heard from our inspiring case study ...
Jason Kimberley, MD, Cool Australia

Cool Australia’s strong brand prior to COVID-19 placed them in a unique position to respond to the increased demand for online education resources. Web registrations for the education provider skyrocketed 600% with the Cool Australia team supporting teachers, parents and students in the transition to e-learning. The organisation has been well ahead of the curve for many years, working online since 2008, with consistency and cut-through in their brand and communications. Jason shared why all of that helped position the organisation and the strategies that have been in place to inspire others.

In this Live Show, we heard from Corporate Partnerships Specialist Linda Garnett who has advised on hundreds of shared value partnerships between private sector and non-profits, alongside Stakeholder Engagement and Disaster Specialist Renae Hanvin who brings extensive experience running corporate partnerships and also advising across natural disaster recovery and resilience.

CASE STUDY
We also heard from our inspiring case study ...
Linda Smith, Partnerships Lead, Beyond Blue
Linda shared the ways in which Beyond Blue have navigated the changes with their existing partnerships, but also created new opportunities together since COVID-19 hit.