With a dynamic career spanning legal practice, not-for-profit leadership and government, Fiona McLeay brings deep experience to her new role as Chair of Australian Communities Foundation (ACF).

Fiona, who is currently Victorian Legal Services Board CEO and Commissioner, commenced her tenure as Chair of ACF in September 2024. She is also the Co-Chair of LGBTIQ+ organisation, Equality Australia.

In this recent Q&A, Fiona shares her reflections on giving, ACF’s role, and the future of philanthropy in Australia.

Tell us a bit about your experience and what drew you to Australian Communities Foundation.

My background is a mix of legal practice and leadership roles in the not-for-profit sector, particularly in organisations focused on social justice and systemic change. I started my career practising law, but over time, I found myself drawn to roles that allowed me to have a broader impact. Currently, I hold a statutory office in the Victorian government.

What attracted me to Australian Communities Foundation is its mission to activate giving for a fairer Australia. I’ve seen firsthand how strategic philanthropy can drive real, lasting change, and I’m excited to work with the ACF Board, team and community to help people think more strategically about their giving.

Why is giving important to you?

I’m in a position where I consider myself to have much, relative to many people. With that comes a strong desire and responsibility to give. For me, giving is a discipline, a practice. This mindset comes from my practical upbringing and my work with for-purpose organisations that often rely on donations. I’m also a relentless system improver, always looking for ways to make things work better, and giving is one way I put this into action.

Giving has always meant to me that old adage of time, treasure and talent. When there’s a need and I have the capacity, I lend my networks and my skills in strategy and systems change.

What causes are you most passionate about?

I’m passionate about social justice, human rights and access to justice. These have been consistent themes throughout my career. As a lawyer, I know the importance of access to legal help in ensuring people can participate fully in society, and the way that good legal help can avoid or mitigate life’s challenges. My time at World Vision embedded a strong understanding of the importance of a fair global system for everyone, regardless of geography. I also have a long involvement with the LGBTQI+ community. I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a life of dignity and security, and philanthropy can play a critical role.

What have you learned in your first few months at ACF and how do you understand ACF’s role in growing giving?

I’ve been so inspired by the commitment and passion I’ve seen at the Foundation in my first few months. There’s a real sense of purpose and drive to make a difference.

Giving can sometimes be in that awkward category with politics and religion, where people don’t know how to broach the topic in conversation, so it’s been wonderful to join a community where people are actually talking about their giving. I think that’s one of the key roles the Foundation plays – facilitating those conversations and the sharing of knowledge and insights. My husband and I have also just opened our own Named Fund through the Foundation, and that will help us talk more with friends about our giving as well.

I think one of the biggest challenges to growing philanthropy in Australia is increasing the awareness of opportunities to give well. It is a barrier for some people who don’t know if the money is going to something worthwhile – I think people worry about that way too much, which is another conversation. But this is where organisations like Australian Communities Foundation come in – they make strategic giving accessible. And ACF has been leading the way in so many aspects, from responsible investing to collective giving to low-fuss, trust-based relationships with grantees.

What are your hopes for the future of philanthropy in Australia?

I’d like to see more people, from all walks of life, engaged in strategic giving—thinking not just about where they give, but how their giving can contribute to systemic change.

Over the past two decades, it seems to me that Australia has been gripped by a mindset of scarcity, which has encouraged people to have an inward focus. There are absolutely people for whom life is very difficult in Australia, but that’s not the majority of Australians. The philanthropy sector must continue to grow and help shift this perspective by encouraging a culture of generosity. True generosity allows us to find our place in the larger world and brings the joy of connecting with others and strengthening our communities.

As we face enormous challenges like climate change and global uncertainty, it’s even more important we focus on issues outside our little patch. By fostering a spirit of giving and openness, we might discover new ways of thinking and fresh strategies to tackle these pressing issues.

Read more about Fiona in her interview with national campaign, She Gives.