Five members of the Australian Communities Foundation (ACF) team have just returned from a week in Adelaide, where we had the opportunity to catch up with our South Australian fundholders and participate in the Philanthropy Australia Conference.

Our time in Adelaide began on Sunday afternoon with a gathering of South Australian fundholders, where we explored the ‘why’ of their giving and how this can result in greater alignment and impact. This session also gave fundholders the opportunity to meet our new CEO, Andrew Binns, and hear about the professional and personal journey that led him to ACF.

The following three days were filled with connection, learning, and sharing at the Philanthropy Australia Conference. Our Director of Engagement and Advisory, Olivia Clark-Moffatt co-delivered a Masterclass on giving structures and a related panel session. Carly Severino, Director of Community, delivered a Masterclass with Genevieve Timmons marking the release of the new Savvy Giving and sharing key insights from the book.

With over 1000 people in attendance, the Conference was big and bustling. There was a strong focus on community philanthropy throughout the program, with local and international speakers, as well as state and federal politicians, calling out the power and potential of community foundations and grassroots giving.

Over 170 speakers across more than 30 sessions shared inspiration and practical insights including Sara Lomelin, Philanthropy Together CEO, on the growth of collective giving worldwide.

Stacey Thomas, CEO of the Wyatt Trust, delivered a moving reflection on how the Trust had engaged in a truth-telling process with First Nations leaders about its past, while another session with the Spinifex Foundation explored how we can strengthen and grow First Nations-led philanthropy. Other keynote highlights included James Chen’s remarkable story of his 30-years of work to have vision correction made available to all in Rwanda and now the world, Dr Kristen Ferguson AM on “heart leadership”, and Andy Bryant of the Segal Family Foundation on trust-based philanthropy.

Our team returned home inspired by the connections and insights gained from our time in South Australia, and we look forward to visiting again soon.