Philanthropy has a central role to play in supporting our communities and not-for-profit sector through this difficult time, and the commitment of the philanthropic sector to step up and provide ongoing, strategic and meaningful support is unequivocal.

In March, we launched Australian Philanthropy’s Response to the COVID-19 Crisis, a public statement outlining eleven key principles for philanthropic funders to adapt within their own funding context to support grantees and partners as we work through these trying times. More than 50 funders signed onto the initial public statement, and the growing number of signatories highlights Australian philanthropy’s commitment to the not-for-profit sector and organisations doing important work in our communities in the face of adversity.

Moderated by Sarah Davies AM, this two-part webinar* brings together a cross section of philanthropic leaders to share how they enacted the pledge and reflect on the challenges, lessons and opportunities – both immediate and longer term – to adapt practice.

*The principles outlined in the public statement have been split into two groups and will be covered over two weeks, with Part 1 and Part 2 featuring different presenters. We ask that you please register for Part 1 and Part 2 separately to confirm your attendance at both. Thank you.

Moderator:

Sarah Davies AM is the CEO of Philanthropy Australia. Philanthropy Australia’s purpose is to champion, enable and support the growth and evolution of philanthropy throughout Australian society – in simple terms, to foster and achieve more and better philanthropy. It is the peak body and membership organisation for all individuals and organisations who are engaged, or want to be, in planned and thoughtful giving to bring about effective, positive social and community change.

Panellists:

Andrea Comastri is the Executive Manager of PAYCE Foundation. Andrea is a not for profit professional with 25 years’ experience in the sector, gained through a variety of directorships, executive and advisory roles. In 2016, Andrea joined PAYCE, a Sydney-based leading property development and investment company, to set up the PAYCE Foundation and help establishing it as an innovative example of best practice in philanthropy. The Foundation focuses on social disadvantage by thinking outside the box and building the capacity and sustainability of its charity partners through long term relationships and projects.

Genelle Nicholls is Executive Officer of Vasudhara Foundation.
Genelle is an experienced finance professional and Chartered Accountant.

Prior to Vasudhara, Genelle worked in international development and the non-profit sector as the CFO of Social Ventures Australia and the Adara Group. She also worked for eight years in investment banking after building her professional foundations in Chartered Accounting firms. 

Genelle holds a Masters of Taxation Law and a Bachelor of Business.  She also attended Harvard Business School Executive Education: Effective Management of Non-profit Organisations.

Niall Fay is Chief Executive of Fay Fuller Foundation. Niall is an experienced non-profit leader who is passionate about supporting and bringing together exceptional people and organisations to solve complex problems. He believes that modern challenges are best addressed cooperatively but ultimately led by those with lived experience.

Niall has previously worked across the innovation and education spectrum, working with people, organisations and government to develop and deliver programs, initiatives and technologies that make the Australian community a safer and more inclusive place. Most recently, Niall was the Chief Operating Officer of the Data to Decisions Cooperative Research Centre, which funded complex multi-stakeholder projects across the government, health, agriculture and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Always keen to learn and share, Niall is excited to join the philanthropic community and lead the Fay Fuller Foundation as it embarks on its ambitious Our Town Initiative journey.