Philanthropy often gets described as the 4-T’s – Treasure, Time, Talent and Ties, but perhaps we should add another to the list, Technology. Technology has become the great enabler of our time. It allows us to capture and analyse data to inform our decision making and it can automate and streamline philanthropic processes. Technology has also transformed service delivery during the pandemic, providing continuity of service and greater geographical reach to support greater outcomes.

The events of the past two years have forced philanthropy to re-examine the way it works, and technology has evolved to support this transition. It not only provides a bridge between funder and grantee, but also underpins the values of the organisation. Whilst it should not replace a trusting relationship, it can support equity and transparency, whilst also simplifying granting and reporting processes.

But knowing where to start can be challenging. Where do you find the relevant data and how do you interpret it to meet your needs? How can you harness technology to make the application process and reporting less onerous and help deliver greater impact for everyone?

Moderators

Jack Heath - CEO, Philanthropy Australia

Jack has been a leader of for-purpose organisations for more than 25 years. He believes there has never been a more important time for philanthropy as we grapple with huge societal challenges and diminished trust in our public institutions. Jack holds a deep-seated belief in the ability of philanthropy to inspire long-lasting, positive change in individual lives and communities. He advocates for an aligned philanthropy which is big-hearted, clear-headed and joyful.

A graduate of the University of Melbourne in Honours Arts and Law, Jack has also undertaken executive courses at Harvard and Stanford universities. He served in Government as a diplomat, speechwriter and senior adviser to Federal Ministers, including Prime Minister Keating and Foreign Minister Rudd. Following the suicide of his young cousin, Jack led the establishment of the ReachOut youth mental health organisations in Australia, Ireland and the United States before serving as CEO at the national mental health organization SANE Australia for eight years.

Jack sits on a number of advisory boards and committees and has received awards for his contributions in mental health and community service. He lives in Sydney with his publisher wife Catherine Milne and their dog Fred, and they are parents to Lucy and Jamie.

Presenters

John McLeod - Senior Research Consultant, JBWere Philanthropic Services and Family Advisory

John joined JBWere’s Philanthropic Services team on its establishment in 2001 after 16 years in resource equity markets. His primary responsibilities are researching and analysing trends in the philanthropic sector; interpreting the findings to provide valuable insights for clients; and forging relationships between clients with a philanthropic interest and the not-for-profit sector.

After retiring as a Principal and Executive Director of Goldman Sachs JBWere, John has been able to devote more time to both his family’s interests in private philanthropy through a Private Ancillary Fund (PAF) established in 2004 and broader education through consultancy in the sector while still undertaking research and client advisory work for the Philanthropic Services team at JBWere.

John serves on multiple Boards in a fiduciary volunteer capacity and is the co-author of IMPACT – Australia: Investment for social and economic benefit and The Cause Report – 20 years of (r)evolution in the not for profit sector.

Julia Steele Scott - CEO JM Philanthropy & Grant Toolbox

Julia holds a Masters of Business Administration and an Associate Diploma in Accounting.

Previously Julia has acted in senior roles with Philanthropy Australia, across both South Australia and Western Australia. Utilising her background in management, she works to help for-purpose organisations and foundations make a difference through tailored advice and access to best-practice technology through Grant Toolbox Grants Management software.

Passionate about growing giving, Julia is a founding member of Impact100SA as well as an active board member for numerous philanthropic foundations and not-for-profit organisations.

Julia enjoys spending time with her family and loves being outdoors; skiing, camping, walking or bike riding through the stunning Adelaide Hills.

Samantha Morris - Managing Director, Wombat Creative

Samantha Morris is an experienced writer, facilitator, strategic planner and community engagement specialist working in art and culture as well as conservation and land management with a focus on regional Australia.

Prior to establishing her ethical consulting firm in 2007, Sam found her feet in the not-for-profit sector as a hands-on volunteer, Board Member and paid employee and led several organisations in the roles of Chair or CEO. She has built a reputation as an intuitive and action-oriented leader passionate about helping rural and remote communities access resources and activate networks that their urban counterparts take for granted.

Sam has delivered training to thousands of people in remote Australia and has worked on countless events, fundraising campaigns and strategy development to support their aspirations.

Sam continues to consult to a range of not for profit organisations focussed on regional communities but also occupies the role of Executive Officer for two remote-Australia focussed organisations: The Outback Alliance and the Rangeland NRM Alliance.

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