QLD Places Network Learning Series: Demystifying Philanthropy
Description
The QLD Places Network is excited to partner with Funders to bring Network members a practical learning series designed to assist QLD Places Network members to better understand how philanthropy works and how to engage with them more effectively. All network members are welcome from remote, regional and urban communities. These sessions will unpack what funders look for, how decisions are made, and how best to position your work with clarity and confidence.
Hear directly from funders and gain practical tips on how to prepare and build strong partnerships, become discoverable, and find the right opportunities for your initiative.
The series will also highlight some of the more technical sides to funding arrangements, exploring various structures, processes and systems so that you are informed on all the options to be able to attract funding.
Funders will also share from a QLD perspective how they are collaborating across organisations, testing new ways of working, and building a shared understanding of what meaningful partnership looks like in practice. It’s an opportunity to hear how funders themselves are evolving—learning alongside each other and with communities to better support place-based work.
The series will round out with mastering applications.
Lineup
Fiona Maxwell, CEO of John Villiars Trust
Fiona Maxwell was appointed JVT's CEO in May 2025. She is an experienced CEO, Board Chair, and Director with 20 years’ experience in social-sector leadership and governance. She is the Queensland Executive Director for FareShare, Australia’s largest charity kitchen, and Deputy Chair of DVConnect, a statewide domestic violence crisis service for Queenslanders. Fiona was the CEO of Brisbane Powerhouse, the Queensland Manager for Philanthropy Australia, and the Executive Director of the Next Wave Festival for youth arts. She holds a Master’s degree in Arts Administration and has shared her deep expertise in philanthropic strategy and governance by serving on industry peak bodies and grant-making committees throughout her career. Fiona was born in Townsville, and grew up in Winton, Brisbane, Mt Isa and Cairns. She is passionate about opportunities for young people in regional Queensland.
Lineup
Deb Samuels
Deb joined FRRR in 2022 as Head of Rural Horizons before stepping into the Partnerships role in 2025, bringing extensive not-for-profit leadership experience and a strong focus on connecting people, places and resources to support thriving communities. After completing her studies and early career in Australia, Deb spent 20 years in the United States leading youth-focused organisations and building philanthropic, corporate and community partnerships to expand education and leadership opportunities for underserved young people. She returned to Australia in 2018 and has since worked across the rural not-for-profit sector, focused on strategic collaboration and enabling communities to shape their own futures by connecting them with the right resources. Deb lives on Nyangbul Country in Ballina, NSW, and is a Director of the Seaton Foundation. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, local markets and planning her next travel adventure.
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