Report Launch: ‘Paying What It Takes’ approach to grantmaking

Social Ventures Australia and the Centre for Social Impact, in conjunction with Philanthropy Australia, and with the support of the Paul Ramsay Foundation and the Origin Foundation, have undertaken a review of the FPO funding landscape in Australia.

This research examines whether there is a case for change that supports philanthropy to ‘Pay What It Takes’ to ensure FPOs have continued financial viability to provide their much-needed services and enable them to grow their capacity.  

At the launch of this important report, we will share details on the report’s findings and hear responses from key voices in the sector - Ilana Atlas, Paul Ramsay Foundation Board member, and Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith Family. Jack Heath, CEO Philanthropy Australia will outline what PA has planned in 2022 to support the sector to ‘Pay What It Takes’.

Moderator

Jo Taylor - Chair PWIT Project Steering Committee & PA PWIT Peer Network

Over the past 25+ years Jo has been fortunate to work in many different roles within the For Purpose Sector and has distributed in excess $400m to for purpose organisations focused on creating long term transformational change.

Most recently Jo worked for the Paul Ramsay Foundation, leading the organisation from a billion dollar start up to an institution. As Chief Capability Officer, Jo led a new portfolio of work for the Foundation investing directly in growing the capability of PRF’s partners, communities and sectors to broaden the horizon of what is possible in the future.  As Chair of the Sustaining Our Partners Taskforce, Jo led a multi-disciplinary team supporting 80 for purpose partners to manage the impact of COVID-19 with a particular focus on resilience.

Panel in order of presentation

Ilana Atlas AO - Board member, Paul Ramsay Foundation and Chair, Jawun

Ilana is a non-executive director of ANZ Banking Group Limited, Origin Energy and the Scentre Group. She is Chairman of Jawun and on the Board of the Paul Ramsay Foundation and Paul Ramsay Holdings Pty Ltd.

Her last executive role was Group Executive, People, at Westpac, where she was responsible for human resources, corporate affairs and sustainability. Prior to that role, she was Group Secretary and General Counsel.

Before her 10-year career at Westpac, Ilana was a partner in law firm Mallesons Stephen Jaques (now known as King & Wood Mallesons). In addition to her practice in corporate law, she held a number of management roles in the firm including Executive Partner, People and Information, and Managing Partner.

Doug Taylor - CEO, The Smith Family

Doug Taylor was appointed CEO of The Smith Family in August 2021. Doug has built a 25-year career in the social sector with national and international experience in leading innovative social impact initiatives in partnership with the not-for-profit, government, philanthropic and corporate sectors.

Prior to joining The Smith Family, Doug was the Deputy Executive Director at Uniting NSW and ACT. He has considerable operational experience in managing large and complex organisations serving people experiencing 

disadvantage, including delivering disability, community care, early learning and education services.

Doug’s passion for the sector is evident through his Board appointments which include Director of the Australian Centre for Social Innovation, WorkVentures and Chair of Warakirri College – a school for disengaged young people in Western Sydney. Doug is also a member of the Centre for Social Impact Advisory Board and is a Community Fellow with Western Sydney University.

Doug has completed post graduate studies in management, attended the Stanford Executive Non-Profit Leadership Program and is a graduate of the Australian Institute for Company Directors.

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.

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