
Networks and Collaboratives Convening
Thursday 10 September 2026 · Brisbane 2pm - 4pm
A new addition to Conference 2026, the Networks and Collaboratives Convening is an opportunity for funder groups to come together with peers who share their interests, priorities and areas of practice.
Up to 12 networks will participate in this afternoon session, offering delegates who are funders or investors the opportunity to reconnect with existing networks and collaboratives, explore new areas of interest and build relationships with like-minded peers.
Four of Philanthropy Australia’s (PA) Peer Networks will be part of the convening: Education Funders Network, Disability Funders Network, First Nations Funders Network and Jobs and Skills Funders Network. All the others convenings are sector collaboratives from the Australian philanthropy ecosystem.
Networks and Collaboratives Convening
Thursday 10 September 2026 · Brisbane 2pm - 4pm
Funder Network

Join us for an exciting session to reconnect back with the classroom, where we'll explore what the Education Funders' Network has been focused on over the last 18 months, get to connect with other funders and investors, and imagine the network's work over the next 18 months. The network brings together funders in the education space who aim to connect grantmaking strategies with evidence about what's happening in Australia and what improves educational outcomes for children and young people.
Host: John Bush and Megan Enders
Funder Network

Across Australia and internationally, new networks and collaborations are emerging to strengthen First Nations philanthropy, amplify First Nations leadership and reshape how philanthropy works alongside First Nations communities. This session brings together members of Philanthropy Australia's First Nations Funders Network, the Indigenous-Led Funds Collective and the International Funders for Indigenous Peoples to explore how these networks are learning from one another, building stronger connections and contributing to a shared vision for the future. More than a networking session, this is an opportunity to connect with peers, hear about emerging collaborations and contribute to a growing movement to strengthen the First Nations philanthropy ecosystem. Together, we'll also introduce the new cross-sector Working Group on Strengthening First Nations Philanthropy and explore how collective action can help create a more connected, coordinated and community-led future. What to Expect Join us for an informal and engaging conversation where you will: Meet funders, Indigenous-led organisations and sector leaders working to strengthen First Nations philanthropy. Learn about the role and priorities of the First Nations Funders Network, Indigenous-Led Funds Collective and International Funders for Indigenous Peoples. Hear about the emerging Working Group on Strengthening First Nations Philanthropy and its vision for building a stronger ecosystem. Share ideas, make new connections and identify opportunities for collaboration across philanthropy, Indigenous organisations and allied partners. Be part of a conversation about how we can collectively grow trust, leadership, capability and impact for First Nations communities. Whether you're already part of these networks or looking to deepen your engagement, this session offers a space to connect, learn and contribute to the future of First Nations philanthropy.
Host: Michelle Steele
Collaborative

Mannifera is a growing collective of Australian funders working together to support civil society organisations advocating for a democracy and economy that works for everyone. Mannifera invites funders and investors to learn about our collective approach, what we have achieved over the last 6 years and determine if this different kind of philanthropy might be right for you. You will also gain an insight into the important role civic institutions play in responding to key issues facing our democracy. Mannifera's session will be at the State Library of Queensland, Cultural Precinct, Stanley Pl, South Brisbane (approx 600m from the Convention Centre). In order to make the most of this experience for participants, this session is limited to 25 people - so secure your spot early.
Host: Harriet McCallum
Collaborative

Australian Jewish Funders is a network committed to effective philanthropy for a stronger Jewish community and Australian society. Guided by Jewish values AJF creates opportunities for funders to connect, collaborate, build trusted relationships and support the people, organisations and initiatives shaping our community. This convening is an invitation to funders/investors to hear how we work, who we partner with and whether this kind of giving, learning and working together might be right for you.
Host: Tracie Olcha
Collaborative

Nature Impact Collective turns individual giving into united, powerful impact for Australian nature. Work so far has helped to restore Australia's freshwater and coastal ecosystems through a model where members learn together, shape the funding strategy, and make decisions together with confidence and joy. This convening is an invitation to hear how we work, our process, our partners and our impact and whether this kind of collective giving might be right for you.
Host: Ella Colley, Jim Phillipson and Kate Green
Funder Network

This network is a forum for learning and collaboration amongst disability funders. This convening is an invitation for funders and investors to join us to learn more.
Host: Deepak Dobhal
Funder Network

A group of funders in Australia with a specific interest in skills training and employment. It is a special interest space for organisations to collaborate, partner and share information to meet specific needs, formulate strategy and deliver outcomes within its own charter. This convening is an invitation for funders and investors to join us to learn more.
Host: Anna Le Masurier and Simon Crabb
Collaborative

The Investment Dialogue for Australia’s Children (IDAC) is a collaboration between government and philanthropy to improve the health and wellbeing of children, young people and their families. This convening will draw on lessons learnt, case studies and opportunities for collaborative funding and co-investment. If you are a funder or investor that aligns with the vision and objectives of IDAC please express your interest in attending this session via the registration form and a member of the IDAC team will be in touch to provide information / confirmation based on alignment and room capacity. For more information feel free to contact investmentdialogue@aracy.org.au
Host: Simon Factor
Collaborative

This session is a dedicated space for people practising community philanthropy to connect, reflect and make sense of how the field is evolving in Australia. Together, we’ll look back across the conference and the past year more broadly: what is shifting in our work, what we are learning, where momentum is building, and what questions or tensions are emerging. CFAus’ learning partner, PRISM, will join the session to listen and help capture reflections and insights from the field, contributing to our ongoing collective learning. The session is open to community foundations and other organisations practising community philanthropy, whether or not they are members of CFAus.
Host: Georgia Matthews and Dylan Smith
Collaborative

The Learning & Evaluation for Australian Funders (LEAF) Network, previously known as Phil Eval Network, is a member-driven community that empowers Australian funders with the knowledge, skills, resources and connections to use Measurement, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) to drive better philanthropy. Join us for this convening to learn more and hear about the launch of a new MEL toolkit for LEAN funders developed in collaboration with Clear Horizon.
Host: Cynthia Scherer
Collaborative

Convened by Australians Investing in Women, the Women Deliver Philanthropy Planning Group was established ahead of Women Deliver 2026. This collaborative group is evolving into an ongoing forum for philanthropic organisations, peak bodies, and intermediaries committed to advancing gender equality through collaboration, shared learning, and gender-wise giving. If you are a funder or investor aligned with this vision and would like to know more, please contact Catherine.Noble@aiiw.org.au