NFP partnerships contribute to discernible social impact
Creating the right structure to facilitate positive change.
Australian not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) need to better collaborate with strategic partners, the corporate sector and government to tap into the full potential of philanthropy in fostering social change, according to a new report released by The Trust Company.
Produced in partnership with the Melbourne Business School, Engaged Philanthropy in practice at The Trust Company – Building Momentum explores the impact produced by NFP grantees since the Trust Company launched its Engaged Philanthropy grant model in 2011.
The Trust Company distributes $3.5 million from its portfolio of 17 discretionary charitable trusts to select Australian charities in the areas of socially inclusive education, positive ageing, living with disability, and social sector enterprise, capacity building and innovation. Charities involved in the program include The National Stroke Foundation and The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health.
The Trust Company’s Head of Philanthropy & Community, Simon Lewis, said the focus for the program is building a framework through the Theory of Change approach, which enhances the strategic impact of grants made by benefactors through The Trust Company as trustee.
“Unlike the traditional philanthropy model, the pool of resources available to strategic partners in this program is not limited to monetary grants – it invests in the capacity, skills development and strategic rigour within the organisation.
“It’s about creating the right structure to facilitate positive change and create accountability in the system,” he said.
Melbourne Business School’s Asia Pacific Social Impact Leadership Centre’s Trust Company Fellow, Liz Gillies, believes the Engaged Philanthropy platform sits on the strategic end of the gift giving spectrum and goes a step further by providing multi-year grants and support.
“Accountability of social impact has never been more important. This report highlights the fact philanthropy is an important catalyst, and it’s critical that NFPs collaborate with all sectors in bringing about positive, sustainable social outcomes,” she said.