Written by Nina Stott, ex-Marketing & Communications Manager at The Funding Network Australia
"Collective giving. Is it just another buzzword? A passing trend? Or is it here to stay?
New giving concepts and donations platforms seem to be popping up left, right and centre. But let’s take a look at collective giving – you might be wondering what it is and how is it changing the way Australians are interacting with charities. We often get asked what you can do to leverage the movement for your charity or social enterprise.
At The Funding Network (TFN) we’re the largest and most active collective giving group in Australia. Since 2013, we’ve worked with over 190 non-profits and social enterprises, building their capacity and enabling them to access the funding, resources and connections they need to thrive.
So, what is collective giving? In its simplest form, it’s the coming together of individuals, corporates and philanthropic foundations to pool funds and resources to ignite social change. It is a form of high impact grant making that is growing exponentially around the country. And, unsurprisingly, non-profits and social enterprises around the country are reaping the benefits.
Recent research into the collective giving movement has found 70% of respondents have increased or substantially increased the amount they donate to charity, as a result of the emergence of collective giving groups. This represents a critical shift in the way Australians are engaging with charities; moving away from “cheque-book philanthropy” to a more hands-on connected relationship with social causes and beneficiaries.
New research by Philanthropy Together shows that the number of giving circles tripled between 2016 and 2023 – and that’s after it had already tripled between 2007 and 2016.
We believe this is not just a passing trend, it’s a reflection of the times and an evolution strongly driven by the citizens of today. There’s a moral hunger from Australians for community connection, which demonstrates greater engagement, transparency and consideration towards where people are putting their money.
We’ve pioneered a unique live crowdfunding model to bring together more than 6,000 people from around the country; pooling their funds and supporting 190 grassroots non-profits with over $7.5 million funding and $1.5 million in-kind support. We are harnessing the collective power and values of Australians, not just to give, but to enable everyday Australians to get engaged in the process, which is a new movement mobilising collective action.
But, philanthropy isn’t just about giving money. It’s about raising awareness, building understanding and providing in-kind support, which has a real multiplier effect, particularly for small charities. It is critical for their ability to scale and deepen their impact.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to showcase your social enterprise or charity, meet new donors en masse, and access critical funding and in-kind support, sign up to TFN’s newsletter and find out about opportunities to apply to pitch. \
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Nina Stott was the ex-Marketing & Communications Manager at The Funding Network Australia. She believes social innovation happens at the intersection of the public, private and social sectors, and is passionate about creating a fair, prosperous and sustainable future.
