New internet resource to strengthen not-for-profit sector

11 December 2007

A PhilanthropyWiki is being launched today to build a greater understanding of the not-for-profit sector and help community organisations operate more effectively.

Established by Philanthropy Australia, with funding from the Macquarie Group Foundation, the PhilanthropyWiki is an online encyclopaedia on philanthropy in Australia.

It provides a first port of call for not-for-profit organisations, foundations and others involved in the sector to source information on philanthropy, donors and grantmaking.

The Giving Australia report commissioned by the Prime Minister’s Community Business Partnership in 2005 found access to financial resources, knowledge and expertise were the key factors needed to build capacity in the not-for-profit sector.

Philanthropy Australia Chief Executive Officer Gina Anderson said the aim of the PhilanthopyWiki was to improve understanding of philanthropy in Australia and develop the professionalism of the sector.

“Over time, by building the profile of philanthropy in Australia, we hope to encourage higher levels of giving,” she said.

“Also, by providing access to a wide range of information sources, we aim to increase the skills and competence of not-for-profit organisations seeking funding, building greater professionalism and effectiveness in the sector.”

Chairman of the Macquarie Group Foundation David Clarke said the PhilanthropyWiki was part of the KnowledgeBank project funded by the Foundation to help create an infrastructure underpinning the not-for-profit sector.

“In addition to making grants to individual organisations, the Macquarie Group Foundation is committed to assisting in building the capacity of the not-for-profit sector as a whole,” he said.

“The PhilanthropyWiki will encourage community organisations to learn and adopt best practice when seeking grants and build a better understanding between community organisations and donors.”

The PhilanthropyWiki is publicly available at www.philanthropywiki.org.au

Members of Philanthropy Australia – including philanthropic organisations, individual philanthropists, not-for-profit organisations,  and social investors – will be able to edit and create pages in the PhilanthropyWiki, enabling the resource to be developed over time.

Philanthropy Australia is the peak body for the philanthropic sector in Australia. Its members are trusts and foundations, families and individuals who provide philanthropic support.

One of Australia’s largest corporate foundations, the Macquarie Group Foundation contributed $12.6 million to more than 500 community organisations in the year to 31 March 2007. In addition, Macquarie staff raised and donated $4.1 million over the same period.

Contact:

Karen Boalch
Communications Manager
Macquarie Group Foundation
Tel: (612) 8232 7339
Email: karen.boalch@macquarie.com