The Generosity Forum 2020 presented by F&P (Fundraising and Philanthropy) went virtual and was held on Tuesday 5th May. From the comfort of our home offices, I joined many other delegates who gathered virtually to learn more, be inspired and come away with confirmation that we are doing things well, or a resolution that we will change status quo and work harder to makes things better.
Upon reflection, I am prouder than ever to be working in an incredibly rewarding philanthropic sector.
Key discussion points from two sessions
In the first session I attended, The philanthropic imperative to address climate issues, panellists Hayley Morris, Executive Director, Morris Family Foundation & Morris Group Holdings and David Ritter, CEO, Greenpeace Australia Pacific discussed the critical importance of increasing the philanthropic contribution to tackling global warming and prioritising root causes of the climate emergency through advocacy.
Morris Family Foundation place great emphasis on investing in the people leading and running non-profit organisations. And whilst they don’t request pitches, the Foundation asks each contact to meet the family. Advice from David Ritter on this matter, was to prepare to be vulnerable in your pitches and discussion with funders. 
As a grant-maker, Hayley Morris clearly demonstrated true engagement and thorough knowledge of the programs that her family foundation support. Morris has a deep understanding for the specific projects and services being delivered by the grantees and there is a strong reciprocal relationship between organisations like Greenpeace and Morris Family Foundation that has been built over many years.
The second session, Guide Dogs Victoria – the power of philanthropy to leverage government support was yet another brilliant forum. Delegates heard from Karen Hayes, CEO of Guide Dogs Victoria (GDV) and a stellar panel of funders including Vedran Drakulic, Gandel Philanthropy, Alberto Furlan, Senior Program Manager, The Ian Potter Foundation and Paul Wheelton, Wheelton Philanthropy.
When GDV set out to raise over $23 million for an innovative new sensory campus, it knew it would need to secure significant philanthropic and government support. The ‘world-first’ sensory campus, which includes new social enterprises to provide ongoing revenue, excited and attracted the likes of Gandel Philanthropy, The Ian Potter Foundation and Wheelton Philanthropy.
This forum did not disappoint and was in fact, as the conference description said, an excellent case study with learnings on philanthropic collaboration, how to approach government, and the power of a big idea.
Grant-seekers take note!
Paul Wheelton at Wheelton Philanthropy commented on what stood out for this successfully funded capital project. GDV’s different revenue streams now place this non-profit organisation in a sustainable long-term position with social enterprises such as a café, specialist rooms for rent and a veterinary clinic to diversify its revenue streams. More NFP’s need to be more innovative and start up income sources like GDV has to remain viable and attractive to Government and other private funders.
The Ian Potter Foundation was also invited to be involved with GDV’s project. Whilst they have been granting to the organisation for about 20 years (take note of a great funder relationship!), it was the vision and presentation from the CEO that attracted The Ian Potter Foundation to get on board.
Alberto Furlan (The Ian Potter Senior Program Manager) shared key suggestions on how to pitch a submission to a foundation like The Ian Potter Foundation. The 3 key things in a 10-minute pitch include:
- The why and the need for your project. Why will this project help you to make the next step in the service delivery of your organisation?
- Clearly articulate the capacity to deliver the project. That goes for all elements of the organisation. Be really clear you can deliver.
- The delivery of the presentation. Needs to be clear, concise and have heart. Show your certainty that with funding, your organisation can deliver.
Learnings
The Generosity Forum reiterated that we not only have incredibly generous philanthropic funders in Australia and New Zealand, but more so, they are approachable, supportive and are here to work in partnership to make this world a far better place.
* It is important to be humble in your pitches to Funders. They need to know the leaders of for-purpose, charitable organisations are invested for the right reasons. Present with a balance of heart and head.
* Sustainability is a must. What innovative programs are you planning on delivering to diversify your funding streams over the longer term?
* Have you got funding secured from other philanthropists or government?
* Funders talk. Don’t underestimate connections. Ask your first funding source if they can introduce your project to other funding bodies.
* A long fundraising journey is never going to be easy. But have patience, be strategic and never underestimate your relationships. Pick up the phone and build your relationships today.
To sum it all up, this year’s Generosity Forum really confirmed what we, at SG know are the absolute must do’s to fulfil your mission and make an impact. If you haven’t already, please read our other Blog, The Must do’s for 2020 Grants Success.