Philanthropy today is more organized, strategic, and global than ever before. Driven by the belief that we all have a responsibility to each other and to the planet, and mobilised by technology and newfound connectivity, today’s next generation philanthropists are drawing on best practice from the private sector and the innovations of technology to tackle some of the intractable wicked problems of our era. This set of individuals and corporations have greater resources, power, position and prerogative to participate in the solution. Their approach to philanthropy mirrors the rigour, structure, and expectations of investment return of the for-profit world, and they invest for impact. This month Insight takes an inspiring look at three individuals who personify the tireless optimism and activism of new wave philanthropy,participating in the benevolent business of make our communities, our country and our world a better place:
- Clare Ainsworth Herschell was inaugural Next Gen Development Manager at the Art Gallery of NSW for 4 years, and is Clare now putting her full energies to combatting climate change with initiatives such as an annual trip to the Heron Island research station with Professor Tim Flannery and other change-makers across multiple industries.
- Hamish Balnaves is CEO of the Balnaves Foundation and represents the second-generation philanthropy. His degree in Economics from Sydney University and his 10-year career as a teacher has put him in good stead to make strategic and informed decisions as the foundation disperses over $3 million annually to not-for-profit organisations that aim to create a better Australia through education, medicine and the arts.
- Jane Jose is CEO of the Sydney Community Foundation. She brings decades of experience in working with the design professions, government leaders and corporate Australia to her philanthropy work at the Sydney Community Foundation. Through place-based giving and support for grassroots organisations, the foundation works to protect, support and enable women and girls in greater Sydney to thrive and fill their life’s aspirations.
When: Tuesday 24th September, 5.30pm drinks ahead of a 6-7pm panel discussion
Where: Golden Age Bar and Cinema, 80 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills
Tickets: Purchase tickets here ; Client RSVPs to email events@theofficespace.com.au (free for the first 20 TOS clients)
About Insight by The Office Space Now in its fifth year of production, Insight by The Office Space is a business talk series that brings together innovative entrepreneurs and business leaders to explore burgeoning topics and reveal the secrets of their success under a monthly theme. Traversing all aspects of business across the fields of design, film, innovation, technology, finance and marketing, the sell-out program has featured speakers such as actor, Susie Porter; dual Archibald-winning artist, Del Kathryn Barton: Qantas industrial designer, David Caon; producer, Jan Chapman; graphic designer, Vince Frost and City of Sydney Counsellor, Jess Scully. Insight continues to push the boundaries by asking the pertinent questions that impact all business decision-makers, be they from small, medium or even the larger organisations, as we face continuous change and new challenges Each month a new Insight theme is explored, delivered and debated. Our 2019 program is as follows:
- February 26th – The Future Workplace
- March 29th – Women in Business: Female Founders
- April 30th – Truth in an Uncertain Age
- May 28th – The War for Talent
- June 25th – The Film Business
- July 30th – 21st Century Travel
- August 27th – Property Profits
- September 24th – Philanthropy Now
- October 29th – Innovation Nation
- November 26th – Architects of Design
All sessions start with drinks and light canapes in the Golden Age Bar from 5:30pm with the panel interview 6-7pm. Tickets are $25 + GST per person and include a welcome drink. Insight proudly supports the Sydney Community Foundation (SCF) with full proceeds from ticket sales going directly to the SCF Business Incubator for disadvantaged women. In 2018, the Foundation’s influential “Conversations or Change” event series merges with the popular Insight event program to give greater voice to contemporary issues relevant to all of us who live local in Sydney and beyond.
About Sydney Community Foundation. Sydney Community Foundation, established in 2004, is Sydney’s only independent Community Foundation, granting to grassroots organisations who design and run projects that meet the needs of Greater Sydney local communities. For over a decade, Sydney Community Foundation has been the small grant specialist, supporting grassroots charities and services across Sydney. During this time the Foundation has overseen the distribution of $5 million in grants for impact, ranging between $5,000 to $100,000 to projects that create belonging; education and employment pathways; build safety and independence; and transform place. For more information, please contact Naomi Tosic at naomi@theofficespace.com.au or 02 82182100. For program information or ticket sales, please go to www.theofficespace.com.au/blog or contact events@theofficespace.com.au
