In health and medical research, and in purpose-driven organisations more broadly, the distinction between campaign urgency and campaign readiness is one that boards and executive teams rarely get right, and rarely get a second chance to correct.

Getting it wrong is not merely a fundraising setback. It can damage institutional credibility, exhaust leadership, and erode donor trust in ways that take years to repair.

The retraction of American foreign aid, the dismantling of USAID, and the United States' withdrawal from the World Health Organization have not merely created funding gaps, they have fractured the institutional scaffolding that the world built, over decades, to protect human health. For Australia, this global crisis arrives at a moment when our own domestic research funding is under quiet but serious pressure. The confluence of these forces makes one thing clear: philanthropy in health and medical research is no longer a generous supplement to government investment. It is an urgent necessity.

Our client, NORTH Foundation’s CEO, Gilbert Lorquet, recently visited 30 organisations across the US and uncovered a compelling model for transformational philanthropy.

We're delighted to share his insights as part of our ongoing commitment to sector-leading thought leadership.

Gil generously contributed a comprehensive article to F&P (Fundraising & Philanthropy) Magazine, where he distils his learnings into ten key insights that together form a blueprint for transformational change in Australian healthcare philanthropy.

Our Asia Pacific team is privileged to be working with the Burnet Institute across projects ranging from medical research to large-scale public health initiatives, for the more than 30 countries in which they work.

While we can’t always give donors a first-hand view of the difference their support can make, helping them feel that impact through powerful storytelling is often the next best thing. A recent first-time visit to Papua New Guinea gave Rob Daly, from Burnet Institute Australia, invaluable insight into two of the organisation’s flagship initiatives. This insight is now strengthening the way Burnet engages supporters and communicates the urgency of its work.

Our warmest congratulations to the Educate Plus Excellence Award winners for 2024, recognised at the recent Empowering Success International Conference Awards Lunch.

Graham Stewart of Stewart Stained Glass is one of the many master crafts people engaged in the meticulous reinstatement of the iconic Christ Church Cathedral that was damaged by the catastrophic earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand in 2011. And just like so many others engaged in this world leading heritage project, he sees it as the pinnacle of a life’s work - a rare opportunity for which he has prepared over a lifetime.

Our Senior Consultant, Chanel Hughes, had the privilege of learning about the incredible challenges and intricacies of his team’s work while developing the Case for Support for the Cathedral Reinstatement Project as well as Graham’s own journey of perfecting a more than 1000 year old craft.

The St Beryl Society launched by Burgmann College this year takes it origins from the stuff of legend, when founding residents may or may not have “kidnapped” comedic duo Peter Cook and Dudley Moore from the Canberra Airport on 13 September 1971.
While the kidnapping part is most certainly mythic, the enterprising group of ardent fans did gatecrash the press conference for the pair’s famous 'Behind The Fridge' tour, and did successfully persuade them to come to a celebratory dinner in the College Dining Hall. Read on to discover more about how we worked with the College to develop its bequest communications and provide advice for the launch of the St Beryl Society.

With a potential global recession on our doorstep, what lessons can we apply to the current situation and how can we build sustainability and future-proof philanthropy?

In his blog post Lincoln Size explores what history teaches us and how the answer lies in changing our mindset to giving. The days of rattling the tin are over!

Many of the best cultural organisations and art centres worldwide are very cognisant of their responsibility to diversity and accessibility. With Australia being one of the most multicultural communities on the planet, Douglas Gautier, CEO and Artistic Director of Adelaide Festival Centre knows only too well where arts and culture flourish generally, so does harmony and tolerance and a better understanding of walking in somebody else's shoes.

In this interview our Vice President of Australia, Lincoln Size, talks to Douglas about how philanthropy has contributed to the arts and culture in Australia, examines the role of corporates in arts philanthropy and asks what advice he would give to philanthropists who may be wondering how to have the greatest impact with their support of the arts.

Whilst Australia is a world leader in medical research, it still has challenges in moving new ideas through the research pipeline to become new medicines, therapies and services that improve health. In this article discover more about the symbiotic relationship between government, business and philanthropy and how extraordinarily generous donations by some of the nation’s wealthiest residents and donors is helping to bring long-term societal change and eradicate diseases.