10 Lessons Australian NFPs Can Learn from US Health Philanthropy
In July 2025, the CEO of the NORTH Foundation (Sydney, Australia) Gilbert Lorquet, visited more than 30 leading institutions across ten cities in the United States to learn from their best practices in health philanthropy.
Hosts included the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai Health System, Texas Children’s Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, NYU Langhorne Health, Children’s National Hospital Foundation, Johns Hopkins Medicine and many more.
This month, Gil generously shared his discoveries in a comprehensive article for F&P (Fundraising & Philanthropy) Magazine – summarised here as his 10 findings for creating a blueprint for transformational change in Australian healthcare philanthropy:
- Philanthropy embedded in clinical culture
US hospitals weave philanthropy directly into patient care. Clinicians are trained to recognise ‘gratitude’ moments and connect patients with fundraising and philanthropy teams, making giving part of the healing journey. Through important initiatives such as the Philanthropy Champions Program and the upcoming inaugural End of Year Thank You and Awards Dinner, the NORTH Foundation team has been committed to celebrating clinicians who’ve advanced philanthropy and driven positive impact across the Northern Sydney Local Health District. Together, they’re driving meaningful change.
- Grateful patient fundraising as the growth engine
Structured programs turn bedside gratitude into major gifts. With ethical opt‑out data access and clinician referrals, US foundations build pipelines rooted in authenticity and trust. At the NORTH Foundation, the team has already begun the important journey of scaling its grateful patient strategy, recognising the critical pathway it offers to sustainable revenue, stronger donor relationships, and a culture where philanthropy is embedded.
- Campaigns that reshape institutions
Fundraising campaigns aren’t just about dollars – they drive strategy, identity and culture. Billion‑dollar campaigns galvanise stakeholders and set bold goals that transform entire organisations. For the NORTH Foundation, embracing this model means thinking bigger. It means designing campaigns that do more than meet financial targets; they must inspire and align with the health district’s strategic priorities. By adopting the disciplined, phased approach of leading US institutions, the team is reshaping how philanthropy is perceived and practiced by its community, internally and externally.
- Data‑driven donor engagement
Sophisticated systems integrate patient data with predictive analytics to identify prospects in real time. Tailored stewardship journeys ensure donors feel valued and connected. Good data, of course, is fundamental for effective engagement and purposeful philanthropy. The NORTH Foundation has made in-roads but recognises there is still some way to go. It’s a journey they’re excited about and, importantly, one their board is also backing.
- Financial models that sustain growth
US foundations treat philanthropy as a strategic asset, rather than a cost centre. Administrative fees, endowment sharing and institutional support create recurring revenue streams that fuel long‑term expansion, driving philanthropy to propel mission-critical programs. Established in 2018, the NORTH Foundation is still in its early years and committed to embedding financial sustainability into strategic planning – to sustain momentum and ensure impactful, enduring fundraising efforts.
- Talent strategy and organisational structure
High‑performing teams are multidisciplinary, mission‑aligned and collaborative. Structured onboarding, professional development and clear role definitions drive retention and millions in revenue per staff member. The NORTH Foundation is already putting this approach into practice by expanding its team, investing in onboarding and training, and aligning recruitment with its purpose to transform healthcare. The next step is to scale in an intentional, values-driven and future-focused way.
- Strategic board engagement
Boards in the US are active drivers of success. Members give generously, host gatherings, connect donors, and shape campaign priorities, multiplying impact far beyond governance. Inspired by the US model, the NORTH Foundation is activating its board as strategic partners to unlock leadership-level philanthropy, transforming governance into leadership that shapes the mission.
- Innovation and venture philanthropy
Philanthropy is being reimagined as investment. Venture models fund high‑risk, high‑reward projects, attract entrepreneurial donors and catalyse breakthroughs in science and care. The NORTH Foundation is embracing venture philanthropy, reframing giving as high-impact investment. This innovative approach moves beyond traditional fundraising to attract donors eager to fund bold ideas, accelerate research, and co-create healthcare solutions. The team is transforming asks into invitations to invest in a shared vision for change.
- Collaboration and knowledge sharing
Cross‑institutional partnerships and shared data platforms accelerate impact. Australia must embrace openness and co‑investment to tackle complex health challenges collectively. Australia has the talent, passion and purpose, and with the infrastructure and mindset to match, transformational progress will surely follow.
- From benchmarking to bold action
The biggest lesson is mindset. US leaders stopped asking, “What can we raise?” and started asking, “What does the institution need to transform?” For Australian NFPs, this shift means embedding philanthropy into care, scaling campaign ambitions, and building systems that endure.
Final thoughts
Australia is making progress, but the US operates at a different altitude. The gap isn’t insurmountable – with bold leadership, ethical innovation and strategic investment, Australian healthcare philanthropy can move from incremental growth to transformational impact.
Read all the insights in the full article HERE.
The NORTH Foundation works with hospitals, research institutes and healthcare facilities throughout the Northern Sydney Local Health District to raise much-needed funds. From a team of three raising a few million dollars each year, the NORTH Foundation has now grown to 20 staff, raising over $20 million annually.
The Global Philanthropic Asia Pacific team is pleased to be working with the NORTH Foundation to support its continued growth and the achievement of its vision.
PHOTO: Gilbert with Anna Silverberg, Director of Development, Individual Giving and Strategic Initiatives at Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard.
