The Development of Community Foundations in Australia

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The Development of Community Foundations in
Australia

• Dr Diana Leat

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Key Messages

• Your problems are not unique Dont give up!
• Money is the means not the end.
• Australian community foundations developing a new
  model.
• Current debate misses key issue what is
  community in community foundations?

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Key Characteristics of Alternative Model

• Primary Focus of Activities
• Model A Model B
• Endowment building Stimulating Community
  activity via donor services
• Style of Governance
• Model A Model B
• Elite leadership Broad Based
• (aristocratic) (democratic)

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• Key Values
• Model A Model B
• Charity/philanthropy/service Change/development
• Perception of Key Resources
• Model A Model B
• Financial Knowledge, skills / time /
  involvement
• Relationships to government and others involved
  in the production of public benefit
• Model A Model B
• Alternative or competitor or coordinator Cooperati
  ve/complementary

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Why is the Alternative Model Important?

• It focuses on civic engagement
• It speaks to the erosion/building of democracy
• Emphasis on foundations OF community
• Money is only asset knowledge, influence and
  networks, creativity
• Sustainable social change requires public
  engagement
• Possibility of truly new debate about the role of
  philanthropy
• Ways of re-inventing democracy, working with
  local government, business and people