This Month
Melinda French Gates exits philanthropic foundation with $18.9b
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation -– to be known as the Gates Foundation once she departs – is one of the biggest private foundations on the planet.
- Updated
- Sophie Alexander
Left has abandoned free speech: Singer
The Australian philosopher says: “What used to be things that were generally accepted by people on the progressive side of politics have shifted – and freedom of speech is a basic example.”
- Nick Bonyhady
April
Inside the Gold Dinner, where $20m is raised in one night
The rebooted charity gala proves that when it comes to bringing in serious money, it’s not about inviting who you know. It’s knowing who to invite.
- Matthew Drummond
Forrest-backed Minderoo to become bigger philanthropic force
The financial endowment behind Andrew and Nicola Forrest’s philanthropic Minderoo Foundation is expected to grow towards $40 billion by the end of the decade.
- Brad Thompson
Philanthropy 50: Which Australians gave away the most in 2023?
Donations from Australia’s biggest private givers have jumped to a record $1.25 billion.
- Lisa Murray
‘What Paula wants, Paula gets’: Lindsay Fox’s $152m birthday surprise
A high-profile birthday singalong broke out on billionaire Lindsay Fox’s birthday at the official opening of new $152 million Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre in Melbourne on Friday.
- Patrick Durkin
Forrests’ $10b philanthropic foundation to cut 100 jobs
Andrew and Nicola Forrest’s Minderoo Foundation will shed about a third of its workforce in an overhaul aimed at making better use of its iron ore endowment.
- Brad Thompson
The corporate cost of the Yes campaign
In some circles, there is now a perception that corporate alignment with a cause can alienate more voters than it persuades.
- Samantha Hutchinson
Biggest donor to Yes campaign has no regrets
The Paul Ramsay Foundation donated $7 million to the failed Voice referendum. The amount of cash “felt appropriate then” and still does now, says its chairman.
- Samantha Hutchinson
February
Australia’s fund managers use new tactics to support Ukraine
The public are still supportive, but as the war enters a third year, new tactics are needed to ward off the risk of donor fatigue or political distraction.
- Updated
- Hans van Leeuwen
‘Everyone will be losers’: Unis oppose success tax
The universities’ accord is yet to hit the desks of vice-chancellors, but it is already inflaming red-hot anger across the sector.
- Julie Hare
Forrests give $150m to gender equality fund
Billionaires Andrew and Nicola Forrest have put the largest grant from their Minderoo Foundation towards work to create a fairer world for women and girls.
- Brad Thompson
Jeff Bezos sold $6.2b in Amazon stock in past week
The Amazon founder disclosed the sales as part of a pre-planned disposal. He has reportedly moved to Miami and developed a lifestyle of yachts and jets.
- Camilla Hodgson
Running to the fire: Why this philanthropy boss went back to Israel
Amanda Miller defied travel warnings to visit Israel in November. Next month, she’s going back again and taking 20 philanthropists with her.
- Samantha Hutchinson
January
Inside the make-or-break business of art galleries’ black-tie balls
They’re the parties planned with military precision and for Australia’s prestige arts institutions, the stakes – and heels – couldn’t be higher.
- Samantha Hutchinson
Why Tom Snow is giving away $100m
The philanthropist wanted his marriage to be recognised. He won. Now he’s changing medical science
- Julie Hare
Meet the ex-teacher giving his $3m inheritance to climate charities
Stephen Pfeiffer and Linh Do are part of a new generation of philanthropists with a sense of urgency. For those starting out, here are five mistakes to avoid.
- Joanna Mather
The investment banker everyone has an opinion about
Simon Mordant, the veteran banker-cum-philanthropist has the ear of the country’s leading executives, but his hard-nosed approach to deal-making rankles rivals.
- Aaron Weinman
December 2023
Cost-of-living crunch adds urgency to Christmas charity appeals
Charities are reporting a dip in the number of donations amid a heightened need for support.
- Gus McCubbing
Paul Little and Jane Hansen open State Library’s Indigenous Gallery
The philanthropic couple have given $1.25 million to establish the library’s new showcase for Indigenous art.
- Updated
- Myriam Robin