Community and Philanthropy Partnership Project

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) Community and Philanthropy Partnership Project

About the Project

Aim

To build the capacity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) organisations, with a particular focus on rural / regional organisations. This will enable them to better resource and serve their communities.

Method

Supporting ATSI organisations to communicate and work more effectively with the phianthropic and pro bono sectors.

Project Components

  1. An accredited ATSI Capacity Building Program for ATSI community members on 'demystifying philanthropy' run for at least 20 people once a year for three years.
  2. Improving the relationship between ATSI and philanthropic organisations through 'Introduction to Philanthropy' sessions around the state, including presentations by and meetings with philanthropic organisations.
  3. Mentor program: Registration for graduates of the program willing to provide support and mentoring for future participants (from year 2).
  4. A website providing resources and networking between ATSI community groups and philanthropic groups.
  5. Developing an ATSI 'Good Practice' Guide to Philanthropy, a resource demonstrating successful projects for future reference (from year 3).
  6. An annual event between all people and groups involved which showcases successful projects and provides opportunities for networking.

Improved Outcomes for the ATSI Community

  • All ATSI organisations involved will be strengthened and better able to provide services that improve/support:
    • education, training and literacy
    • health and wellbeing
    • youth and welfare
    • early intervention programs
    • arts and culture
    • law and justice
  • At least 60 ATSI program participants will be trained and networked in philanthropy (the first 20 will be ages 18-29)
  • The organisations and individuals involved will develop stronger relationships/networks, creating new partnerships between sectors
  • Mentor program: registered program graduates will provide mentoring for subsequent participants, creating a supportive network.

Background

The ATSI Community and Philanthropy Partnership Project follows on from the successful Indigenous Capacity Building Program held in 2005, organised by the Reichstein Foundation in collaboration with RMIT and Lumbu Foundation. Funding from Helen Macpherson Smith Foundation and RE Ross Trust enabled that program to offer a qualification in workplace training and the resources to enable rural organisations to participate. Graduates of that program put together the current project model and sit on the Steering Committee, which oversees the project's development.

Steering Committee

Name

Position

Organisation

Jason Eades (Chair)

CEO

Koorie Heritage Trust Inc

Christa Momot (Co-Chair)

Executive Officer

Reichstein Foundation

Kate Johnson

Clearinghouse Coordinator

Victorian Council of Social Services

Frances Bond

Community member

Illbijerri Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cooperative Ltd.

Doseena Fergie

Coordinator

Yarra Valley Indigenous Community Health Service

Judith Freidin

Project Volunteer (funding/finance)

Reichstein Foundation

Marina Henley

Sector Development Manager

VCOSS Clearinghouse

Anne Jenkins

Senior Indigenous Education Officer

Swinburne University

Tony Kelly

Lawyer

Robert Stary Lawyers

Glenys Merry

Taungurong Elder

 

Marie Murfet

Manager

Indigenous Policy and Services, Corrections Victoria

Ada Peterson

Community Development Program Coordinator

Mildura Aboriginal Corporation

Simone Spencer

Out of Home Care Coordinator

Mildura Aboriginal Corporation

Vicki Clarke

CEO, Chairperson

Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, Reconciliation Victoria

Al Webster

Associate to Justice North

Federal Court of Australia

Chris Wotton

Grants Executive

Helen Macpherson Smith Trust

Josephine Bourne

Secretariat, ATSI national representative body

Australian Human Rights Commission

Bruce Argyle

Membership Services Manager (Melbourne)

Philanthropy Australia

Tim Kanoa

State Coordinator

Victorian Indigenous Youth Advisory Council

Whitney Solomon

 

Victorian Indigenous Youth Advisory Council

Bold = person of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent Italics = Graduate of the 2005 indigenous Capacity Building Program

News
A Capacity Building Training Program is being developed this year, to be delivered to over 20 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in 2010.

The following foundations have generously committed funding to the project:

  • Helen Macpherson Smith Trust has committed $30,000 p.a. for three years
  • Reichstein Foundation has committed $30,000 for project development this year
  • RE Ross Trust has committed $30,000 for the training program’s accreditation
  • The Rio Tinto Aboriginal Fund has committed $20,000 for 2010 project delivery

Resources for seeking philanthropic funding and other support

There are many hundreds of philanthropic organizations in Australia, all trying to improve society in different ways. Each organization has its own aims and ideas on how to spend their money. This means that when you are looking for philanthropic funding, you must look for organizations that are trying to achieve the same things you are.

The Australian Indigenous Guide to Philanthropy

http://www.vaccho.org.au/documents/AIGTP%20Book.pdf

Produced by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO), the guide will help anyone trying to find funding for a community project or organisation. It should be noted that while the list of foundations is not recent, the information is still a useful starting point.
Philanthropy Australia (PA)

www.philanthropy.org.au

Philanthropy Australia is an organization that assists anyone involved in philanthropy. PA puts out a directory listing all member foundations and their details, including what they want to fund. This is available in some libraries and
is worth requesting at your local library. You can also call PA for advice on how to start seeking a grant.
Victorian Council of Social Services (VCOSS) Clearinghouse

www.vcoss.org.au/clearinghouse/index.htm

Community organizations often need to access a range of websites and/or spend a good deal of time searching for information on what training and resources are available and appropriate to them. The VCOSS Training and
Development Clearinghouse is a centralised, user-friendly and community sector-specific service designed to take the legwork out of this. They can help you find free services or qualified volunteers to help with your project or group’s needs.

For further information contact Kate Johnson, Coordinator, kate.johnson@vcoss.org.au

Level 8, 128 Exhibition Street
Melbourne 3000
Tel: 03 9654 5050
Freecall: 1800 133 340
Fax: 03 9654 5749

Indigenous Community Volunteers (ICV)

www.icv.com.au/home/

ICV works in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and provides assistance in designing and implementing community development projects. Any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individual, family, business, organisation or community can apply for community development assistance with ICV. ICV will assist you with the
application process, and will support your community and volunteers throughout the project.