People Inspired By Purpose - Purposely Podcast

Welcome to Purposely with Loredana Fyffe, CEO of the Sydney Community Foundation (SCF). Established in 2004, the foundation has been connecting philanthropy with Sydney communities in need for over a decade. Loredana recently celebrated her first year in the role and shares her experiences thus far, along with her vision for the future. This includes building upon the positive impact achieved so far while focusing on growing the foundation's managed funds to ensure long-term and significant impact. Loredana also discusses her family dynamics and the inspiration she draws from her parents and grandparents. As the daughter of Italian immigrants to Australia, she admires her parents' bravery in moving to a country where they didn't speak the language, as well as their strong work ethic and selflessness, which has deeply influenced her. Initially starting her career as a product designer, Loredana was fortunate to become involved in a workplace giving initiative that ignited a passion within her for the for-purpose sector. From that point forward, she dedicated herself to making a difference. Operating as a charitable trust, the foundation pools donations from individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to create a lasting positive impact on the lives of Sydneysiders. SCF is one of 40 community foundations based in Australia, collectively managing funds totalling $500 million. Over a two-year period leading up to 2022, they donated $145 million to various good causes across the country. The foundation's most prominent sub-fund is the Sydney Women's Fund, which was established shortly after its inception, reflecting the priority placed on promoting gender equity from the beginning. Like women's funds in New York, Washington, and London, the Sydney Women's Fund is supported by women who come together to make a collective impact. They utilize their profiles, ideas, skills, and resources to ensure that all women and girls in Sydney thrive. Notably, the Women's Fund was initiated by influential figures such as Wendy McCarthy AO and Lucy Brogden AM, with Georgina Byron AM currently serving as its dedicated chair, channelling their expertise into research, advocacy, program funding, fundraising, and raising awareness about gender equity in the city. Together, their efforts aim to drive positive change and foster a more equitable society. Loredana highlights the numerous grassroots programs that the foundation has funded over the years. Many of these programs have become deeply embedded in their communities, particularly addressing the challenges faced by women and families in some of the most disadvantaged areas of Sydney. Last year, the foundation mourned the loss of its former chair, Rosalind Strong AM, whose unwavering belief in Loredana led her to join the foundation. Rosalind played a significant role in shaping the foundation and its impactful initiatives. Among her many accomplishments, she organized flagship events celebrating the remarkable women of Sydney. In memory of Rosalind, she generously contributed to the foundation. Loredana is genuinely enthusiastic about expanding the foundation's reach and fostering even greater generosity across the city of New South Wales.

Welcome to Purposely with Greg Millar, a leading fundraising professional who has successfully raised millions for important causes and prominent charities globally. Greg currently serves as the National Fundraising Manager at IHC, New Zealand's leading provider of services for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Greg shares his journey, starting with his formative years growing up overseas before moving to New Zealand at the age of 9. As the son of Salvation Army Missionaries, Greg witnessed his parents' dedication to promoting their faith while helping people in need in Mumbai, India. Tragically, Greg's mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer in her early thirties, and he reflects on the challenges of losing her at a young age. However, he cherishes fond memories of her, particularly from their time in India. After his mother's passing, Greg's father brought the family back to New Zealand. As the eldest child, Greg became aware of the cultural differences between his experiences and those of his New Zealand peers. Additionally, being raised by a sole parent for 25 years, Greg deeply admires his father for his role as both a wonderful father figure and for his work assisting marginalised individuals, many of whom faced addiction issues. Greg vividly remembers weekends spent weeding gardens for the people his father supported, experiences that laid the foundation for his career in the charity sector and his commitment to purpose. In the early 1980s, Greg pursued a Bachelor of Arts in English literature and education at the University of Auckland. He then embarked on an Overseas Experience (OE) to the UK, where he secured a position in the press and publication relations department of NSPCC, one of the largest charities in the country. Since then, Greg has built a successful career in charity fundraising, working in the UK, New Zealand, Geneva, Switzerland, Washington, USA, and Rome, Italy. He has held senior fundraising roles with international development agencies such as UNICEF Global, UNHCR, and WWF. Greg has also made significant contributions to organisations like the Auckland City Mission, leading award-winning fundraising and marketing campaigns. He began his fundraising journey at Presbyterian Support, where he gained valuable experience. Greg shares his fundraising secrets and acknowledges that his early decision-making was guided by intuition rather than solely relying on data or testing ideas and approaches. This approach, learned during his experiences abroad, has given him and his teams the confidence to be bold and aim for ambitious targets. While Greg finds fulfilment in making a difference by raising more income for frontline services, he recognises that direct work with individuals in need may not be his strong suit. Instead, he utilises his skills and knowledge to raise funds and ensure greater reach and impact. As a passionate proponent of fundraising, Greg has resisted the temptation to transition into general charity leadership. He is a living example that fundraising can provide a long, fulfilling, and impactful career option, both in NZ and across the world and presenting endless meaningful challenges.

Welcome to Purposely with Maree Sidey, CEO of the Australian Communities Foundation. As a unique donor-advised fund with total funds of over £150 million, the foundation aims to activate a nation of givers. It was established in 1997 by Marion Webster OAM and Hayden Raysmith AM, with the assistance of the late Peter Hero from the highly successful San Francisco Community Foundation. They pioneered the community foundation model in Australia, initially establishing the Melbourne Community Foundation, which later became the Australian Communities Foundation in 2011. Maree has been leading the foundation since 2015, and under her leadership, the organisation has doubled in size, reach, and impact over the past eight years. In this episode, Maree discusses a wide range of topics and issues, both professional and personal. She shares her personal journey as the daughter of a minister, her passion for social justice, and the significance of values-based leadership and authenticity in the workplace (as well as at home as a mother to teenagers!). It's a fascinating conversation that showcases one of the success stories of people-powered philanthropy. ‘Social justice runs through my veins. As the daughter of a social worker and a Baptist minister, the values of justice, equity, privilege, inclusion, and giving voice to the marginalised were deeply ingrained in our family and shaped the way we perceived the world’. Initially, Maree pursued a career as a social worker, developing a deep passion for a systemic approach to understanding the world. She analysed underlying dynamics and sought ways to intervene and create a fairer system. This focus has remained constant throughout her career, whether she was working in Child and Family Services, Youth Mental Health organisations, or even in the realm of drug and alcohol services and community sports clubs. Her goal has always been to promote social justice and effect positive change. Maree also explains how this commitment led her to her current role in philanthropy. Maree is passionate about Australian generosity and is well-positioned to discuss it, comparing the local approach to that of the United States. ‘We tend to be less public about our contributions, which can pose a challenge in fostering a culture of giving. Peer-to-peer conversations play a crucial role in encouraging others to give by openly discussing the reasons behind our own philanthropic choices and the organisations or causes we support passionately.’ She also delves into the future direction of the foundation and its main areas of focus. The foundations aim is not simply to promote giving for the sake of it, but rather to address pressing issues such as climate change and advocate for First Nations self-determination. Maree discusses the referendum that aims to change the Australian Constitution, acknowledging and embracing First Nations people to create a fairer Australia. Granting them a voice in Parliament is seen as an essential step towards formalising a treaty or reconciliation process, acknowledging past injustices, promoting healing, and moving forward together while honouring the wisdom and knowledge of the worlds oldest living culture. In addition to her role as CEO of the Australian Communities Foundation, Maree serves on the boards of Philanthropy Australia, Community Foundations Australia, and the Centre for Australian Progress.

Welcome to Purposely with Stacey Thomas, a highly regarded philanthropy leader who is making a significant impact in the field of philanthropy. Stacey is the CEO of one of Australia’s oldest private foundations which is embracing its past and its history at the same time ensuring it puts it resources to work for a more equitable future for the people it helps. Stacey serves as a trustee for two philanthropy peak bodies who have recently pledge their commitment to the Voice, a campaign to change the constitution of Australia to ensure a better future for First Nation people. She is also part-time CEO of a start-up community foundation that she is growing and scaling in addition to her other responsibilities. Stacey's primary role is as CEO of The Wyatt Trust, a private charitable foundation established in1886 by Dr. William Wyatt. The Trust has a $100 million endowment and donates approximately $4 million each year to good causes across South Australia, with a focus on supporting South Australians in need in areas such as employment, education, housing, and financial literacy. Dr. Wyatt was a prominent figure in South Australia, involved in numerous social purpose activities, including serving as a justice of the peace, magistrate, surgeon, state coroner, and founder and board member of several private schools. He was also on the board of many institutions that still exist today, including the Botanic Gardens, the History Society, State Library, Adelaide Hospital RSPCA, and the Adelaide Zoo. Despite its unique history, The Wyatt Trust continues to use Dr. Wyatt's interests and beliefs in doing good around poverty and medicine to guide its grant-making. The Trust allows people experiencing financial hardship to determine what support they need most and works within the framework of what people need most at their time of need. However, The Trust faces challenges in working within South Australia because it is a large state with a relatively small population. The main city, Adelaide, is on the southern boundary of the state, but there are also many regional and remote communities in the state. Stacey's passion for social justice and community development has helped shape The Wyatt Trust's vision and strategy for improving the lives of vulnerable communities in South Australia. Stacey grew up in Victoria and earned a degree in Social Work from the University of South Australia. Later, she pursued a master’s degree in Business Administration and began her career in the non-profit sector, working for various organizations focused on community development and poverty reduction. She also gained valuable experience in the private sector, working for companies in the finance and insurance industries.

Welcome to the Purposely Podcast with Fiona Ellison, Director of the Unite Foundation. In this episode, Fiona shares insights into the foundation's impactful work and her personal journey in the third sector. As the corporate foundation of Unite Students, one of the major providers of student accommodation in the UK, the Unite Foundation focuses on providing scholarships to individuals, with a specific emphasis on students who are estranged from their families or have been in the care system. Fiona highlights the transformative power of these scholarships, which offer not just financial support, but also a sense of community and belonging. During the conversation, Fiona also shares her personal experience as an army wife and the unique challenges that come with frequent moves, underscoring the importance of finding a supportive community in each new location. She describes how she consciously chose to keep her job and commute from Salisbury to London three or four days a week, despite the four-hour round trip. This experience motivated her to join the board of the Army's Family Federation almost 19 years ago, with a focus on challenging the outdated narrative of army wives being stay-at-home moms. The Unite Foundation addresses the needs of students who are often overlooked by other scholarship programs. Shockingly, only 13% of young people who have been in care pursue higher education, while the number is in the high 40s for those who have not been in the care system. Financial barriers, a lack of role models or support, and other obstacles can make higher education seem unattainable for many students who have experienced care. Even if they do manage to attend university, they may face additional challenges and may not have the necessary support structures in place to help them succeed. The foundation's research, conducted over a decade, shows that having a safe and stable place to live greatly increases the chances of students not dropping out between their first and second years, which is when the highest dropout rates typically occur. Safe and secure housing enables students to focus on their studies and engage in university life, creating social connections through clubs and societies. By addressing this fundamental need for safe and secure housing, universities can achieve a bigger ambition of widening access to education and enabling young people who have experienced care to access the same opportunities as their peers. This episode is sponsored by Benevity.

Welcome the Purposely Podcast with Kerryn Thrupp, CEO of Woven Earth, a New Zealand charity that transforms empty houses into homes for survivors of domestic violence. In this episode, Kerryn shares her founder story and vision for the future. Kerryn knows that the fear of losing homes and possessions can prevent people from leaving violent relationships. Woven Earth works with frontline domestic violence agencies to furnish homes for survivors and help them rebuild their lives. They work with over 31 agencies across Auckland, New Zealand including Victim Support Auckland, the police, homeless accommodation providers, and refuge agencies, who identify families that need help. Woven Earth furnishes approximately 20 homes a month and positively impacts the lives of thousands of women and children in the Auckland region. Kerryn and her team pay close attention to detail, considering each family member's likes, hobbies, interests, and what they have lost as part of their journey. There is a growing demand for their services and Kerrynis excited to have recently hired her first operations employee, allowing her to delegate responsibilities and expand the charity's reach. Until now, Woven Earth has relied on volunteers and support from charitable foundations, individuals, and businesses.  

Meet Alastair Rhodes, CEO of the Bay Trust and Chairperson of the Impact Investment Network, New Zealand. Alastair had a childhood that was strongly influenced by his parents. His father, a well-known figure in New Zealand for his work with the dairy board, was passionate about the environment and the outdoors. Meanwhile, his mother was a public health nurse, and both of them instilled in him a sense of social responsibility and environmentalism. After completing a law and commerce degree, Alastair worked for large American companies like General Electric and Specsavers, as well as in the airline and airport industry. While he learned the value of money and building partnerships in the commercial sector, he found his true calling in the not-for-profit sector, where his values aligned with the purpose of the organisations he worked for. As the chair of New Zealand’s Impact Investment Network, Alastair is a firm believer in the power of impact investing and its ability to help deliver social and environmental change. He has a passion for enterprise and commercial deals that can lead to direct impact and more obvious social and environmental outcomes. Alastair’s current role as CEO of the Bay Trust has allowed him to continue his mission to make a positive and meaningful difference for future generations. The Bay Trust is an endowed foundation that benefits from investments, which are then used to support the Trust's grant-making activities to benefit all people living in the Bay of Plenty with a specific on those who need it most.The Bay Trust focuses on being equitable across these beneficiaries, who have diverse challenges and needs. The region has pockets of wealth, such as Mount Maunganui, but the most deprived parts of New Zealand are also in the area. The Trust aims to grow equitably, in line with population increases and inflation, to meet the needs of both current and future beneficiaries.For Alastair, leadership is all about aligning an individual's personal values with the organisation's purpose. By doing so, people and organisations can create a culture that promotes success and meaningful change. This philosophy has driven him throughout his career, and he hopes to continue making a positive impact in the not-for-profit sector for years to come.

Meet Benjamin Janes, founder and CEO of the Trust Partnership, a UK based social enterprise that manages charitable trusts and foundations through a unique model around shared resources and services. Benjamin explains how he started his career as a fundraiser and launched his own company.   The Trust Partnership  Established in 2004, The Trust Partnership, provides a full suite of services that medium-sized endowed charitable foundations might need, including administration, grant-making support, bookkeeping, management, accounting, and annual accounting.   They also work closely with Alms House charities, which are ancient forms of social housing, established in the 10th Century in Britain, that still endures to this day.   Headquartered in rural Cirencester in the South West of England Benjamin and his 50 strong team at The Trust Partnership work with 45 endowed charitable foundations and 10 Alms House charities with approximately 300 residents. They aim to solve day to day challenges of their clients as well as helping their clients develop and deliver their longer-term strategies.   How they are structured  The Trust Partnership is a social enterprise, not a charity or non-profit, and recently recertified as a B Corp which means they measure their success by their ability to make a positive impact to society and the environment alongside their ability to make a profit. Benjamin outline how the certification process helped to solidify their business model principles and be better in their decision-making. Benjamin discusses the challenges of balancing purpose and profit. The unique challenges presented by helping organisations to deliver on their charitable mission at the same time they are running a commercial business that needs to be profitable that can pay its people competitive rates.    Benjamin’s early career  Benjamin started his career in the charity sector as a commission-only sales job selling door-to-door. He then went on to work as a fundraiser for various organizations such as Farm Africa, the British Red Cross, Missing People, and WellChild. His longest stint was at Farm Africa, which was about three years long.   Benjamin's entrepreneurial spirit was evident even in his early years. He had a desire to do his own thing and started Trust Partnerships to provide services for endowed foundations. He could see the organisations which needed the help, and he was able to deliver a solution for the trustees of these organisations freeing them up to focus on strategy and delivering societal impact.   While it was a bold move for Benjamin to make, especially considering the existing commitments he had to his family at that time as the main earner. However he had real conviction about the move and he was passionate about the charity sector and knew that he wanted to test himself in this way and he also wanted control over his destiny.   19 years on Benjamin is proud of what he and his team have achieved and despite the challenges presented by economic downturns and the recent pandemic they have build a successful for purpose business that has helped charities deliver impactful services

Meet Alex Day, Managing Director of the UK-based charity Big Give, the organisation multiplies generosity through its match funding campaigns. Founded in 2007 by Sir Alec Reed, founder of Reed Recruitment, Big Give has raised over £233 million in its 16-year history. The charity encourages donors to give to causes and charities and runs match funding campaigns throughout the year to make an extraordinary difference to the world's big challenges. Its largest campaign, The Christmas Challenge, raised an impressive £28 million for over 1,000 charities in 2022. Match funding is a concept that is particularly popular with entrepreneurial and business-minded individuals who want to get the biggest bang for their buck. Big Give commissioned research in 2016 that showed as income brackets increase, the propensity to give by a match funding campaign also increases.  Alex discusses the power that match giving can have on increasing generosity, however, he is also aware of the possible limitations. Alex and his team at Big Give view matching as a force for good. They are particularly proud of the fact that their campaigns have benefited smaller grass roots charities who do not have the same ability to raise funds.   Alex's path to his current role at Big Give was not a straight one. Initially aspiring to be a professional footballer, typical of children his age in the UK, he pursued a degree in business management and geography from Exeter University. After university, he took time to travel and reflect on what he wanted out of life. He realised that he wanted to contribute something positive to the world through his career, which led him to pursue a role in the international development and humanitarian response sector. Alex’s interaction with Big Give began during his time at Medair, a Swiss-based NGO where he led the UK office. He experienced the power of match funding first-hand through the organisation's first match funding campaign with Big Give. A donor who would typically give £1,000 every September donated £2,000 in December to maximize the matching offer, even telling his friends and networks about it. Alex joined Big Give in 2015 and he has played an instrumental role in its growth and ensured millions of pounds have been donated to hundreds of great causes.

Meet Sarah Green, CEO of the Katie Piper Foundation, a UK-based charity that provides support and advocacy for burns survivors. With a career that started in finance, Sarah transitioned to the charity sector in 2003 as a fundraiser for a small international development charity. She later focused on event-based fundraising for the St Elizabeth and St Helena hospices before joining the Katie Piper Foundation.  Sarah's passion for the health sector was inspired by the care and support her late father received, along with her family. She was determined to lead an organisation one day, so she invested in relevant qualifications, successfully completing a Master’s degree in Voluntary Sector Management.  In October 2018, Sarah was appointed CEO of the Katie Piper Foundation, realising her dream of leading an organisation. While this was an exciting opportunity for both Sarah and the foundation, she faced unforeseen challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic and economic disruption. These challenges have led to a cost-of-living crisis, which may negatively affect the charities' ability to raise funds.  The Katie Piper Foundation, established in 2009 by burns survivor Katie Piper, is proud to be survivor-led, providing in-person and virtual rehabilitation services. They support adult survivors of burns and those living with severe trauma scarring, addressing both their physical and mental health.  Katie started the foundation from her parents' house a year into her recovery from a horrific acid attack outside a North London internet café. The attack caused third-degree burns to her face and chest and blinded her in one eye. Prior to the attack, Piper had a career in modelling and TV presenting, planning a future in the media. Though her life changed forever that day, Katie remained determined to fulfil her potential and not let the attack define her. While Katie's journey to recovery has been long and difficult, requiring surgery to clear blockages caused by scar tissue, she has become an inspiration for other burns survivors, both personally and through the foundation's work.  Today, the Katie Piper Foundation provides rehabilitation services, including physiotherapy and emotional support, and advocates for survivors, helping to connect them to the services and interventions they require. The foundation's work is a testament to the strength and resilience of burns survivors and the dedication of Sarah and her team.  Katie remains heavily involved in the charity and, as one of nine skilled volunteers, serves as a trustee. In addition, the charity has two notable ambassadors: celebrity music guru Simon Cowell and businessman Simon McCabe.