Perth to host Philanthropy Australia Conference
Perth will host the 2028 Philanthropy Australia Conference, the first time the nation’s largest gathering of for-purpose leaders will be held in Western Australia. The decision was announced at the close of this year’s event in Brisbane, where WA Premier Roger Cook and Minderoo Foundation CEO John Hartman made the joint reveal.
This choice highlights Perth’s expanding influence in Australia’s philanthropic environment, especially as the state advances its position as a center for organized giving, investment with impact, and community solutions. Western Australia already ranks highest in per-donor generosity, with an average contribution of $11,538, outpacing every other state according to recent findings.
Cook described the selection as proof of WA’s philanthropic standing. “Perth’s selection as host reflects WA’s reputation as the most generous state in Australia, confirmed by recent analysis showing an extraordinary average of $11,538 per donor,” he said. “We look forward to welcoming the philanthropic sector to Western Australia in 2028 for the conversations, partnerships and practical reforms that will help unlock greater generosity. I want to thank Philanthropy Australia for bringing the Conference to Western Australia.”
The gathering will unite leaders from philanthropy, not-for-profits, government, business, and impact investing, with organizers stressing action over mere dialogue. They aim for measurable results rather than abstract debate.
Maree Sidey, CEO of Philanthropy Australia, framed the decision as a bold step forward. “As Philanthropy Australia marks 50 years, taking our flagship Conference to Western Australia for the first time is a statement of ambition about what comes next—a more generous Australia, a stronger philanthropic sector and a country better able to turn its resources, ideas and intent into lasting impact,” she said. “Western Australia has the ambition, entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic leadership to help drive that next chapter.”
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Wealth Transfer Sparks Philanthropic Opportunity
The timing coincides with Australia’s upcoming generational wealth transfer, with trillions expected to shift hands in the coming decades. This presents both a test and an opportunity: directing that capital toward measurable social and environmental progress. Perth’s mining and resources industries have already produced vast private wealth, but the conference seeks to redirect more toward structured giving and innovative approaches.
Kristen Stevenson, Minderoo’s Executive Director of Effective Philanthropy, emphasized the need for systemic improvements. “A strong, connected and capable for-purpose sector is essential to tackling the complex challenges facing Australia,” she said. “We are delighted to see Perth host this important national gathering and provide a platform for meaningful discussion, collaboration and innovation across the sector.”
The two-year preparation period will focus on building support for reforms that could help the federal government achieve its 2030 goal of doubling philanthropy. Hartman called it a chance to update the systems supporting charitable giving, ensuring Western Australia leads those discussions.
Beyond policy talks, the event will benefit Perth’s hospitality and tourism industries while giving local not-for-profits a chance to seek funding and partnerships. It follows WA’s broader effort to align capital with community priorities—a theme that will be explored further at the upcoming Future of Philanthropy: Unlocking the Generosity of WA lunch on November 5, featuring Hartman and a panel of industry leaders examining impact investing and place-based giving.
Perth’s Mining Wealth Fuels Impact Models
The conference’s practical focus will extend beyond policy to demonstrate real-world applications of philanthropic capital. Organizers will highlight Perth’s strengths—particularly wealth from mining and resources, to create replicable solutions for other regions.
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Discussions will explore how impact investing frameworks can adapt to Western Australia’s economic realities, where industries like mining and agriculture generate wealth but often operate in remote or resource-dependent areas.
A dedicated session will tackle the capacity challenges faced by not-for-profits, especially in regional WA, where smaller organizations lack the resources to compete for major grants or secure long-term support. Minderoo’s Effective Philanthropy program, which offers training for grantmakers and recipients, will be central. Stevenson has observed that many Western Australian charities operate with minimal administrative backing, making federal or international funding difficult to obtain.
Policy Push Aims to Double Donations by 2030
The event will also position Western Australia as a key player in shaping national philanthropy policy. With the federal government’s 2030 philanthropy target increasingly dependent on state-level innovation, Perth’s conference will advocate for changes like tax breaks for impact investments and greater recognition of community-driven giving in rural areas.
Organizers have confirmed that not-for-profits nationwide can submit proposals for funding or partnership opportunities linked to the conference, with selected groups given a platform to present their work to major donors and investors. This aligns with Philanthropy Australia’s goal of turning the event into a space where deals are made alongside discussions.
