Education Funders Network (April 2025)

Session overview

For our first Education Funders’ Network meeting of 2025 we put the spotlight on two key topics. We are expecting the 2025-26 Federal Budget to be handed down early this year on 25 March, so we would like to provide a brief overview of items related to education, especially given the ongoing adoption of the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement across the country. Join us in conversation on how the federal budget may change the landscape around your funding.

We would also like to showcase, with your help, a few diverse approaches to funding or partnering with First Nations organisations in education and/or for the benefit of First Nations children and youth. Building on priorities identified in our last peer network meeting, we’re looking for two to three standout approaches to be presented — ideally by members who are directly involved or familiar with them. 

Whether you’re funding impactful work in this space, have come across an inspiring model, or want to nominate a grantmaking or partnership model that exemplifies First Nations-led approaches, we would like to hear from you. This is an opportunity to highlight key principles or processes that underpin your approach and how this has influenced your funding/ grantmaking. We welcome initiatives across all education levels, from early childhood to post-secondary. 

Submit your nominations or suggestions via the nomination form by March 7, 2025.

When

Wednesday 2 April 

Online attendance:

12:00pm - 1:30pm AEDT (ACT, VIC)

11:30am - 1:00pm ACST (SA)

11:00am - 12:30pm AEST (QLD)

10:30am - 12:00pm ACST (NT)

9:00am - 10:30am AWST (WA)

In-person attendance:

12:00pm - 2pm AEDT (NSW)

We invite Sydney network members to stay after the discussions for post-session networking, socials and afternoon tea.

There are limited spots for the in-person component of the event.

Hybrid event

Online attendance: Zoom link to be shared closer to the time.

In-person attendance: Level 2 Yirranma Place, Darlinghurst in Sydney

Audience

This event is for Philanthropy Australia Education Funders Network members only. We welcome other funder members at the New Gen, Active, Engaged or Impact membership levels.

If you are not yet a Philanthropy Australia member or want to learn more about the philanthropic work in this area, please email programs@philanthropy.org.au. 

Peer Network Co-chairs

		Megan Enders – Founder and Principal, Montage (WA) Megan's interest in education has developed over many years through roles with education philanthropy Fogarty Foundation, starting as Founding Director of its innovative whole school improvement program - Fogarty EDvance - and as CEO and longstanding member of its Board of Trustees.  She is currently head of a boutique philanthropic advisory practice that works with individuals, families and foundations to help them achieve positive impact through their giving.  Megan is also the convenor of a West Australian group of philanthropies as part of the Investment Dialogue for Australia's Children, a collaboration between philanthropy and government.
		Megan has expertise in the areas of collaboration, organisational leadership and change management, gained through executive roles in both the 'for purpose' and ‘for profit’ sectors. Megan has also held executive roles, and worked in the Prime Minister’s Department and for a Federal Minister.

		John Bush – Head, Young People, Paul Ramsay Foundation (NSW) John supports a portfolio of grant partners and leads grantmaking and strategy development related to school-age learning.   John has previously been in the leadership teams for two not-for-profit education start-ups, Evidence for Learning and High Resolves.  He also led the design and delivery of the SVA Education Dialogue. John spent the first decade of his career as a teacher and school leader. He is on advisory boards for several education partnerships and organisations and has been on selection panels for Australian teaching and social innovation awards.
		John holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, English and Cognitive Studies and a Master’s in American Literature.

Peer Network Lead

		Bella Conyngham - Director, Engagement (NSW/ACT), Philanthropy Australia Originally from Aotearoa New Zealand, Bella Conyngham joined Philanthropy Australia at the beginning of 2023, bringing with her experience in engagement and partnership building within the social impact and sustainability sectors.
		As the Director of Engagement for NSW and ACT, Bella leads strategic engagement efforts with members, fostering collaboration across the region. She is deeply passionate about the philanthropic and not-for-profit sectors and serves as a Board Observer for the Australian Endometriosis Foundation (formerly known as Endo Articles).
		Bella is also an active member of NEXUS, a global community of emerging philanthropists, social entrepreneurs, impact investors, and allies from over 70 countries, dedicated to enhancing philanthropy and social change.