First Nations Funders Network (Q4 2026)

Overview

For our final meeting of the year, please join us for a member-led discussion exploring two more of the priority themes identified by the network:

Topic (a) cultural governance and representation

Building robust governance structures that centre First Nations voices (beyond advisory roles—embedding in boards, investment committees, grantmaking)
Navigating the power balance: ensuring decisions are FN-led and that cultural load does not fall disproportionately on First Nations partners

Topic (b) self-determination and Indigenous-led funds

Showcasing examples and lessons from Indigenous-led funds—how they operate, what success looks like, and how non-Indigenous orgs can collaborate without perpetuating extractive practices
How to support economic and democratic inclusion under First Nations' stewardship

The meeting will also provide an opportunity to briefly reflect on First Nations outcomes from the Philanthropy Australia National Conference held in Brisbane in September.

Thursday 29 October

12:30pm - 2:00pm AEDT (ACT, NSW, TAS, VIC)
12:00pm - 2:30pm ACDT (SA)
11:30am - 1:00pm AEST (QLD)
11:00am - 12:30pm ACST (NT)
9:30am - 11:00am AWST (WA)

Online event

Details will be provided after the registration is submitted.

Audience

This event is for Philanthropy Australia First Nations Funders Network members only.

We welcome Philanthropy Australia Engage (individual/ organisation) and Impact members who are already funding First Nations-led organisations and communities to consider opting in to the Terms of Reference (ToR) to join the First Nations Funders Network. You can commit to the Terms of Reference through this opt-in page.

Not at this membership level? Please reach out to membership@philanthropy.org.au.

Speakers

More details to be released.

Peer Network Chair

		Michelle Steele - Chief First Nations Officer, Paul Ramsay Foundation Michelle is a Kamilaroi/Gomeroi Yinarr from Moree, NSW, and is the Chief First Nations Officer at the Paul Ramsay Foundation and is a Board Member of Hands Across Canberra. Prior to joining PRF, Michelle worked in the public sector for more than 18 years, leading in key policy areas delivering for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly in health and aged care.
		Michelle has represented Australia at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. She is also an inaugural Fellow of the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity program, an Indigenous-led lifelong collaborative fellowship program and platform for systemic change.

Peer Network Lead

Ollie Hanson, Director, Engagement (WA), Philanthropy Australia

Ollie is passionate about leveraging philanthropy to drive positive social impact and leads Philanthropy Australia’s engagement efforts in Western Australia and South Australia.

With over 15 years of experience in the philanthropic sector, Ollie’s career spans major gift fundraising at the University of Melbourne, international grantmaking and partnerships at the Minderoo Foundation, and corporate sustainability at Bankwest.

He is deeply committed to First Nations self-determination and played a pivotal role in establishing the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity program in 2016, a groundbreaking initiative that fosters Indigenous-led social change across Australia, Aotearoa, and the Pacific Islands.

Learn more about Philanthropy Australia membership.

Contact Details

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