The Giving Academy

Available Courses: Effective Giving | Giving in Complexity

Course type: Short course | Philanthropic professional development and training

Duration: Approximately 21 hours of learning delivered over several weeks

Delivery: Virtual | Hybrid | Custom

Virtual Price: $3,080 incl. GST ($2,800 + $280 GST)

Hybrid Price: $4,290 incl. GST ($3,900 + $390 GST)

Discounts: 20% discount for individuals from grant-seeking charities with annual revenue under $3 million.

PURCHASE YOUR SEAT

Philanthropy, done better

Philanthropy requires more than good intentions. It carries great responsibility for people, communities and futures. That’s precisely the challenge and the opportunity The Giving Academy is designed to meet.

This program is tailormade for the diverse roles and experiences you bring to philanthropy. You can choose from two closely connected short courses that speak directly to where you are now, or, if you are a funder complete both as part of an integrated learning journey.

“The Giving Academy course was the most immersive learning experience I have had in my 10+ years in the philanthropic sector."

The essential philanthropy curriculum

Our suite of short courses offers a range of learning experiences through interactive e-learning modules featuring real-world case studies and practical frameworks, designed hand-in-hand with sector experts. In-person or online workshops then provide opportunities to practise with peers using action-learning techniques.

Find the right course for your learning journey below.

Effective Giving

A highly practical course designed for anyone working across the philanthropic ecosystem — from funders to grant seekers and advisors. Start with Effective Giving no matter where you are on your giving journey if you are wanting to strengthen your impact, align your values, bring greater intention and knowledge to giving practices and develop your own giving roadmap to guide your impact efforts. If you are a not-for-profit practitioner or grantseeker, this course helps you understand how philanthropy works in Australia so you can approach funders with greater clarity and confidence.

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Giving in Complexity

An immersive course for senior philanthropic leaders working at a systems level. It equips you to lead through complexity and uncertainty, and to shape long-term change across organisations and communities. Enrol in Giving in Complexity if you are on the giving side of the philanthropic ecosystem, have the seniority or influence to shape giving decisions, already have experience in philanthropy and are ready to deepen your practice.

The completion of Effective Giving is strongly recommended before undertaking this course. If you are unsure whether you have sufficient experience, we encourage you to begin with Effective Giving, which provides the foundational frameworks that will make Giving in Complexity even more valuable.

For funders, we would recommend both courses be taken as an integrated learning journey, starting with Effective Giving and proceeding to Giving in Complexity. Those who bring lived experience as a practitioner into the room consistently report gaining the most from the program.

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Learn more

“This was a thoughtful and meaningful program – stretching, challenging and sometimes a little confronting but only in ways that spark growth. This course is an absolute must for all working to improve philanthropic practice!”

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN

Across the two Giving Academy courses, you will:

• Define an approach to giving that reflects your values and the impact you want to create
• Be equipped with practical frameworks to make informed, strategic decisions about your philanthropy
• Build confidence to make decisions in complex and uncertain environments
• Develop the ability to think more strategically about impact and long-term systems change
• Gain insight into effective approaches to collaboration across organisations and sectors
• Strengthen your leadership capability grounded in ethical and inclusive principles
• Connect with a trusted peer network for shared learning and insight

“The learnings were extraordinary and really shifted the way I think about giving and impact.”

Flexible delivery options

The Giving Academy offers flexible delivery formats to suit different professional schedules and learning preferences.

Virtual

A structured, interactive online experience designed to fit around busy schedules and enable participation from anywhere, combining live workshops with a peer cohort, self-paced modules and practical application of concepts and frameworks.

Hybrid

Our hybrid courses combine an intensive two-day, in-person experience, including a cohort dinner—designed for deep discussion, practical insight and meaningful peer connection—with self-paced online modules completed in advance of the workshop.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOUR PRACTICE

As a result of completing a course with The Giving Academy, you will be better equipped to:

• Design giving strategies that are intentional, values-aligned, and fit for purpose
• Move from reactive funding to more thoughtful, evidence-informed practice
• Respond effectively to complexity by adapting approaches as contexts evolve
• Focus your resources on long-term, systemic change rather than short-term outcomes
• Engage more constructively with partners, communities, and collaborators
• Use your influence, networks, and learning to strengthen philanthropic impact

SCHOLARSHIPS

As part of our commitment to strengthening the philanthropic sector, The Giving Academy will offer a limited number of scholarships thanks to the generous support of Minderoo Foundation and Equity Trustees.

Applying for a scholarship does not reserve a place and cohorts may fill before decisions are released.

If you are applying for a scholarship only, you do not need to complete the booking form unless you wish to secure a place regardless of the outcome.

Find out more and apply.

Purchase Your Seat

Fill in the form below to secure your seat in The Giving Academy and proceed to payment. Places are limited to preserve the quality of learning and peer exchange. We encourage early enrolment.