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
Master Philanthropy in Complex Systems
In an increasingly complex world, the need for skilled philanthropic leaders has never been greater. This course is for those on the giving side of philanthropy who have come to the realisation that social, environmental and economic challenges don’t exist in isolation but are interconnected, dynamic and resist simple solutions.
This course helps funders and philanthropists develop the mindset and tools needed to work effectively in complex adaptive systems when the path forward is unclear.
Grounded in proven frameworks and action-learning, you will learn to navigate uncertainty, support community-led initiatives and collaborate across sectors to address root causes rather than symptoms.
What you will learn
In the Giving in Complexity short course you will:
- Shift from linear problem-solving to emergent strategy
- Navigate uncertainty and adapt strategies by recognising patterns and responding to change
- Strengthen leadership to work effectively with boards and support learning and accountability
- Challenge conventional approaches and develop strategies for catalysing transformational change in the face of complexity
- Examine how donors contribute to systems change and where impact can grow
- Address power dynamics and build effective, collaborative partnerships
- Support community-led initiatives and focus on root causes rather than symptoms
- Integrate First Nations systems thinking into philanthropic practice
Prerequisites for this course: Giving in Complexity is best suited to those seeking to work at a systems level and who have the seniority or influence to shape giving decisions. Completion of Effective Giving is strongly recommended.
Who should attend
Giving in Complexity is designed for those on the giving side of the philanthropic ecosystem who have the seniority or influence to shape giving decisions. This short course is for you if you already have experience in philanthropy and are ready to deepen your practice and work with complexity at a systems level. Participants may include:
- Philanthropic practitioners
- Foundation staff
- Family offices
- Trustees and board members
- Wealth holders
- Philanthropic advisors and intermediaries
If working at systems-level complexity isn’t quite where you are yet, you may wish to explore our Effective Giving course as a strong foundation.
How is the course delivered?
Virtual format
Our virtual courses are designed to fit around a busy schedule and enable participation from anywhere, while maintaining a rich, interactive learning experience. Each course includes:
- A 45-minute welcome session to connect with facilitators and peers
- Four highly interactive facilitated online workshops (two hours each) with peers, delivered weekly or fortnightly
- Self-paced virtual modules to complete ahead of each workshop
- A two-week window following the final online workshop to complete a practical assessment that will help you put your learning into practice
- A digital badge recognising your completion of the course
Full dates are outlined below.
Hybrid format
Our hybrid cohorts combine an intensive two-day, in-person experience—designed for deep discussion, practical insight and meaningful peer connection—with self-paced online modules completed in advance of the workshop. Each course includes:
- A 45-minute online welcome session three weeks prior to the workshop
- Self-paced virtual modules to complete ahead of face-to-face workshops
- Two full-day, face-to-face workshops held on a Thursday and Friday in Australian capital cities
- A dedicated networking dinner with your cohort on Thursday evening to build trusted peer relationships across the philanthropic ecosystem
- A two-week window following the final workshop to complete a practical assessment that will help you put your learning into practice
- A digital badge recognising your completion of the course
Upcoming course dates
★ VIRTUAL ★
22 July - 30 September 2026
Includes online welcome call on 22 July (6 – 6:45pm AEST) | 4x fortnightly online workshops, Wednesdays 6-8pm AEST online | Practical assessment due 30 September.
★ HYBRID ★
MELBOURNE : 21 May - 26 June 2026
Includes online welcome call on 21 May (12:30-1:15pm AEST) | In--person workshop, 11 - 12 June (8:45am - 4pm) | Cohort dinner, 11 June | Practical assessment due 26 June.
Advancing Your Philanthropic Leadership
Graduates of The Giving Academy are better equipped to:
- Design intentional, values aligned and fit for purpose giving strategies
- Move from reactive funding to thoughtful, evidence informed practice
- Respond effectively to complexity as contexts evolve
- Focus resources on long term, systemic change
- Engage constructively with partners, communities and collaborators
- Use influence, networks and learning to strengthen philanthropic impact
Your Investment
The Giving in Complexity short course offers a premium learning experience grounded in expert facilitation, high-calibre contributors and a carefully designed, confidential learning environment focused on real-world practice, equipping you to shape systems-level change with confidence.
Virtual format: $3,080 incl. GST ($2,800 + $280 GST)
Hybrid format: $4,290 incl. GST ($3,900 + $390 GST)
A 20% discount is available for individuals working for grant seeking charities with an annual revenue of under $3million.
Scholarships
As part of our commitment to strengthening the philanthropic sector, The Giving Academy is offering a limited number of scholarships, thanks to the generous support of Minderoo Foundation and Equity Trustees. Scholarships are currently available for:
- First Nations people
- Gender-diverse individuals
- Individuals working in climate-related initiatives
- Staff from smaller sized philanthropic organisations with limited professional development funding
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.