AuSAE - Are Strong, Sustainable Not for Profits Just a Pipedream?

Are Strong, Sustainable Not for Profits Just a Pipedream?

19 Apr 2018 3:34 PM | Deleted user

Innovation, collaboration and financial control are key to ensuring strong, sustainable not for profits in today’s world, writes Community Sector Banking CEO Andrew Cairns.

Australian not for profits never cease to amaze me. I hear countless stories of incredible programs and passionate people making a real impact. They are on the front-lines, empowering the most vulnerable people in our society, advocating for our rights, and protecting our environment. Not for profits are essential for strong, sustainable and happy communities.

Yet, today’s not for profits face a mountain of challenges. Some 3,000 new charities pop up each year, jostling for the same decreasing pool of funding and grants, according to The Australian. At the same time, the demand on not for profits is only mounting.

Australia is facing social crises that are complex and on a massive scale – from domestic violence to unaffordable housing pushing people into homelessness. Not for profits are increasingly being asked to step in for governments to address these problems.

How can we ensure strong, sustainable not for profits in today’s world? This is a question I genuinely work to answer every day. Community Sector Banking was formed 15 years ago, when a group of not for profits came together with a plan to take control of their financial destiny. It’s an ongoing project and much as it genuinely excites me, I won’t bang on about it – I know you’re waiting for the answer to that question.

How can we make not for profits strong and sustainable? There’s no one silver bullet. Innovation, collaboration and financial control are key.

These are all fairly lofty concepts, so I’ll give you some concrete examples of collaboration strengthening a not for profit.

Mission Australia Housing has teamed up with the private and government sectors to deliver what’s billed as Australia’s largest social housing project: the redevelopment of Sydney’s Ivanhoe Housing Estate. Mission Australia will have onsite offices to provide support programs for social housing tenants, creating a pathway to empower people into the private housing market.

Haven; Home, Safe in Bendigo is another great example. Their award-winning Sidney Myer Haven project pairs housing and education to build resilience and long-term capability in its residents. Collaboration between government, and the private and philanthropic sectors has made this program possible, enabling people to turn their lives around.

These projects show the power of collaboration to generate sustainable not-for-profit programs, and make a positive impact in our communities. In my position, I’m privileged with great insight into Australia’s not-for-profit sector. I know of countless projects and initiatives, which offer lessons that go towards answering that burning question.

There’s no one silver bullet to make each and every not for profit strong and sustainable. Every organisation is unique and as such, they require a unique solution. Yet, all must take the first step on the path to sustainability. And that step is questioning: what are your unique challenges, and goals? How can you innovate, collaborate and gain financial control, to ensure long-term sustainability and impact in our communities?

Originally published in Pro Bono News

Strengthening Trans-Tasman Connections: AuSAE and Tourism New Zealand Business Events Renew Partnership

Association professionals across Australia and New Zealand have even more reason to explore trans-Tasman opportunities. AuSAE is proud to announce the renewal of its longstanding partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events, celebrating 11 years of collaboration.

For over a decade, this partnership has strengthened connections between the two countries, helping associations expand networks, share knowledge, and deliver world-class events.

Toni Brearley, CAE, Chief Executive Officer at AuSAE, said:

“Our partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events has opened doors for association leaders to plan unforgettable events and connect with peers across the Tasman. Together, we’ve created opportunities, shared knowledge, and elevated the experiences of our members and their delegates. This partnership reinforces our commitment to fostering strong trans-Tasman collaborations, helping associations innovate, grow, and deliver outstanding value to their members.”

Helen Bambry, Business Events Manager at Tourism New Zealand, added:

“Partnering with AuSAE means we can directly support association professionals in bringing their next international business event to New Zealand – offering assistance, funding, and support to ensure exceptional experiences for both organisers and delegates.”

Watch the Tourism New Zealand Business Events video

What this partnership means for you

For Australian associations:

Receive expert guidance and support to bring conferences or member events to New Zealand.
Access funding assistance through Tourism New Zealand Business Events.
Expand your network and build partnerships with New Zealand peers and industry leaders.
Deliver international experiences for members and delegates just across the Tasman.

For New Zealand associations:

Strengthen professional connections with Australian association leaders through AuSAE’s network.
Share expertise and collaborate on professional development, governance, and member engagement initiatives, and more.
Gain visibility within the broader association community in Australia and New Zealand.
Access opportunities to host international association events and delegates in New Zealand, boosting local engagement and knowledge exchange.

About AuSAE:

The home for association professionals, the Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) is the leading - and only not-for-profit, member-based - organisation supporting association professionals in Australia and New Zealand. For 70 years, AuSAE has been a trusted partner for those working in associations, providing professional development, support, and networking to help association leaders achieve organisational goals, advance their careers, and strengthen the wider sector.

About Tourism New Zealand Business Events:

Tourism New Zealand Business Events provides expert guidance, funding, and support to attract conferences, incentives and corporate events to New Zealand.

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For more information about AuSAE, please contact Toni Brearley, CAE:
Toni Brearley, CAE
Chief Executive Officer, AuSAE
E: toni@ausae.org.au
T: + 61 458 000 155

To apply for funding and support to host a conference in New Zealand contact Helen Bambry:
Helen Bambry
Business Events Manager, Tourism New Zealand
E: Helen.Bambry@tnz.govt.nz
T: +61 415 933 325

The Australasian Society of Association Executives

Contact us:

Email: info@ausae.org.au
Phone: 1300 764 576 (within Australia)
Phone: +61 7 3268 7955 (outside Australia)
Address: Unit 6, 26 Navigator Place, Hendra QLD 4011, Australia