Perpetual : welcomes Giving Australia Philanthropy Report

Media Release

Perpetual, one of Australia's largest managers of philanthropic funds, has welcomed the launch of the full Giving Australia 2016 - Philanthropy and philanthropists report, the largest research initiative of its kind in Australia.

To mark the launch, Perpetual today held an event for not-for-profit and philanthropy clients and partners, where attendees had the exclusive opportunity to hear first-hand insights from Giving Australia 2016 researcher Professor Jo Barraket.

Geoff Lloyd, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Perpetual, said the Giving Australia project was a landmark study for Australia's not-for-profit sector, community and policy makers.

"As the most comprehensive insight into Australia's philanthropic landscape, the research offers valuable insights for every part of the giving community - in particular for NFPs looking to secure a sustainable future," Mr Lloyd said.

As trustee for approximately 1000 charitable trusts and endowments, Perpetual manages

$2.6 billion in charitable funds (as at 31 December 2016). Each year Perpetual distributes more than $80 million to NFPs on behalf of clients and invests in strengthening the NFP sector. Perpetual has been connecting philanthropy and philanthropists since 1886, enabling giving to have tangible community benefits.

The report found the top three influences over granting choices were alignment with personal passions, sound governance in the recipient organisation, and perceived competence of the charity.

"At Perpetual, we have seen a growing sophistication in the broader philanthropic sector and with our clients. There is an emphasis on funding for impact and sustainability, and we have seen a clear move towards supporting NFPs who can demonstrate outstanding governance and delivery against their mission.

"While our clients give at many different levels, they all want their funds invested wisely to improve the cause they are passionate about.

"These findings are a timely reminder for NFPs to review and invest in their governance and effectiveness, particularly in an increasingly digital age."

The report also found giving behaviours were influenced by personal networks and communities, and were positively impacted by ease and accessibility.

"As a community, we must encourage more giving by normalising philanthropy, emphasising its impacts and making it as simple as possible. Trusted advisers continue to play an important role in educating and connecting clients to philanthropy. We encourage all Australians to consider structured giving as part of their financial and estate planning."

This research builds on Giving Australia 2005 and was commissioned by the Department of Social Services (DSS) to assist the work of the Prime Minister's Community Business Partnership. The Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies (ACPNS), with the Centre for Social Impact (CSI) Swinburne and The Centre for Corporate Public Affairs, have partnered to undertake this research project.

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The Giving Australia 2016 research collected comprehensive, up-to-date information from individuals, charitable organisations, philanthropists and businesses in Australia to provide critical information about giving and volunteering behaviours, attitudes and trends. It was commissioned by the Department of Social Services to assist the work of the Prime Minister's Community Business Partnership. The Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies, with the Centre for Social Impact Swinburne and The Centre for Corporate Public Affairs, have partnered to undertake this research project.

Jessica Effeney Honner

Phone: 02 8248 3745

Email: jessica@honner.com.au

Perpetual is an independent financial services group operating in funds management, financial advisory and trustee services. Our origin as a trustee company, coupled with our strong track record of investment performance, has created our reputation as one of the strongest brands in financial services in Australia.

Perpetual works closely with not-for-profit organisations to help optimise their financial investments and organisational sustainability. We also work with philanthropists to help their giving have maximum impact. As trustee for approximately 1,000 charitable trusts and endowments managing $2.6 billion in charitable funds (as at 31 December 2016), each year we distribute more than $80 million to not-for-profits on behalf of our philanthropy clients.

For further information, go to www.perpetual.com.au