This document discusses advancing philanthropy in Australia. It notes some reported public perceptions that non-profit organizations (NPOs) should be funded by the government, and that NPOs have a reduced reputation and a fragmented sector. It suggests opportunities to redefine "Australian philanthropy" by developing key messages to change perceptions and raise awareness, and recruiting champions. It provides examples of themes around philanthropy in Australia, the UK, and the US. It makes the case that philanthropy is part of human nature by discussing evolutionary psychology research showing humans have parts of the brain specialized to support helping others.

1. Advancing Philanthropy
Reflections and suggestions
By Ted Flack, PhD,CFRE
22 May 2009

2. The problem
• Reported public perceptions:
– NPOs should be funded by government;
– Reduced reputation of NPOs;
– Fragmented NPO sector.
• Reflections:
– Many are government funded – so how do we differentiate?
– All institutions are less trusted – so how do we signal
trustworthiness?
– Fragmented NPO sector because it is not a single industry – so
what do we share?

3. Some opportunities
• Redefine an “Australian philanthropy”
– Develop key messages to change perceptions
– Raise awareness of opportunities for involvement
– Recruit champions of philanthropy
– Encourage leadership for innovation
• Reflections:
– What is “Australian Philanthropy”? Market research?
– Australian themes: “Fair go”, “help a mate” = egalitarian
– American themes: “Philanthropy” = display of affluence & influence?
– UK themes: “Philanthropy” = landed gentry and “nouveau riche”

4. Our story
The whale’s cry is carried for thousands of metres and
profoundly disturbs the rest of the pod

5. Even elephants mourn their dead

6. Our hearts go out to sick children

7. We care about strangers in trouble

8. Does you your heart sing when you hear a
story about someone succeeding against
the odds?

9. Do you get “goose bumps” when
you read about their courage?
Simpson and his donkey

10. Then you are a philanthropist!
Literally - someone who loves mankind
But do you do anything about it?
There’s plenty of reasons not to -
– Not my responsibility
– I pay taxes to look after that
– I might get sued
– I haven't got time

11. Or you can go with your feelings
• Give (not tip)
• Volunteer (not talk)
• Join with others who care
(not hope it goes away)
• Help now (not “another day”)

12. Possible lines
• We are going to do something about that
• Yes, I do give a damn
• Count me in – I’ll help
• Hey, that’s not fair, no way I’m putting up with
that
• I feel we’ve all got to give a hand
• Well, you know, we have all got to pitch in
Or the conscience thing……
• I didn’t quite get around to it, but……

13. New evidence for philanthropy
Evolutionary psychology literature:
• Axelrod (1984), The Evolution of Cooperation
• Frank (1988), Passions within Reason: The Strategic Role of
Emotions
• Ridley, M. (1996). The Origins of Virtue
• Diamond, (1997) Guns, Germs & Steel
Medical research
• Moll, et al., (2006), using MRI technology, show that
humans have parts of their specialised brains especially
designed to support philanthropy