The Giving Academy

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COURSE SNAPSHOT
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
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 grantseekers 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.
Click "learn more" to see upcoming dates, prices and locations
Learn more
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. Those who bring lived experience as a practitioner into the room consistently report gaining the most from the program.
Not sure which course is right for you? Reach out and we’ll help you choose the best fit.
Click "learn more" to see upcoming dates, prices and locations
Learn more
"The format of the course enabled open conversations with funders, and a deeper understanding of giving structures. This has shaped a clearer and more effective funding ask, and I'm pleased to share that it led to immediate and essential funding.” Amy Low, CEO of the Social Outfit reveals.
Just as importantly, the course has helped Amy and her team become more strategic about where they invest their time - moving away from chasing every opportunity, towards building relationships with funders aligned to their work.
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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
  

“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 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
• Virtual Price: $2,800 + GST ($3,080 incl. GST)
• Hybrid Price: $3,900 + GST ($4,290 incl. GST)
• 20% Discount Virtual Price: $2,800$2,240 ($2,464 incl. GST)
• 20% Discount Hybrid Price: $3,900 $3,120 ($3,432 incl. GST)
  

Discounts: A 20% discount is available for those from a grantseeking not-for-profit organisation, or a Philanthropy Australia member from a grantmaking organisation distributing less than $5 million annually.
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.
2026 National Locations
Bookings for up to three participants can be completed directly via our online registration and payment link.
For group registrations of four or more participants, please email us to confirm availability and arrange the booking. We can also provide invoicing for group registrations if required.
If you need alternative payment options or have any questions, please contact us at csinational@unsw.edu.au
EFFECTIVE GIVING

• Virtual Cohort One: 29 April - 24 June 2026 (Enrolments closed)
• Sydney Hybrid Cohort:  30 April - 15 May 2026 (Enrolments closed)
• Perth Hybrid Cohort:  3 July - 7 August 2026 (Enrolments closed)
• Virtual Cohort Two: 28 July - 15 September 2026 (Enrolments closed)
• Brisbane Hybrid Cohort:  17 September - 23 October 2026 Includes online welcome call on 17 September (12:30-1:15pm AEST) | In-person workshop, 8 - 9 October (8:45am - 4pm) | Cohort dinner, 8 October | Practical assessment due 23 October.
• Virtual Cohort Three:  21 October - 9 December 2026 Includes welcome call on 21 October (12:30 – 1:15pm AEDT) | 4x weekly online workshops, Wednesdays 12:30-2:30pm AEDT | Practical assessment due 9 December
  

GIVING IN COMPLEXITY

• Melbourne Hybrid Cohort: 21 May - 26 June 2026 (Enrolments closed)
• Virtual Cohort: 22 July - 30 September 2026 (Enrolments closed)

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