Sally Hines has built her career at the intersection of people and purpose – working across social enterprise, partnerships and leadership to connect individuals and organisations with meaningful pathways to impact. Along the way, she has seen firsthand how the right support, at the right moment, can unlock lasting change. Now, as Director of Engagement and Advisory at Australian Communities Foundation (ACF), Sally brings that perspective to philanthropy, helping Fundholders and Clients shape their giving in ways that are thoughtful, strategic, and aligned with their values.
We sat down with Sally to learn more about what drew her to ACF, her experience across the for-purpose sector, and what she’s most excited about in her new role.
What drew you to Australian Communities Foundation?
What really drew me to ACF is the idea of people coming together around a shared purpose – a community of philanthropy. The values, vision and purpose of the organisation felt deeply aligned with the work I’ve done throughout my career.
I see ACF as an enabler of the broader for-purpose ecosystem – supporting the people and organisations doing the work on the ground, and helping them go further through thoughtful, values-led giving.
I’ve spent most of my professional life in the not-for-profit sector, so moving into philanthropy felt like a natural next step. I see ACF as an enabler of the broader for-purpose ecosystem – supporting the people and organisations doing the work on the ground, and helping them go further through thoughtful, values-led giving.
Can you tell us more about your professional journey and how it’s led you here?
I’ve always worked in the for-purpose sector, mostly in roles focused on engagement, partnerships, and business development. In my time at Leadership Victoria, I worked on designing leadership programs for organisations, helping them identify challenges within their workforce and develop tailored solutions.
Our work at ACF in advising clients is similarly about understanding what people are trying to achieve, asking the right questions, and working together to design a pathway forward.
How does ACF’s approach to philanthropy resonate with you?
One of the things that really draws me to philanthropy, and the way ACF approaches it, is that it’s relational rather than transactional.
In my experience working in not-for-profits, funding relationships can often feel quite transactional, particularly when tied to government funding. Philanthropy offers something different. It allows for deeper relationships, and for funding that can support innovation and organisations that might otherwise be overlooked.
One of the things that really draws me to philanthropy, and the way ACF approaches it, is that it’s relational rather than transactional.
What causes are you most passionate about?
Housing and employment are two areas that have always been front of mind for me.
Through my work at The Big Issue and Homes for Homes, I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is for people to have a safe and stable place to live. Having a home creates a foundation for everything else. Similarly, employment provides more than just income; it offers a sense of identity, purpose and belonging.
For me, it comes back to giving people access to choice… I’m really motivated by work that expands those choices and supports people to move forward.
For me, it comes back to giving people access to choice. When you’re experiencing disadvantage, the range of choices available to you is often limited. I’m really motivated by causes that expand those choices and support people to move forward – whether that’s a second chance, or a fifth, or a hundredth.
What keeps you inspired outside of work?
I’m currently on the board of StreetSmart, which supports grassroots organisations working in the homelessness sector. That keeps me connected to what’s happening on the ground and the incredible work of frontline organisations.
Outside of that, I’m an avid reader. I love fiction – it’s a complete escape. I actually got married at the State Library, so that probably tells you everything you need to know! Books are definitely my happy place.
What excites you about stepping into this role?
I’m naturally very curious, and I really enjoy getting to know people – understanding what motivates them and what they’re hoping to achieve through their philanthropy.
I’m excited to be part of the journey, to support our Fundholders and Clients in realising their goals, and to help them navigate how they can have the greatest possible impact.
If you or anyone you know is thinking about how to take that next step with your giving, I’d love to have a conversation about how we can connect your passions with pathways to make a real difference.
