Andrew Binns joined Australian Communities Foundation as Chief Executive Officer in July 2024. He has deep expertise in community development and philanthropy. Andrew is an accomplished senior leader with a successful track record leading programming, business development, fundraising and operational functions.
I’m passionate about…
“I’m passionate about making strategic philanthropy more accessible. Most Australians wouldn’t see themselves as philanthropists so Australian Communities Foundation’s work encouraging people from all walks of life to use whatever resources they have to create positive change was what drew me to the organisation.
I’m also passionate about giving for community-led change, both here in Australia and internationally. Having grown up on a farm in country Victoria, I have a strong interest in supporting environmental initiatives, especially those with a focus on regenerating land damaged by over-farming. There is some amazing work underway that offers hope for reversing current climate trends, and there is definitely a role for philanthropy to play.”
My experience
“I have spent the last 15+ years working in community development and philanthropy. My most recent role was Chief of Private Funding at World Vision Australia. I’m honoured and enormously excited to be leading the team at Australian Communities Foundation and growing the impact of our fantastic community of givers and grant partners.”
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Our Giving
Community
When you give with us, you join Australia’s largest community of everyday philanthropists.
Our giving community is made up of 600+ Funds and Foundations created by individuals, families, couples, young professionals, business people, retirees, and everyone in between.
Some of us choose to join together to support key issues and amplify our impact by co-funding initiatives, while some of us prefer to keep our giving personal and private. What unites us is our desire to make a difference.
Benefits for our community
In addition to all the benefits that come with structured giving, our giving community enjoys access to a range of perks that inspire smarter giving.
Giving ideas + inspiration
Regular updates including giving ideas aligned with your interest areas, impact insights and inspiring stories
Co-funding opportunities
Opportunities to give together with like-minded donors and maximise your impact, including through the Impact Fund
Events + Learning Circles
Calendar of opportunities to meet and learn from other donors and changemakers, plus access to the Community of Giving space in Melbourne
Explore our community of Funds + Foundations
About Us
Australian Communities Foundation is a non-profit organisation that supports and enables smart, rewarding and effective giving.
Lucy supports our Philanthropy Team and grantees throughout the granting process.
I’m passionate about…
I am passionate about creating environments for reflective action, providing individuals and communities with opportunities to review their privilege and redistribute power. To create meaningful, social and systemic equity, we must be held to the standard of truth and create transparency within our institutions in our own backyard.
My experience
With previous experience in administration, I was drawn to ACF to fulfil my passion for truth-telling in ensuring that philanthropic efforts are directed towards empowering marginalised communities, promoting inclusive decision-making and advocating for systemic change that dismantles power imbalances. I’m excited to see this change in the Philanthropy sector as I build my career.
Shiralee is our Events & Digital Marketing Coordinator, looking after regular communications with ACF’s donor community and the wider philanthropy sector across ACF’s website, social media channels, and email newsletters.
As an experienced events coordinator, she supports the planning and production of events with ACF’s donor community. She also supports the development of content, and the implementation of communications and marketing strategies. When she’s not playing trivia games, you might find her setting up key ACF events or interviewing funders from ACF’s Giving Community.
I’m passionate about…
Through my work and personal living experiences, I have developed a passion for housing accessibility and renters’ rights, particularly that of people in marginalised communities who have a harder time finding secure and safe housing. I strongly believe housing is a human right and should not be viewed as a privilege. I want to do what I can to dismantle the colonial structures and social biases that contribute to homelessness and leave over 122,000 people stranded on any given night in Australia, so people’s well-being is prioritised over property profitability.
My experience
I have held a variety of paid and volunteer communications and events roles since finishing high school. My journey began while completing a Bachelor of Arts, as a community radio presenter and producer at JOY 94.9, helping amplify voices of LGBTQ+ youth with a diverse mix of co-hosts and guests. Fast-forward to 2021, I learned about RAHU (Renters and Housing Union) and joined the fight for renters’ rights by organising within the media team, and participating in my branch’s actions to educate and empower renters dealing with unfair living conditions.
Career-wise, I’ve worked in the marketing and events space, with roles in B2B Marketing, music and comedy, and a range of arts festivals.
As People and Culture Lead, Caroline’s role is to lead and manage the Human Resources function for the Foundation. This involves managing all aspects of recruitment, people management and development.
I’m passionate about…
I am passionate about developing positive opportunities for people in the work that they do and how they work. I am also passionate about supporting and collaborating with my colleagues to create positive and meaningful social and environmental change, and to continue to cultivate a culture of giving.
My interest in people and in diversity, desire to minimise inequality and to influence positive outcomes for both individuals and organisations was formed during my sociology undergraduate degree and has continued throughout my personal and professional life.
My interest in people and in diversity, desire to minimise inequality and to influence positive outcomes for both individuals and organisations was formed during my Sociology undergraduate degree and has continued throughout my personal and professional life.
My experience
Following a career in professional and financial services and completing a Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management, I later pursued my continued interest in education as a mature age student and parent and completed a Graduate Diploma in Primary Education, working as a teacher for several years before returning to Human Resources. I have worked in all areas of human resources across the corporate, financial, professional services, and not-for-profit sectors, with a particular focus on recruitment, learning and development, coaching and leadership development, policy development, project management and developing HR functions.
We are delighted to invite our giving community to Australian Communities Foundation’s end-of-year gathering.
Join us on Wednesday 13 December at The Pavilion, Arts Centre Melbourne for a sit-down lunch at an icon of Australian arts, culture and community.
Catch up with old friends and make new connections as we celebrate our year of giving together.
Event Details
Wednesday 13 December
12pm for 12:30pm – 2:30pm
The Pavilion
Arts Centre Melbourne
100 St Kilda Road
Southbank VIC 3004
Reserve your complimentary ticket
This event is open to Australian Communities Foundation fundholders and clients, and our friends in the philanthropy sector. Contact us to register.
Can’t join us in Melbourne? We’re currently planning a suite of events across Australia for 2024 and look forward to catching up at your local event. We’ll be in touch with more details in the new year.
Aaron is the Engagement & Advisory Lead for Australian Communities Foundation. He loves to introduce and teach people, families and businesses about the opportunities available to deliver impact and give back through strategic and progressive philanthropy.
I’m passionate about…
I’m passionate about connecting people with impact. There is broad array of opportunities out there in which we can help drive impact. I love exploring what these opportunities are and how they can best be structured to drive positive social and environmental change.
There is broad array of opportunities out there in which we can help drive impact. I love exploring what these opportunities are and how they can best be structured to drive positive social and environmental change.
My experience
Aaron has led a multifaceted career focused on social impact, skillfully fostering a diverse range of relationships to execute cross-sector projects. With global experience, he is pragmatic, innovative, and has an unwavering drive to facilitate impact-focused solutions. His strength lies in navigating complex situations, cultivating authentic relationships, and spearheading creative problem-solving.
Ava Gilmore works across the Philanthropy and Community Teams as our Fund & Client Services Coordinator, helping clients meet their needs and granting goals.
I’m passionate about…
I am passionate about gender equality and building a more inclusive society without discrimination, gendered violence, and biases.
The dismantling of patriarchal structures and addressing systematic inequalities for all women will lead to a fairer and safer society.
The dismantling of patriarchal structures and addressing systematic inequalities for all women will lead to a fairer and safer society.
My experience
I completed a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne, majoring in Politics, International Studies and History. Since graduating, I have worked in administration and insurance with skills in risk management. After returning from a gap year abroad, I wanted to work in a sector that was creating positive change in society. I am excited about this next stage of my career at Australian Communities Foundation.
Claudia works with the Philanthropy & Impact team as the Senior Grants Coordinator, helping to ensure smooth end-to-end processes for donors and grantees alike.
I’m passionate about…
I’m passionate about the more just and sustainable futures that are possible through conscious giving. It is an immense privilege and responsibility to be living through this time of momentous social and environmental change. I believe that more than ever, we need strong bridges between those with the means to give, and those working on the ground for positive change that future generations can look back on and be proud of.
It is an immense privilege and responsibility to be living through this time of momentous social and environmental change
My experience
Prior to joining Australian Communities Foundation, I completed a Bachelor of Arts (International Studies) at RMIT University and have worked in community development and volunteer engagement for organisations such as Open Table, Climate for Change and Cultivating Community.
I also recently had a short stint as an organic market gardener – a post-Covid response to wanting to get my hands dirty (literally) for the issues I care deeply about – vibrant, resilient food systems, community health and climate action.
Carly Severino is Director of Community & Philanthropy at Australian Communities Foundation, leading the Philanthropy and Fund & Client Services teams and overseeing every aspect of the experience for donors and clients. Carly aims to foster a strong and vibrant donor community by engaging stakeholders in helping to create a fairer and more sustainable Australia.
I’m passionate about…
I’m passionate about helping good people do great things. I love what happens when we bring people together – learning from each other, growing community and amplifying impact.
I love what happens when we bring people together – learning from each other, growing community and amplifying impact
My experience
With more than 20 years’ experience across corporate, consultancy, not-for-profit and tertiary organisations, I have spent the past decade focused on philanthropy and intergenerational wealth. I have been the founding Executive Officer of a private philanthropic foundation and for many years ran a peer network and education program for families with significant wealth. I am a non-Executive Director of Private Wealth Network and have a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from RMIT, a Bachelor of Letters (Hons) from Monash University and a Masters in Philanthropy and Social Investment from Swinburne University’s Centre for Social Impact.