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The 2026 Social Impact Staff Retention report highlights that the social sector is quietly losing some of its best people, with 70% of nonprofit professionals considering leaving their roles, significantly higher than the broader workforce.

While fundraisers are often seen as most at risk, the pressure is sector-wide, with community engagement, marketing and program teams reporting even higher intent to leave. Burnout driven by heavy workloads, unrealistic expectations and limited growth opportunities continues to push people out.

For Australia’s social sector, the challenge is clear. Attracting new talent is only part of the solution. Building strong, supportive organisations where people can thrive is what will sustain impact.

READ MORE HERE.

The Community Council for Australia (CCA) has lodged a submission to government highlighting the growing impact of rising fuel costs and economic pressure on charities and NFPs.

The submission calls for the sector to be actively included in crisis planning, noting its significant workforce and role in supporting vulnerable communities. It outlines key risks including increased operating costs, reduced volunteer capacity, declining donations, and rising demand for services, reinforcing the need for early scenario planning and stronger sector engagement in national policy responses.

READ MORE HERE.

Davos 2026 highlighted a growing sense of societal strain, with inequality, anxiety, AI disruption and declining trust placing people at the centre of global conversations. Alongside geopolitical tensions, leaders consistently emphasised that human well-being and human capital are essential to economic resilience, particularly as AI risks widening uneven growth and inequality.

The consensus was clear: investing in people through health, education, skills, trust and fair distribution of innovation’s gains is critical to avoiding deeper social fragmentation and building sustainable, shared prosperity.

Read more here.

Government Engagement 102

It’s about this time that staff at Australia’s for purpose organisations start thinking about the new year that’s fast approaching.

Everyone gathers around a whiteboard or conference table and examines what the organisation is doing well and what’s needed to make a bigger impact.

The conclusion: We’re making a difference, but more is needed.

That’s the part many organisations struggle with. They already know political engagement is needed to take that extra step and secure those policy wins or win more contracts to extend their services.

Others are sitting in offices carrying out the same exercise and not everyone is going to be able to get the support they need. Some will just hope for the best – but hope is not strategy.

Government engagement expert and Tanck Co-founder Neil Pharaoh told the For Purpose Alliance November Keynote Series in Sydney the key to successful campaigns is understanding exactly what it involves.

“You must be focused and everyone on the team needs to know what the objectives are,” Neil said.

“From there it’s like any team sport – you need to train well, plan carefully and then execute your plans and be disciplined and organised about it,” he said.

To achieve this, Neil explained to the For Purpose Alliance event what stakeholders need targeting and the information they need to see before they approve any new funding requests.

“I call it the WIFM Effect. WIFM is What’s In It For Me. It’s what drives a lot of our behaviour and politicians and government departments aren’t immune to this. If anything, they are even more inclined to lean into it, so it’s vital you can communicate the benefits to them of working with you,” Neil said.

Those attending the Keynote Series were given examples of successful campaigns and what made them winners.

“A successful campaign needs to be clear about what the outcome you are seeking is. To change policy, change perceptions, obtain more funding, or to influence policy, these are all different objectives that require a different approach,” Neil said.

Part of this is influencer mapping – and these aren’t the sort of influencers you typically see on TikTok and Instagram.

“You need to identify who all the key people are. These are people who might support the change you want to make or can help influence others to get behind the change. Others will be opposed to what you are doing, and they need to carefully be navigated as well,” he said.

Neil said strategy, tactics, frameworks and advocacy are all needed to get cut through and results.

“Good campaigns that land great outcomes for an organisation don’t happen by accident. And as well-meaning as political stakeholders are, they need to know what is in it for them. It’s up to each organisation to have those answers ready and to advocate strongly for the outcome they’re seeking,” he said.

Despite one in seven Australians living in poverty, the issue was barely raised at the Treasurer’s recent economic roundtable. Australia remains an international outlier, with no official poverty measures in place. While the outdated Henderson Poverty Line still exists, OECD data shows housing costs are a major driver of inequality, and multidimensional measures used overseas highlight deeper issues such as health, education, employment and social connection. Experts argue Australia must adopt modern, comprehensive measures to truly understand who is struggling and why — and to design better policy and community responses.

READ MORE HERE

Australia’s inaugural Social Economy Survey highlights the sector’s growing role in driving social and environmental impact but also reveals major challenges. The study identified five key issues: securing sustainable funding, under-resourced collaboration, the untapped potential of co-operatives and mutuals, the need for better impact frameworks, and inconsistent government support. The Centre for Social Impact calls for coordinated action – embedding equity, funding, partnerships, and policy support – to harness the sector’s potential, strengthen resilience, and position it as a central force in Australia’s sustainable growth.

READ MORE HERE

The non-profit sector is often dismissed or criticised by those outside it, yet it is a multi-billion-dollar industry that underpins civil society, drives innovation, and provides essential services in times of crisis. Despite deep expertise, rigorous impact frameworks, and highly qualified professionals, the sector faces persistent condescension and double standards, with its efficiency and legitimacy questioned in ways other industries are not.

Every aspect of our lives from healthcare to disaster relief relies on charities and this author suggests that what’s needed is greater respect and trust – and belief in the sector’s expertise.

READ MORE HERE

A Personal Message from Carmel Molloy: FPA’s Launch in Queensland – July 2025

I’m incredibly excited to share that the For Purpose Alliance (FPA), proudly supported by the Minderoo Foundation, is launching in Queensland in July 2025.

This marks a significant milestone in our journey – one that brings the transformative FPA Leadership Hub Program to a new community of purpose-driven leaders ready to connect, collaborate, and grow.

Why This Launch Matters
Over the past decade, the FPA has united senior leaders across the social purpose sector, providing a space to share knowledge, face challenges together, and grow both personally and professionally.

When we first began in 2015 as the NonProfit Alliance (NPA), our mission was simple: to support nonprofit leaders who often felt isolated in their work, by providing an environment for connection, collaboration, and authentic leadership development, tailored to the needs of the sector.

As the landscape evolved, we recognised that these challenges extended beyond traditional nonprofits. Social enterprises, foundations, and other for-purpose organisations shared similar needs. That’s why we reimagined our identity – becoming the For Purpose Alliance – to reflect our broader vision of supporting all leaders driving social change.

Now, we’re bringing that mission to Queensland.

The FPA Leadership Hub: Supporting the Whole Leader
At the heart of our work is the belief that leadership is a personal journey–but with stronger leadership we build more robust organsiations capable of sustaining our sector into the future.

Our FPA Leadership Hub program supports CEOs and senior executives through face2face groups that foster trust, candour, and deep learning. These confidential peer networks are designed to help leaders navigate complexity, reflect on challenges, and access the collective wisdom of others walking a similar path.

We go beyond strategy and skills. Our programs nurture the emotional intelligence, resilience, and clarity of vision required to lead with courage in today’s fast-changing world.

Who is Eligible?
As a social enterprise, the For Purpose Alliance is committed to breaking down barriers to access. For every full-paying membership, we invest in our FPA Scholarship Program — supported by philanthropic partnerships — to ensure leaders from regional areas, Indigenous-led organisations, and those with limited financial capacity can participate.

We believe leadership support should be available to those doing the most important work — not just those with the means to afford it. If cost is a barrier, please don’t hesitate to express your interest. We’re here to explore options and support your participation wherever we can.

Why Leadership Matters Now More Than Ever
The work we do in the social sector is meaningful – and demanding. Leading purpose-driven organisations can be isolating, mentally taxing, and emotionally draining. That’s why building a strong support network for our leaders is no longer optional – it’s essential.

Through FPA, I want to ensure that leaders aren’t just surviving – they’re thriving and supported by their peers.

By investing in their own development, leaders can better support their teams, organisations, and the broader missions they serve. The FPA Leadership Hub exists to make that possible.

What’s Next for Queensland
As we look ahead to this next chapter, I’m filled with optimism about what we can create together in Queensland. This expansion is more than just geography – it’s an invitation.

An invitation to connect. To grow. To lead with purpose, together.

Whether you’re a CEO or senior executive, I invite you to be part of this new chapter. Join our growing network of for-purpose leaders who are shaping a more resilient, collaborative, and impactful sector.

Join Us
If you’re ready to invest in yourself, your leadership, and your organisation – now is the time.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE FPA LEADERSHIP PROGRAM & INCLUSIONS EMAIL US HERE.

OR, IF YOU’D LIKE TO HAVE A CHAT ABOUT HOW FPA CAN MEET YOUR NEEDS, CLICK HERE.

I can’t wait to welcome you into the FPA community and to the important work ahead in Queensland.

Carmel Molloy
CEO, For Purpose Alliance

Research shows that inequalities persist in the NDIS, with women, older Australians, and those from disadvantaged areas facing higher rejection rates for funding.

Disabilities like intellectual disability and autism are more likely to be approved, while physical and psychosocial disabilities, especially among women, face higher rejection rates. While funding is generally equitable once approved, access to services and cultural safety can affect usage. Ongoing NDIS reforms aim to improve fairness, but concerns about new inequalities remain.

READ MORE HERE

Queensland’s social enterprise sector received an $80 million boost with the creation of the Office of Social Impact, supported by philanthropist Allan English and Treasurer David Janetzki.

The Office will manage a $20 million annual fund for four years to scale social enterprises. The Social Impact Advisory Roundtable, led by English, will create a roadmap for growth in collaboration with sector leaders and philanthropists. This initiative aims to drive social outcomes through purpose-driven businesses, with hopes to inspire similar efforts across Australia.

READ MORE HERE