As families prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend, women are being recognised for their role in building a more generous Australia, Judith Fiander, CEO at Australian Philanthropic Services (APS) says. 

“Mother’s Day is a beautiful time to honour the women who shape our lives, our values and our future,” Fiander says.  

“Whether it’s supporting local schools, medical research, environmental causes, or helping vulnerable families, women bring a personal lens to their giving that drives meaningful, lasting change.” 

Women already influence the majority of household charitable decisions and are expected to control a significant share of the nation’s wealth transfer. Many will inherit not just financial resources, but the opportunity to embed values of care, community and legacy into how that wealth is used.  

“Now, set to inherit 65% of Australia’s $5.4 trillion intergenerational wealth transfer, women are poised to play an even more influential role in the future of philanthropy,” Fiander says. 

For many families, Mother’s Day is also a moment where celebration and grief sit side by side. Fiander says philanthropy can offer a meaningful way to honour a mother’s values while continuing her legacy through giving. 

“Mother’s Day can be a joyful celebration, but for many people it is also a reminder of someone deeply missed,” Fiander says.  

“Giving in memory of an absent mother does not take grief away, but it can give love somewhere to go. It allows families to honour her life, continue the values she lived by, and create something positive that keeps giving back.” 

While one-off donations create immediate impact, Fiander encourages mothers and their families to consider structured giving for greater influence and longevity. Vehicles such as Private Ancillary Funds (PAFs) or a named giving fund within the APS Foundation allow donors to create a philanthropic pool that can grow tax-effectively and distribute grants to chosen causes in perpetuity. 

“Structured giving turns generosity into a family habit and a living legacy,” Fiander says.  

“It creates opportunities for mothers to involve their children and grandchildren in decision-making, sparking conversations about values, purpose and the difference they want to make in the world. In doing so, they’re actively shaping a more generous Australia for future generations.” 

APS partners with initiatives such as She Gives to support more women in stepping confidently into philanthropic leadership. Structured giving is increasingly accessible, with options suitable for a wide range of wealth levels, including entry points starting from $40,000 for certain funds. 

“Many women don’t see themselves as ‘philanthropists’, yet they are already the driving force behind much of Australia’s giving,” Fiander says.  

“Mother’s Day is a moment to celebrate that.” 

6 May 2026