With APS clients giving away over $200 million this financial year our Giving Services team has been busier than ever.

Kate Stone, Head of Giving Services at APS, offers an update on what’s catching clients’ attention, and which emerging trends are influencing client giving.

The causes APS givers care about

Reflecting on recent trends, Kate highlights consistent interest among many clients in supporting mental health, climate issues including conservation, and education. There was also a significant uptick in interest surrounding homelessness and family/domestic violence, reflecting current societal challenges including the cost of living crisis and alarming statistics and increased media attention on domestic violence.

“The awareness generated by media coverage often prompts increased philanthropic action,” Kate explains. “In addition, tangible issues like homelessness and domestic violence often resonate deeply with our clients when they witness the immediate impact charities can have in these critical areas.”

Shifting perspectives on effective giving

Kate notes an increasing understanding of the benefits in trust-based giving among the APS community. “More clients are realising that giving unrestricted funding allows charities the flexibility to respond effectively to changing needs. ‘Untied’ funding empowers charities to use their expertise to maximise the impact of every dollar donated.”

Moreover, Kate addresses misconceptions regarding administration costs in charities. “Research indicates that low administration costs do not necessarily correlate with high impact,” she explains. “Philanthropist-backed research out of the US and Australia shows that low admin costs don’t necessarily equate to high impact. A ‘Pay What It Takes’ mindset is becoming more widely recognised, where donors support the full operational needs of charities, ensuring they can operate efficiently and sustainably.”

Engaging Future Generations

In the giving year, APS received increasing requests from clients for help to engage younger family members in their charitable activities. “Our Pathways to Impact and Make a Difference workshops are proving increasingly popular. They’re tailored to children and teenagers, offering them the opportunity to connect deeply with their values, consider what drives them to make a difference, then apply those insights with causes and charities meaningful to them,” she explains.

These workshops, Kate emphasises, play a crucial role in bridging generational gaps and cultivating a shared commitment to giving within families. They provide a structured framework for younger family members to begin to understand and contribute to the family’s philanthropic work and legacy.

Other popular resources

The services available for future generation givers is simply one part of APS’s wider commitment to supporting clients grappling with decisions on how to allocate their charitable funds, and ways to approach that decision making process.

“We offer a vast array of other types of workshops, toolkits, and information designed to assist clients in their giving journey,” Kate explains. “Our Giving Conversations help families set or refine their giving strategies, while our Give Lists provide curated selections of charities focused on specific causes of interest.”

In addition, a range of ‘how to’ toolkits are designed to offer guidance at any stage of the giving process. “For example, our Questions for Impact Toolkit is designed to help our clients ask pertinent questions before and during their funding process. It helps clients to gain a deeper understanding of the impact their contributions can have on charity partners.”

To find out more about our any of the services referenced above, our Giving Services team is here to help. Please contact Kate on kstone@australianphilanthropicservices.com.au or 02 9779 6314.