History
In October 2008, a group of like-minded business and community leaders identified a gap in the philanthropic landscape in Western Australia. That gap included the need to provide information, education and connections to people and organisations who may be willing to give, and assist them to make sound decisions.
The creation of Giving West came after a wide consultation process and an extensive research project that produced the report "A Rising Tide? Exploring the Future of Giving in Western Australia", which was funded by Lotterywest and conducted by The University of Western Australia.
Since that time, Giving West has garnered much valuable support from influential individuals and groups from both the corporate and community sector in Western Australia and beyond. It is this groundswell of emerging and existing voices which we hope will enable us to achieve our goals of becoming a conduit and knowledge hub for greater levels of philanthropy in Western Australia.
Timeline
October 2008 - at The University of Western Australia, discussion commences between community and corporate leaders about levels and effectiveness of philanthropy in Western Australia.
November 2008 to March 2009 - research grant submission to Lotterywest.
April 2009 - Lotterywest approves research grant.
May 2009 - research project officially commences under the guidance of Emeritus Professor Margaret Seares AO and Ms Sally Edwards, along with a broadly-based expert steering committee. Project convenor is Ms Gaye McMath, Executive Director, Finance and Administration, The University of Western Australia.
November 2010 - launch of research report "A Rising Tide? Exploring the Future of Giving in Western Australia" at an event at The University of Western Australia Business School.
WA Business News editor Mark Pownall published a news article on the release of the report and foreshadowed the creation of Giving West, chaired by John Poynton AM CitWA. Inaugural "advisory board" members included fellow Giving West directors Michael Smith, Sally Burton and David Stanley, and also included business and community leaders Adrian Fini, Tonya McCusker, Jan Stewart, Gaye McMath, Jacquie Thomson and Christopher Thorn.
January 2011 - incorporation of Giving West confirmed and Chief Executive Officer, Kevin MacDonald commences with the organisation. Financial and in-kind support from various individuals and organisations provides initial funding and working capital.
March 2011 - Giving West holds its inaugural event in partnership with Social Ventures Australia, to profile the need and market for private ancillary funds as a vehicle for tax effective and strategic giving.
June 2011 - State Treasurer, the Hon. Christian Porter officially presents Giving West with cheque for $300,000 of funding over three years from Lotterywest.
