Our values.
At Good Foundations, this is what we value. We share your values as a not-for-profit organisation - we're interested in working on projects that make an impact and helping people learn and grow. We believe in having integrity, going the extra mile, thinking of innovative solutions and putting our heart and soul into our work. We value the long-term relationships we form with our clients, to whom we only offer honest and balanced advice.
Our beginnings.
After 16 years doing the corporate rounds (at PwC, NAB and Westpac), Stephen Penny went on to become the Chief Financial Officer of Opportunity International Australia (OIA), a pioneer providing and promoting socially focused micro-finance around the world. It was whilst visiting clients with Opportunity in India that Stephen's view on life changed.
Realising how relatively lucky we are in Australia, and wanting to work with those who already see the benefit of doing good in the world, Stephen went on to create Good Foundations in 2012. Recognising the need for a stronger, more efficient and business-minded sector, Stephen established Good Foundations to focus on how not-for-profits run themselves as a business. It is only with a solid foundation that an organisation  is born, whether for profit or not, and goes on to achieve success.
Whilst Good Foundations focuses on delivering client project work, we also want to be a voice for and make a difference at the wider sector level. We see so much passion in the sector of course, and know the impact generated by not-for-profits brings enormous value and life changing circumstances for all stakeholders involved - clients and recipients, staff, volunteers, donors.
But there is still much to do. We want to see better collaboration between these stakeholders, helping as many people as we can to teach, share, and learn from each other.
Everything we do is towards the aim of building the operational capacity of the sector. We combine knowledge and experience gained from both the corporate and not-for-profit sectors amongst our team to work closely with our clients to solve problems. We provide pragmatic and insightful advice, build close and long-term relationships with our clients and have fun doing it.
Collaborations
People for Purpose support the search, placement and development of professionals in leadership and board positions who strive to create positive social impact. We collaborate with People for Purpose on projects, and support each other in strengthening the sector's leadership and governance capacity.
If you wish to find out more about People for Purpose, please visit http://www.peopleforpurpose.com.au
From our own research, we know those involved in the not-for-profit sector believe that good leadership is the most important element in determining whether a not-for-profit is considered to be well-run. So when an organisation we are working with has leaders, either collectively or individually, who need specific and targeted coaching or mentoring, we suggest to them they may want to bring in Elise and her team at Leadership Space to compliment what Good Foundations is working on with them.
Leadership Space are social purpose specialists in the areas of executive leadership development, team leadership and career coaching. They provide sector-specialised coaching and facilitation services at board, CEO and senior management levels, and for those with career development and transition goals.
If you wish to find out more about Leadership Space, please visit http://www.leadershipspace.com.au
We know that not-for-profits, especially new or small organisations, can struggle to generate enough revenue to really get going. The Funding Network do an awesome job of linking these types of organisations to funders, which is why we recommend organisations who fit their criteria should apply to pitch at an event. For those wishing to support the sector, we also recommend they become a supporter of The Funding Network by attending an event and supporting a grass roots organisation working to create change.
The Funding Network's mission is to build the capacity of Australian grassroots not-for-profits by broadening the culture of giving and strengthening community connections. They do this through live crowdfunding events where like-minded individuals, foundations and corporations come together to create powerful social change.
If you wish to find out more about The Funding Network, please visit https://www.thefundingnetwork.com.au
The NonProfit Alliance is committed to working together with Australia's Not For Profit leaders to develop strategic business skills and leadership capabilities that will further enhance the success of the sector and achieve a more socially aware Australia. Good Foundations and NPA share a similar passion for developing the sector and work together to share insights, build networks and create opportunities.
If you wish to find out more about NPA, please visit https://www.nonprofitalliance.com.au
The PwC Charitable Foundation supports and invests in non-profit organisations that are creating emerging solutions to society's greatest challenges in education and humanitarianism. Good Foundations has worked with the PwC Foundation on conducting research into the sector, and continue to support each other with various projects.
If you wish to find out more about the PwC Charitable Foundation, please visit http://www.pwccharitablefoundation.org
