The Five Pillars — Consultation Overview

Purpose

Many Australian families care deeply about their communities and would value the opportunity to consider philanthropy as part of their broader wealth conversations. Philanthropy-Ready™ is exploring how we might make it easier, more consistent and more supported for advisers to have those conversations when clients indicate interest. This overview outlines five gentle pillars for discussion.

Our Approach

We believe philanthropy conversations work best when they are client-led, optional, and respectful of each adviser's existing processes and relationships. The Standard is intended to support advisers with language, learning and referral pathways, not to prescribe outcomes. Participation and giving decisions always remain entirely with the client.

Pillar 1: Inviting Conversation

Exploring a consistent, respectful way to invite clients to consider whether philanthropy might be relevant to them, typically within existing fact-find or review conversations. The aim is a brief, non-assumptive question that normalises the topic and leaves space for the client to say yes, no, or not now. We are consulting on wording that feels comfortable for advisers and clients.

Pillar 2: Supporting Client Choice

Considering how firms might ensure that when a client chooses to give, that choice is supported neutrally and without unintended disadvantage to the client or adviser. This is about exploring policy options that make it easier for advisers to act in the client's best interests, consistent with existing obligations. We are seeking views on what is workable within different firm structures.

Pillar 3: Capability and Confidence

Offering practical, short-form learning to help advisers feel more confident discussing philanthropy if a client wishes to explore it. This might include understanding giving structures, timing considerations, and how to refer appropriately. The focus is on general awareness and respectful referral, not product advice.

Pillar 4: Trusted Referral Pathways

Helping advisers connect clients who express interest with appropriate specialist support, whether that be legal, philanthropic advisory, or community foundations. The intent is a light-touch panel of known pathways, to avoid advisers feeling they need to hold all the expertise themselves.

Pillar 5: Learning and Insight

Voluntarily and confidentially understanding what is happening across the sector, so we can share back de-identified insights about emerging interests and needs. This is intended to help the sector, and to inform broader efforts to double giving by 2030. No client data is involved, and all reporting would be aggregated and anonymised.

How We're Working

We are currently speaking with a small group of advice firms to co-design Standard v1.0. This is a consultation draft. Feedback is welcome on language, feasibility and what would make this genuinely useful. Design Partners in Year 1 would participate on a no-fee basis with a short individual consultation at a time that suits you. We would value your perspective.

This document is shared for consultation purposes. We are seeking feedback from advice professionals to co-design Standard v1.0.

Contact Dustin at dustin@philanthropy-ready.com or 0499799130 to contribute ideas, review the detailed criteria, or discuss becoming certified as Philanthropy-Ready.