Grants at Big4 Fundraising 2026

Grants masterclass

Building an impact data framework that strengthens funding relationships

Jo Garner, Strategic Grants, and Kristi Mansfield, Seer Data & Analytics

Learn how to collect, interpret and communicate impact evidence in ways that strengthen funding relationships. Through expert guidance, case studies and a self-scoring readiness exercise, you’ll examine the information you already hold, identify gaps and develop practical priorities for credible reporting, organisational learning and a stronger case for continued investment.

Main Conference sessions

10 years of big giving: What fundraisers need to know about Australia’s changing philanthropy landscape

John McLeod, Philanthropic Services, JBWere

Understand how major philanthropy, donor structures and the capital behind giving are changing – and what this means for fundraisers engaging trusts, foundations and Giving Funds.

The relationship management talent drought

Nick Hays; Tessa Irwin; Steffi Chang; Jakki Travers FFIA

Examine the sector-wide challenge of recruiting and retaining skilled relationship fundraisers, and what organisations can do to create the culture, capability and support they need to succeed.

What the data tells us: Grant and giving trends fundraisers need to know

Jo Garner, CEO, Strategic Grants

Use current sector evidence to understand the trends shaping grant funding, funder behaviour and organisational opportunity – and consider what the data means for the way you build and report your program.

Giving Funds: How to get on their radar and build the relationship

Kate Eddy CFRE, STREAT

Learn how to identify and prioritise aligned Giving Funds, initiate contact and build trusted relationships before invitation-only opportunities arise. The session combines Trusts and Foundations and Major Gifts practice.

AI tools, human insight and the future of prospect research

Rachel Tolosa Paz, The Fred Hollows Foundation, and Molly Masiello, FR&C

Take a balanced, practical look at where AI can add value in prospect research, where human judgement remains essential and how to protect accuracy, source integrity and donor trust.

Beyond the first grant: How to grow partnerships with funders

Ben Clark, The Phillips Foundation

Hear directly from a funder how one relationship grew from a $35,000 discovery grant into a six-year commitment anchoring a $10 million campaign – and what fundraisers can learn about trust, capability and long-term partnership.

How Cancer Council Victoria and The Alfred Foundation are using AI

Belinda Collins and presenters to be confirmed

Explore how two organisations are applying AI in their philanthropy and grants work, including the practical opportunities, limitations and implementation lessons emerging from real fundraising environments.

The funder-ready organisation: What philanthropists wish charities understood

Catherine Brooks, Equitable Philanthropy

Gain a behind-the-scenes view of how funders assess leadership, governance, strategy, risk and opportunity – and identify what your organisation can do to inspire greater confidence before an application is submitted.