The Great Shift: Impact Investment Webinar

The Great Shift: Impact Investment Webinar Series

The Menzies Foundation aims to amplify a leadership movement to support Australians to clarify their purpose, build their leadership capability and act of the ‘greater good’. Every grant that the Menzies Foundation makes, aspires to contribute to platforms that ultimately unlock capital at scale. Consequently, it is imperative that we bring the same ambition and rigour that defines our grant making approach, to consideration of the investment of the Foundation’s corpus, and the way that this can support the development of blended capital solutions to build sustainable systemic change platforms.

In 2023, the Menzies Foundation collaborated with Walsh Bay Partners and Brightlight to implement the Impact Management Project’s A/B/C Investment Framework, prioritising the development of an impact measurement framework. This effort underscores the Foundation’s commitment to aligning investments with its mission, as explored in “The Great Shift” case study.

Powered by the Menzies Foundation, view our exclusive webinar series “The Great Shift: How Trusts and Foundations are Revolutionising Philanthropy with Responsible and Impact Investing.” Hosted by Brightlight, in partnership with OnImpact, this series delves into strategies to amplify impact goals, drawing inspiration from the Foundation’s dedication to fostering leadership for the greater good.

The Great Shift: Free Webinar Series

Learn how you can amplify your Foundation’s approach to impact with our exclusive webinar series, “The Great Shift: How Trusts and Foundations are Revolutionising Philanthropy with Responsible and Impact Investing.” Learn from industry leaders as they share their journeys and insights on aligning investments with core values to drive meaningful social and environmental impact.

Why Attend?

    • Gain practical insights from peers through real-world case studies.
    • Understand the benefits and challenges of responsible investing.
    • Learn from industry leaders on effective strategies for lasting impact and tips for overcoming hurdles.

    Upcoming Webinars

    Part 1: The Great Shift: Transforming Investment Portfolios for Greater Impact

    • Release Date: June 5
    • Speakers: Liz Gillies (Menzies Foundation) +  Sandy Carvajal (Brightlight)

    Part 2: Navigating the Shift: Case Studies from Foundations Overcoming Barriers to Responsible Investing

    • Release Date: June 19
    • Speakers: Daniel Brugaletta (Australian Communities Foundation) + Cronje Wolvaardt (Minderoo Foundation) + Rachel Ball (Reichstein Foundation)

    Part 3: Capital Raising for Impact: Innovative Strategies and Challenges in Funding For-Purpose Organisations

      • Release Date: July 3
      • Speakers:  Tom Dawkins (LendForGood) + Mark Daniels (White Box Enterprises) + Harry Briedahl (For Purpose Investment Partners) + Bryan Wyborn (First Australians Capital)

    Join us on this transformative journey and amplify your Foundation’s impact.

    **The webinar series will be released on the above dates through the Foundation’s social media channels or visit The Great Shift: Webinar Series — Brightlight (brightlightimpact.com)

    Natasha Eskinja

    Digital Communications Coordinator

    Natasha is driven by a profound passion for both creativity and analytics, a synergy that fosters authentic storytelling in the digital realm with both innovation and integrity. 

    Throughout her career, she has consistently integrated the overarching marketing and communications narrative with the emotional connections of audiences. She is currently pursuing a Certificate in Society and the Individual from Flinders University, furthering her exploration of human behaviour and the critical importance of connectedness between organisations, individuals, and communities.

    LinkedIn | natasha.eskinja@menziesfoundation.org.au

    Sarah Jenkins

    Strategic Communications Manager

    Sarah has more than 18 years’ experience in communications and marketing leadership across a range of sectors.

    Communications strategy and organisational growth is a continuing theme in Sarah’s career. Most recently, she leads the development of a Leadership Movement, evaluated by Menzies Viral Co-efficient Model; a contribution to the NFP. 

    Sarah’s early career centred around best practice in marketing and communications which later culminated into the establishment of her very own agency. This work extensively spanned across PR, traditional media, event management, strategy, digital marketing, graphic design and business development consultancy. 

    In 2019, Sarah joined the lean and robust team at the Menzies Foundation. She has since crafted the Foundation’s narrative and communication strategy. The development of this strategic communications platform is essential for ‘movement building’ and requires a strong strategic, management and communication skills set. Sarah has brought so much to this important work, which sits at the forefront of communication practice. 

    Sarah continues to contribute to the NFP sector through her commitment to Purpose; as she reflects on her own leadership, builds her own leadership capability and contributes to the greater good. 

    LinkedIn | sarah.jenkins@menziesfoundation.org.au | 0401 880 071

    Rohan Martyres

    Director, Strategy and Partnerships

    Rohan has 15 years’ experience in facilitating cross-sector collaborations to address complex social and health challenges.  He has worked with the World Economic Forum in Australia, led an international conflict resolution field team in Nepal, and directed a 10-year £40m initiative to reduce health inequity in London.

    Most recently, Rohan was Major Grants Development Manager at the Ian Potter Foundation.  He refined the foundation’s major grants strategy, and co-developed a series of large scale initiatives, including joint philanthropic-government funding for a new national organization to support place-based approaches across Australia.

    Rohan has held several non-executive roles, including with an international NGO and with London Funders, the peak body of independent foundations in London.  He holds several qualifications including a graduate degree in innovation and strategy from the Judge Business School, University of Cambridge.

    When Rohan isn’t exploring Melbourne’s creeks with his partner and 6yo daughter, he’s working on his currently weak Australian accent (after 15 years in the UK).

    LinkedIn | rohan.martyres@menziesfoundation.org.au | 0404 505 954

    Trudy Morrison

    Operations Manager

    A marketing and communications specialist with over 20 years experience in government, corporate and consumer marketing, Trudy brings her adaptive and organisational project management skills to the Menzies Foundation team. 

    With a BA degree in Public Relations, Trudy began her career with the City of Melbourne and in magazine publishing, before moving into marketing communications consulting. She has worked in strategic marketing leadership roles with retail brands and enjoys juggling many projects and tasks simultaneously. Her skills were further enhanced when managing her own communications business representing industries across private education, financial services, aviation, government and the health industry. 

    Trudy is passionate about leadership and all people being encouraged to reach their full potential through research and educational initiatives and opportunities throughout Australia. A skilled and accomplished writer and editor Trudy is enthusiastic about bringing her variety of skills to the Menzies Foundation team. 

    LinkedIn | trudy.morrison@menziesfoundation.org.au | 0402 361 878

    Liz Gillies

    Chief Executive Officer

    Liz Gillies has had over 25 years experience in a range of fields focused on initiatives for social impact. She has held roles in multiple sectors and academia.

    In 2018, Liz was appointed CEO of the Menzies Foundation which aspires to build a leadership movement that supports Australians to pivot to purpose, build their leadership capability and contribute to the ‘greater good’.

    Liz joined the Melbourne Business School in 2009 and was instrumental in establishing the Asia Pacific Social Impact Centre (APSIC) and The Centre for Ethical Leadership. In November 2011 she was appointed as research fellow to lead a partnership focused on strategic philanthropy which culminated in the release of the reports: Philanthropy: Towards a Better Practice Model (2018) and the Philanthropy: The Continued Journey to Real Impact and better Practice (2021).

    Liz has extensive governance experience, having served on the Board of the Publish Galleries Association of Victoria, Social Firms Australia, Uniting Care Community Options, United Way Australia and the Development Committee of the Towards a Just Society Foundation. She is currently on the Philanthropy Reference Group of Barmal Bijiril and a Director of Philanthropy Australia.

    LinkedIn | liz.gillies@menziesfoundation.org.au | 0416 112 703

    Natasha Eskinja

    Digital Communications Coordinator

    Natasha is driven by a profound passion for both creativity and analytics, a synergy that fosters authentic storytelling in the digital realm with both innovation and integrity. 

    Throughout her career, she has consistently integrated the overarching marketing and communications narrative with the emotional connections of audiences. She is currently pursuing a Certificate in Society and the Individual from Flinders University, furthering her exploration of human behaviour and the critical importance of connectedness between organisations, individuals, and communities.