We have some exciting news! The online registration for the Grantmaking in Australia Conference 2016 is now OPEN and you can book your place right away. With the resounding title ‘Disrupting Grantmaking’, the conference will take place in the RACV Club in Melbourne (Level 2 – 501 Bourke Street) on March 4, 2016. Keep reading to find out what exactly it will include, or head straight to the online registration form: click here.

As the title suggests, this year’s conference will focus on disruption in grantmaking. According to the organisers, the way grants work is already undergoing massive and irrevocable change, and the whole process of writing and applying for grants, as well as receiving them, will be disrupted. Therefore, it is up to every individual or organisation will need to find a creative, original way to disrupt the traditional, almost stiff process of grantmaking – either do it yourself, or someone else will.

Having that background information in mind, the speakers at the conference will share their knowledge, experience and insights in grantmaking, as well as important observations for the present and the future of the sector. The conference will take place between 09:30am and 5pm and will include presentations, panel sessions, case studies and discussion circles, all led by renowned specialists in the field of grantmaking, crowdfunding, entrepreneurs and management professionals. You can find the full event program here. 

In addition to the main conference, two other events will take place on the day before, March 3, 2016. One is the Tribal Gathering for Local Government Grantmakers, which will throw light on local government grantmaking. You will be able to hear acting policy analysts, project officers and marketing and communication officers discuss the way local government grantmaking evolves and changes, and, what is even more important – will be able to share your experience during the Open Mic session. So any problems you may have experienced recently, come prepared to share them – maybe someone else has already been through it all and will be able to give you precious advice.

The other event, Advancing SmartyGrants Forum, is, as the title suggests, targeted at all those using the online system for managing their grants. The forum will look at the changes that have taken place in the system since it was started back in 2009, the use of Standard and Contract Fields and what to expect in the future in terms of new features like Mailouts and System Wide Reporting (you will find out more at the forum!).

All in all, the two-day Grantmaking in Australia Conference is the right place for you to be on March 3-4, 2016. The cost is as follows: Advancing SmartyGrants Forum – $175; Grantmaking Tribal Gathering – $150; Grantmaking in Australia Conference – $475. However, make sure you use your AIGM Member’s discount. See you all there!