Philanthropy Squared Academy

The secret of fundraising success? There is no secret.

Success in fundraising is nearly always by design. Rarely by chance. Whether turnover is $50,000, $5 million or $50 million, sustainable growth in fundraising revenue requires more than a talented fundraiser. It requires a strong internal infrastructure that is led and championed by organisational leaders.

For over 20 years our consulting practice has worked with Boards, CEOs/EDs, marketing leaders as well as fundraising executives to impart the enduring principles and practices that underpin long-term fundraising success over short term gains.

Philanthropy Squared Academy’s programs distil these same proven principles and practices into learning programs designed specifically for organisational leaders – with a specific focus on Boards and CEOs/EDs. Our programs are designed to give leaders the know-how as well as the confidence to master fundraising with flexibility, agency and at a fraction of the cost of full-service consulting!

Welcome. We are glad you are here.

Our courses

On-Board

As head of the organisational family, Boards play a critical role in shaping the culture that drives fundraising success. As stewards of the organisation, Board members are uniquely positioned to lead by example and importantly, create the right conditions for fundraising to thrive. On-Board is designed to ignite a shift in mindset—one that redefines how Boards think about fundraising to inspire greater participation in this deeply rewarding pursuit. The program brings to life the roles individual members play as well as the role the Board plays as a governing body.

What's included

A dynamic, two-hour Masterclass tailored for your Board or Committee of Management
A 32-page playbook that delves deeper into the Masterclass learnings and serves as an enduring fundraising companion
A pre-Masterclass briefing to ensure the session is tailored to your organisation’s goals and aspirations for Board engagement

Unlocking Philanthropy

This is the ultimate fundraising learning intensive for leadership teams. Think of it as an MBA in fundraising—specifically designed for organisations ready to make philanthropy a strategic engine for growth. Unlocking Philanthropy is a self-directed, two-month program that equips your leadership team with the tools, insights, and frameworks used by us as consultants—only you’re steering the work, and at a fraction of the cost.

What's included

Online briefing + market overview: we'll cover program milestones plus and we’ll share market insights
Editable workbook: our workbook explores our renowned critical success factors and guides you to forge a fundraising strategy using our template
Expert coaching: we'll support you along the way together with a 1:1 coaching session

What clients are saying

"I hope it was clear how eternally grateful we will always remain for the opportunities your programs have enabled for us. "

Margrete Heleby Chaney, Chair, Co3

"There is no magic wand to wave over the funding challenges of for-purpose boards in Australia, or anywhere. But through Philanthropy Squared Academy's On-Board session and their tool kit, Camerata’s board and leadership are now building a straightforward and manageable approach aligned to the values and focus of our company."

Pamela Greet, Chair, Camerata

"Even our seasoned board came away with fresh ideas and new perspectives after our On-Board session, and importantly, a renewed impetus for our fundraising work. "

Julieanne Campbell, Executive Director, Griffin Theatre Company

"On-Board is the best presentation on fundraising, for boards, I’ve ever attended. And I’ve attended quite a few!"

Professor Judith McLean, Chair, Monket Baa

"The programs are clear and succinct; they brilliantly articulate just how fundraising can and should be done."

Sandra Thom, Deputy Chair, Performance Space

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About Philanthropy Squared Academy

Our consulting practice has always been about imparting the principles and practices to set organisations up for long-term success We bypass short cuts, trends and fads that seek short term gains. Sustainable success in fundraising is the result of a structured, intentional practice that is always leadership-led. And so, our Academy programs distil these same enduring principles and practices into a format that enables organisational leaders to master the art and science of fundraising with greater agency, flexibility and accessibility than ever before. All at a fraction of a full-service consulting fee!

OUR PROGRAMS TURN AN ORGANISATION THAT FUNDRAISES INTO A FUNDRAISING ORGANISATION

Meet the team

Frankie and Marisa are the team behind Philanthropy Squared Academy. Having worked together for nearly ten years, we’ve forged a uniquely special bond. Plus, there are a wealth of collaborators, supporters and partners that exquisitely and ever so colourfully, contribute to ideas, insights and conversations.

Frankie Airey

Director & Founder, Philanthropy Squared + Philanthropy Squared Academy

The Philanthropy Squared Academy Podcast

We see time and again how fundraising is reduced to a task for someone, over yonder, to scroll a rich list and make an ask. After all, how hard can fundraising actually be?

We’ve begun a collection of conversations with extraordinary individuals that wholly and radically embrace the art and the science of fundraising to power philanthropic giving. Each shares their unique perspective on what it takes to build a thriving culture of philanthropy in Australia and around the world. Available on Spotify and Apple or right here on our website.

Please do send us your feedback or ideas for discussion. We’d love to hear from you!