Philanthropy in Australia has grown enormously since the year 2000, due to a combination of factors including tax incentives, new philanthropic structures and (for part of that time) a burgeoning economy, but the general community is also far more aware of the concept of philanthropy. One result of this surge in both interest and practice is the demand for knowledge and expertise in this relatively fledgling discipline.

However, there are few materials available written for Australian foundations, which tend to be smaller and less well-staffed than their overseas counterparts, and who also have more professional development opportunities available to them. This Guide aspires to redress that balance by covering the very basics of grantmaking in an accessible manner.