The Weekly
After serving in the interim role for several months, I was honoured this week to be appointed by the ACFID Board in the ongoing CEO role. The announcement is further below. There are many challenges, changes and needs facing our shared work as an ACFID community – and at the same time there are new opportunities for impact. I am really looking forward to continuing to work closely with all of you as we continue to prioritise tackling poverty and injustice.
With the election in full swing, this week I attended the Charities and Not-for-Profit Pre-Election Forum, where Dr. Andrew Leigh and Senator Dean Smith outlined their parties’ commitments to the sector. Both also spoke of their support for international aid. The Community Council of Australia’s report was also launched at this event and is a useful reference point as we communicate about ‘The Australia We Want’ including commitments to our global neighbours. The report is available on their website.
Looking ahead, ACFID and AIDN will co-host a series of four webinars in May aimed at connecting philanthropists with our members. The first, starting next week, will focus on “Impactful Partnerships: Addressing Current Needs Together,” with a particular emphasis on the Health sector.
To Note
CEO Announcement: Matthew Maury Appointed Permanent CEO
The President and Chair of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), Adjunct Professor Susan Pascoe AM, is pleased to announce the appointment by the Board of the new Chief Executive Officer, Matthew Maury.
With over 30 years of experience in the development sector, Matthew will lead ACFID through ongoing global challenges. For more details, read the full media release here.
To Note
ACFID in the media- Devpolicy Talks 2025 Federal Election Special
ACFID issued a media release on a new podcast episode jointly hosted by the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), the Safer World for All campaign, the Australian National University Development Policy Centre and the International Development Contractors Community (IDCC). It got pick up in the Guardian live blog. Listen to the podcast episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
To Action
Off-grid renewable energy program grants are now open
ACFID members are encouraged to apply for the new REnew Pacific grant round to deliver off-grid renewable energy solutions in remote and rural communities across the Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste.
This Call for Proposals seeks solutions that will:
- Increase access to reliable and affordable off-grid renewable energy in rural and remote communities
- Improve lives, livelihoods, and climate resilience of remote communities, especially women and people with disabilities.
A number of ACFID members and regional NGOs have been successful for REnew Pacific grants in previous rounds, so we encourage members to apply.
The final deadline for submission of concept notes is April 28, 2025.
More information on how to apply can be found here: REnew Pacific Off-Grid Renewable Energy Grants: Round 1, 2025 –
To Attend
ACFID CEO Members Summit: Shaping the Future Together
ACFID is excited to invite member CEOs to a dynamic one-day summit on 13 June at La Trobe University, Melbourne. In response to the widespread and significant changes in the way global aid is being conceptualised, funded, and delivered, this event will provide a vital space for members to reflect, strategise, and collaborate on the future of our sector.
The day will feature expert speakers exploring key global trends and sector-specific challenges, as well as structured discussions to support collaboration and strategic thinking.
Don’t miss this opportunity to consider with your peers the issues which will shape the future of your organisation and the wider work of the Australian international development.
Date: Friday 13 June
Time: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Venue: La Trobe University, Bundoora Campus, Melbourne
Audience: ACFID member CEOs (1 participant per organisation)
Registration here
To Attend
Small Member Forum
CEOs of ACFID’s smaller agencies are invited to attend a Small Member Forum on 20 June. This virtual forum is designed specifically for smaller ACFID members, recognising the unique challenges and opportunities they face. The session will provide space to connect with peers, hear from experts, and explore the implications of global shifts on smaller agencies.
The Forum complements the in-person ACFID Summit and is open to all small member agencies, whether or not they are attending the Summit.
When: Friday 20 June
Time: 12pm – 3pm
Where: Online
Audience: ACFID member CEOs from small organisations
Register here.
To Action
ACFID Conference 2025 – Call Out for Photos!
As we prepare for the 2025 ACFID National Conference on November 5th and 6th in Canberra, we want to showcase the impactful work of our members. If your organization has recent images or photography that highlight your work in development and humanitarian action, we invite you to share them with us!
These images will be featured as part of the conference and will help drive the theme “Driving Transformation in Development and Humanitarian Action.”
Please send your photos to [email protected] by 17 April. We look forward to seeing your contributions!
To Attend
Last chance to register – Connecting ACFID members and Philanthropy: Health sector needs
Does your agency work in the health sector? Have you or your partners been impacted by the recent disruptions in global funding? Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with philanthropic members of the Australian International Development Network (AIDN).
ACFID and AIDN are co-hosting a series of four webinars in May to connect NGOs and philanthropic supporters to address urgent challenges resulting from disruptions in global funding.
- Health – Thursday, 1 May
- Gender and Children – Thursday, 8 May
- Humanitarian Response and Disasters – Thursday, 15 May
- Sustaining Local Capacity – Thursday, 22 May
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 PM (AEST, virtual)
ACFID members are invited to share specific examples of projects impacted by recent donor cuts, and identify opportunities where philanthropic support could make a significant difference. Register now to express your interest in participating.
Registrations close one week before each webinar. One participant per organisation. ACFID will contact registered organisations to coordinate ACFID member participation. For inquiries, please contact Emily Moreton at [email protected].
Off-grid renewable energy program grants are now open!
ACFID members are encouraged to apply for the new REnew Pacific grant round to deliver off-grid renewable energy solutions in remote and rural communities across the Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste.
This Call for Proposals seeks solutions that will:
- Increase access to reliable and affordable off-grid renewable energy in rural and remote communities
- Improve lives, livelihoods and climate resilience of remote communities, especially women and people with disabilities.
A number of ACFID members and regional NGOs have been successful for REnew Pacific grants in previous rounds, so we encourage members to apply.
Final deadline for submission of concept notes is April 28, 2025.
More information on how to apply can be found here
To Action
ACFID Conference – Save the Date
The 2025 ACFID National Conference has been confirmed for the 5th and 6th of November in Canberra. More details will be shared soon, please stay tuned.
Upcoming Events
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Date |
Event |
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1,8,15 & 22 May |
Webinar series connecting ACFID members and Philanthropy – Health |
|
1 May |
AP4D Webinar | Global (In)security: What does it mean for Australia? |
|
13 June |
|
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20 June |
|
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5 & 6 November |