Events & projects
Women Deliver 2026 Conference
In April 2026, Melbourne hosted the Women Deliver 2026 Conference, the world's largest global gathering dedicated to advancing gender equality. More than 6,000 delegates from over 180 countries came together to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships and explore solutions to some of the world's most pressing gender equality challenges, including gender-based violence, economic justice, climate action and First Nations leadership. The conference marked a significant milestone as the first Women Deliver conference to be hosted in the Oceanic Pacific region, providing an important platform to showcase regional leadership and collaboration.
As part of this global event, Community Funds for Gender Equity hosted a pre-conference gathering, bringing together funders, leaders and supporters to strengthen connections across Australia's gender equity ecosystem. Nearly 100 people attended the event that was buoyed with a real sense of momentum and positive energy. Stacey Thomas, Chair of Community Foundations Australia, emceed the gathering, and Loredana Fyffe, CEO of the Sydney Community Foundation, shared the journey and ambition of the CFGE. Georgia Mathews facilitated a panel with leaders experienced in gender equity and community funds, featuring Cherie Heslington, CEO of Aarnja, Jane Sloane, inaugural Director of the Global Policy Initiative with UNSW and Jess Tomlin, CEO of EqualityFund.
The launch also coincided with the announcement of a major funding boost from a coalition of 11 philanthropic foundations making a combined $32.8 million commitment over three years to back community-led solutions for women and children across Australia. The CFGE is delighted to be one of the initiatives receiving support through the Coalition of Funders for Women and Families, complementing the alliance’s own community philanthropy resourcing. The alliance will be supported with funding from the Snow Foundation and Paul Ramsay Foundation.
Community Foundations Australia National Forum 2026
In May 2026, Community Funds for Gender Equity attended the Community Foundations Australia National Forum in Melbourne, held on Wurundjeri Country at the historic Abbotsford Convent. Under the theme ‘Meeting the Moment,’ the forum brought together more than 200 community foundation leaders, philanthropists and practitioners from across Australia and internationally to explore how community philanthropy can respond to today's social, economic and environmental challenges through collaboration, local leadership and collective action.
As part of the program, Community Funds for Gender Equity presented to delegates, sharing insights into the role of place-based philanthropy in advancing gender equity. The presentation highlighted the importance of collaborative funding, community-led solutions and systems change, while contributing to national conversations about strengthening the gender equity ecosystem and creating lasting impact through partnerships and shared learning.
