The AIDN Beat

AIDN’s core ethos is ‘more’ and ‘better’ global giving and we seek to foster an environment for the discussion and exploration of how we define these terms in an ever-changing international development ecosystem. Alongside our events, webinars and resources, The AIDN Beat is a key way to achieve this goal.

However, at AIDN we are aware that ‘better’ and ‘more’ are evolving and subjective terms. We are also deeply committed to amplifying diverse voices. Consequently, we accept submissions to The AIDN Beat – so that our dynamic network can shape the discussion too. If you would like to submit content for The AIDN Beat, then we would love to hear from you. Get in touch with us (via hannah@aidnetwork.org.au) and we will share our editorial guidelines.

The AIDN Beat strives to keep up with the rhythm of the international development sector and cover a broad range of subjects: from innovative development financing, to leading case-studies of programs on-the-ground, to the need for a genuine commitment to localisation.

Each month subscribers of AIDN receive an email where we’ll share recent pieces from The AIDN Beat, alongside curated pieces from other international development platforms and provide a recommendation for a relevant text, film or podcast.

If you’re are not currently signed up to receive The AIDN Beat or our newsletter, you can do so by filling in the form below.

NEWS & RESOURCES

Latest Stories and Developments

Philanthropy in the wake of the USAID freeze: Three effective ways to respond.

Mar 20, 2025

In the wake of the USAID freeze, Jack Lewars (founder of Ultra Philanthropy) offers three recommendations for philanthropists seeking to contribute to the funding gap and make a global impact.

AIDN Beat Spotlight: Gill Whelan

Mar 11, 2025

Gill Whelan is the General Manager of DECJUBA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of leading fashion retailer, DECJUBA.  Working closely with DECJUBA Owner & Chair, Tania Austin, Gill is establishing and steering partnerships with local and international charity organisations with the aim of positively impacting 25 million lives by 2025. 

Education for every girl: How community and data driven approaches are changing the game in India.

Feb 28, 2025

Drawing on her experience in rural India, Nooreen Dossa (Director of Strategic Engagements at Educate Girls) argues that the key to driving long-term, sustainable change within communities —particularly in relation to gender equity and girls’ access to education—lies in combining community-led solutions with data-driven insights.

The untapped power of corporate Australia in global giving.

25 February 2025

Rosemary Conn reflects on the key findings from AIDN's recent research project into the state of Australian corporate giving to international causes. Rosemary's piece highlights both the challenges Australian businesses currently face when it comes to global philanthropy, but also their strong desire to make a meaningful international impact.

Why we will not betray women and girls (and where we go from here): MSI Asia Pacific.

12 February 2025

On 24 January, the Trump administration reinstated the Global Gag Rule – cutting U.S. aid funding to any international organisation that provides, advocates for, or even mentions abortion. Merewyn Foran, Executive Officer at MSI Asia Pacific, outlines why the team at MSI Asia Pacific will remain steadfast in their commitment to women and girls globally, and will never sign the Global Gag Rule.

The 65 page barrier between funders and NGOs.

20 January 2025

Tamar Kosky Lazarus, Chief Development and Communications Officer at IsraAID, argues that the current process for development organisations to apply for major grants needs rethinking. It is time that the process becomes less onerous, less jargon-filled and more accessible. This would not only allow organisations to focus on their essential programmatic work on the ground, but also play a crucial role in advancing genuine localisation efforts within our sector.

AIDN’s Summer Reading List 2024.

15 December 2024

AIDN has compiled an international development, global issues and philanthropy themed "Summer Reading List" based on our recommendations throughout 2024.

AIDN’s 2024 Summer Listening List

10 December 2024

AIDN has compiled our international development, philanthropy and global issues themed "Summer Listening List" for 2024 - based on 2024 Philanthropod seasons. We've grouped the episodes into broad themes to pique your interest….

How eye health could be a catalyst for global development.

3 December 2024

Brandon Ah Tong (Director of Policy and Advocacy at The Fred Hollows Foundation) argues that preventable blindness is not just a matter of inadequate eye health—it’s a critical global development issue related to poverty reduction, economic growth, gender equality, and education. Consequently, Brandon and the team at The Fred Hollows Foundation believe it is high time that eye health is actively included as an indicator in the SDG framework.

AIDN Beat Spotlight: Ishara Fernando

3 December 2024

Ishara Fernando is BlueRock's Philanthropy and Impact Manager, manages the Be BlueRock Foundation and volunteers in Sri Lanka and Eswatini. Ishara has 10+ years in the social impact sector managing charity partnerships and engaging communities in charity giving. Ishara uses her strengths and experience in project and operations management, social impact and leadership to build a more equal, just and inclusive world.

The next key opportunity for Australian aid and development? Scalable investments in African education.

28 November 2024

Cassandra Treadwell, CEO of So They Can, explores the transformative potential of scalable investments in African education. Cassandra advocates for Australians to move away from a framework of "charity" or "aid", and instead seize a key opportunity to drive global equity and economic growth through investing in education. In particular, Cassandra highlights how targeted, innovative partnerships can address systemic barriers and unlock sustainable development.

Two continents, one mission: How an Australian-Ugandan partnership sparked transformative change in rural Uganda.

19 November 2024

This vignette style piece invites our network to explore the evolution of Help 'Us' Grow (HUG), an Australian NFP supporting Ugandan initiatives since 2007. Told through the perspectives of founder Helen Brown, on-the-ground leader Ssemwogerere David, and key funder Mark Cubit, the piece highlights the transformative impact of Aussie fundraising and philanthropy when driven by passion, reflection, and community ownership.