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.

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.

Exercising the governance muscle – why inclusive land governance matters.

12 November 2024

In this incisive piece, Elizabeth Daley (Chair of the Board of the Land Portal Foundation) strips back complex debates on “good governance” in international development for our network. Drawing on over 20 years of work on land rights and governance globally, Elizabeth argues that inclusive land governance promotes fairness, reduces conflicts, and challenges harmful social norms by ensuring all community members, especially marginalized groups, have a voice in land use decisions.

Amplifying impact and holding the lines: the case of the Forest Glades centre and Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries in Ukraine.

6 November 2024

In this latest piece from Gordon Weiss (Planet Humana), our network is given a unique on-the-ground insight into the ongoing war in Ukraine. Gordon reflects on the work of the Forest Glades centre that is treating Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries, and the significant impact that small philanthropic funds can have in this ecosystem.

Celebrating one year of The AIDN Beat.

8 October 2024

Since launching last September, we have been amazed by the interest and uptake of The AIDN Beat. We’ve published twenty-four thought pieces over the last year. To celebrate, we’ve compiled all the pieces into this PDF booklet, so you can revisit the rich insights shared by our contributors.

Download here

AIDN Beat Spotlight: Fifi Rashando.

30 September 2024

Our first "AIDN Beat Spotlight" with Fifi Rashando. With 20+ years of governance and leadership experience in the inclusive investing, international development and humanitarian sectors, Fifi is currently the GEDSI (Gender, Disability, and Social Inclusion) and Safeguarding Manager at Opportunity International Australia, an Executive Committee Member with the Australian Disability & Development Consortium (ADDC) and was previously a Board Director for the Leprosy Mission.

Building shared value for development outcomes: The importance of Cross Sector Development Partnerships (CSPs).

26 September 2024

Drawing on their roles as CEO and Senior Research Associate at the Cross Sector Development Partnerships Initiative (XSPI), Zoey Diaz and Jasmine Stephens highlight the importance of CSPs for breaking down institutional and sectoral silos, and disrupting traditional development models by fostering the mutually beneficial exchange of skills, knowledge and resources.

Maximizing the impact of cardiac care in East and Southern Africa: The power of knowledge sharing, specialised training and fostering South-South partnerships.

23 September 2024

Drawing on her role as CEO of Save A Child's Heart, Jo Star argues that external medical expertise and resources remain vital in cardiac care in many African countries. But impact is only maximized when coupled with investment in knowledge sharing and training.