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 here.

NEWS & RESOURCES

Latest Stories and Developments

Impact Investment in Bangladesh: A New Story

Impact Investment in Bangladesh: A New Story

Jun 11, 2024
Bangladesh is at a pivotal moment where it will need to balance economic growth with social development and inclusion. In this piece, Lily Van Berkel and Nick Goryl from XSPI highlight the role that impact investing can play in navigating this key moment in Bangladesh’s rising economy. In particular, they examine recent moves by BRAC and the National Advisory Board for Impact Investment in Bangladesh (NAB), before unpacking the case study of Build Bangladesh.
Read more
Why giving directly is not the path forward: The ongoing tension in Australian international philanthropy.

Why giving directly is not the path forward: The ongoing tension in Australian international philanthropy.

Jun 11, 2024
In this piece, Anita Toy argues that the current parameters whereby Australian Private Ancillary Funds (PAFs) and Public Ancillary Funds (PuAFs) cannot directly fund overseas charities (without funding via an Australian registered DGR charity) is fit for purpose. This is because Australian intermediary organisations and local fundraising entities registered with the ACNC must comply with the ACNC’s External Conduct Standards to promote transparency, and reduce the risk of funds being misused overseas.
Read more
Hard-edged choices in Ukraine’s survival war

Hard-edged choices in Ukraine’s survival war

May 27, 2024
Gordon Weiss provides our network with a first hand account of the state of humanitarian response and the NGO sector in Ukraine in May 2024. Drawing upon his former role in Ukraine with the United Nations, Gordon is now heading a small-circle philanthropic organisation and currently in Ukraine determining how organisations are adapting and pivoting in the face of ongoing war. It is in this context that international funders, like Gordon, must make hard-edge choices concerning who to support and how to maximise impact in a war for survival.
Read more
Field catalysts: driving large-scale change through radical collaboration.

Field catalysts: driving large-scale change through radical collaboration.

20 February 2024
In our latest guest contribution to The AIDN Beat, Dr. Madeleine Ballard, CEO of Community Health Impact Coalition, highlights the pivotal role of "field catalysts" for aligning diverse stakeholders towards achieving large-scale systematic change. Dr. Ballard first underscores the need for field catalysts and demonstrates how they operate in practice. Dr. Ballard then finishes by discussing potential replication of this approach and important considerations for funders.
Read more
AIDN’s response to the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into Australian Philanthropy

AIDN’s response to the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into Australian Philanthropy

15 February 2024
In 2023, the Australian Government asked the Productivity Commission to undertake an inquiry to analyse motivations for philanthropic giving in Australia and identify opportunities to grow it further. Alongside 250+ organisations and individuals, AIDN submitted our recommendations in May 2023 as part of the Commission’s call for initial submissions.
Read AIDN's response
AIDN’s summer reading list 2023

AIDN’s summer reading list 2023

19 December 2023
AIDN has compiled an international development and philanthropy themed summer reading list based on our reading recommendations throughout 2023. 
Read more
Pathways to Global Giving Edition 2

Pathways to Global Giving Edition 2

17 December 2023
AIDN's "Pathways to Global Giving" eBooklet serves as a resource for Australians seeking to engage in ...
Download here
To tackle the biggest challenges of our time it will be critical to leverage both global and local networks and resources.

To tackle the biggest challenges of our time it will be critical to leverage both global and local networks and resources.

3 December 2023
Guest author Biheng Zhang, General Manager of The Intrepid Foundation, reflects on the recent earthquake in Morocco, and argues that to tackle the biggest challenges of our time we will need robust networks that leverage global capabilities and resources, alongside critical on-the-ground, local knowledge and action. We will also need to turn to the power of human connection in the face of crises.
Read more
Responsible financial inclusion is key to protecting vulnerable clients in the Asia-Pacific region

Responsible financial inclusion is key to protecting vulnerable clients in the Asia-Pacific region

3 December 2023
In light of recent investigations into the microfinance sector in Cambodia, guest author Shane Nichols, CEO of Good Return, calls for responsible and appropriate financial inclusion practices and principles to protect vulnerable clients in the Asia-Pacific region.
Read more
Major innovation in disaster relief rebuilding is underway and helping to improve access to education. However, challenges persist in maximising impact.

Major innovation in disaster relief rebuilding is underway and helping to improve access to education. However, challenges persist in maximising impact.

3 December 2023
Guest author Tanya Armstrong, CEO of Classroom of Hope, highlights how major innovation in disaster relief rebuilding is underway. With a focus on innovative "block technology", sustainable and disaster proof schools are being built and thus improving access to education. However, challenges persist in maximising the impact of this pioneering technology.
Read more
DFAT’s new disability equity and rights strategy: An opportunity to shift the dial.

DFAT’s new disability equity and rights strategy: An opportunity to shift the dial.

26 October 2023
Guest author Jane Edge, CEO of CBM Australia, highlights the upcoming opportunity for Australia's “Disability Equity and Rights Strategy” to be ambitious, accountable and resourced.
Read more
Achieving the SDGs means investing in MSMEs.

Achieving the SDGs means investing in MSMEs.

26 October 2023
Guest author Cameron Neil, Co-Founder and Director of LendForGood, calls on those committed to international development and achieving the SDGs to look at investment opportunities in emerging markets - with a particular focus on the catalytic potential of MSMEs.
Read more
Next Page