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

Why I do what I do (along with many other people I respect and admire).

Why I do what I do (along with many other people I respect and admire).

Apr 4, 2024
Mark Cubit, AIDN Co-Founder, shares with our network what underpins his ongoing drive and commitment to the international development sector. Mark outlines two key reasons: first, because working in our sector affords him the privilege of working with and witnessing the incredible work of both the “doers” and the “funders” of international development. Second, because even whilst slow, the data shows that international development efforts are working.
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Swimming to end human trafficking: The power of individual fundraising.

Swimming to end human trafficking: The power of individual fundraising.

Apr 4, 2024
Kim Miller, Schools and Partnerships Coordinator at Blue Dragon Children's Foundation, reflects on what her upcoming swim across the English channel has taught her about the role of individual fundraising in 2024. Whilst many of the key discussions in international development may now center around major development financing, Kim highlights the ongoing impact that individual fundraising can have professionally and personally - in addition to supporting urgent causes.
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Beyond cupcakes: why engaging young men in gender equality initiatives, such as IWD, is key.

Beyond cupcakes: why engaging young men in gender equality initiatives, such as IWD, is key.

Apr 4, 2024
Following IWD 2024, AIDN's Communications and Research Lead, Hannah McNicol, asks: how do we ensure that gender equality initiatives and events like IWD also spark interest in men, are spaces that they are likely to attend, and can meaningfully engage in? To answer this question, Hannah calls for a reflection on several innovative international development programs that focus on engaging young men to achieve gender justice for all, including Dandelion Africa and Grass Skirt Project.
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Disasters are on the rise. But how can donors give effectively?

Disasters are on the rise. But how can donors give effectively?

26 October 2023
Guest author Anita Toy, Chief Representative of Give2Asia Australia, highlights the increasing need for philanthropic funding from Australian markets for disaster preparedness, resilience and awareness in our region. However, with new philanthropic funding mechanisms for disaster relief quickly emerging, like DisasterLink, Australian donors should feel empowered to give and disavow common misconceptions about international giving.
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AIDN’s wrap up of the Philanthropy Productivity Commission 2023

AIDN’s wrap up of the Philanthropy Productivity Commission 2023

10 October 2023
A summary of the Philanthropy Productivity Commission that took place earlier in 2023. Acting as a neutral and connective film across the Australian international development sector, AIDN has reviewed a number of the 250+ submissions so that we can offer our network a snapshot of the key trends, opportunities and obstacles to increasing philanthropic giving in Australia, as highlighted by our sector.
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AIDN’s Submission to Inform the New International Gender Equality Strategy

AIDN’s Submission to Inform the New International Gender Equality Strategy

25 September 2023
To support the Australian Government's commitment to being a global leader on gender equality, DFAT is developing a new International Gender Equality Strategy. DFAT invited public submissions as part of this process, to hear from people and organisations, and to inform the priorities for the strategy.
Click to download AIDN's submission
Why now is the time for Australians to add overseas giving to their portfolio

Why now is the time for Australians to add overseas giving to their portfolio

16 September 2023
Part 1: In the first of our three part series, AIDN explores ‘why’ all Australian donors should consider adding international giving to their giving portfolio.
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Let’s dispel the stubborn myths around global giving

Let’s dispel the stubborn myths around global giving

16 September 2023
Part 2: AIDN highlights and calls for a breakdown of the stubborn, inflated barriers that challenge Australia’s outbound charitable giving.
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How to start your impactful global giving journey

How to start your impactful global giving journey

16 September 2023
Part 3: We explore the ‘how’ and provide a blue-print for the first steps Australians should take in their global giving journey. By that we mean how Australians can best give to overseas causes, whilst ensuring engagement and impact, and simultaneously fostering trust and flexibility for the organisations on-the-ground.
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AIDN summarises and responds to Australia’s new Development Finance Review

AIDN summarises and responds to Australia’s new Development Finance Review

26 August 2023
In August 2023, Australia's new International Development policy set the stage for Australia's development cooperation agenda moving forward. The policy was underpinned by the new Performance and Delivery Framework, and the Development Finance Review. In this document, AIDN responds to the policy at large and summarises the key points from the Development Finance Review.
Click here to download the report.
Rwanda and Uganda Insight Tour 2023 wrap up

Rwanda and Uganda Insight Tour 2023 wrap up

14 July 2023
A wrap up of AIDN's July 2023 Insight Tour to Uganda and Rwanda.
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AIDN’s submission to the Productivity Commission into Philanthropy 2023

AIDN’s submission to the Productivity Commission into Philanthropy 2023

26 May 2023
Read AIDN's submission to the 2023 Productivity Commission into Philanthropy. In addition to building upon former submissions where we advocate for key changes in Government, Philanthropy and Investment, in this submission AIDN further advocates for the need for stronger communications, creative strategies and campaigns to maintain, foster and enhance the overall culture of giving in Australia.
Click to download AIDN's submission
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