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. 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.

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.

Subscribers of The AIDN Beat will receive a bi-monthly 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.

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NEWS & RESOURCES

Latest Stories and Developments

A further expansion of the Global Gag Rule: An affront to reproductive rights globally.

Feb 13, 2026

Grishma Bista, Chief Executive Officer of MSI Asia Pacific, provides our network with the latest update on the expansion of the 'global gag rule'. While the policy was historically focused on abortion,  it has now expanded to restrict 'gender ideology' and any efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).  With particularly devastating impacts on women in the Majority World, MSI is calling on the sector to push back on this war on reproductive rights.

Who pays for climate adaptation in Northern Kenya?

Feb 10, 2026

Hadija Bonaya, development practitioner and Atlantic Fellow for Social and Economic Equity at the LSE, explores how climate adaptation in Northern Kenya is increasingly funded though projects and consultancies rather than through everyday services. In turn, this shifts the real cost of climate change onto low-income pastoralist communities, especially women, while the global climate finance system continues to reward institutions more than resilience.

Are founders the new funders? The case of the 1000 Days Fund and Black Licorice.

Jan 22, 2026

Zack Petersen, Founder of Black Licorice and the 1000 Days Fund, argues that traditional funding mechanisms often overlook early-stage, locally rooted nonprofit founders. "Black Licorice" is challenging this model and instead proposes a “founders-as-funders” approach whereby experienced NFP leaders seed emerging organisations within their ecosystem. In the case of Black Licorice, the goal is to form Indonesia’s first tight-knit ecosystem of maternal health innovators: a peer-driven network capable of influencing national systems and donor priorities.

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Slashed aid, sustainable investments: funding interventions that generate economic, social and environmental capital.

22 April 2025

While 2025's global aid cuts raise serious concerns, several commentators see a potential silver lining: the chance to reduce over-reliance on foreign aid and strengthen locally-led, sustainable development. To achieve this, Angela O’Connell (Grants Manager at So They Can) argues that funders and practitioners must invest in interventions that build long-term economic, social, and environmental capital.

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

20 March 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

11 March 2025

Through The AIDN Beat Spotlight series we hope to highlight a diverse range of sector experts and learn more about their journey in the international development sector. Meet Gill Whelan, General Manager of DECJUBA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of leading fashion retailer, DECJUBA. 

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

28 February 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….