Of course we could speculate that Olympic volunteers were inspired in part by the glamour of an internationally televised event, involving world-class celebrity athletes, and plenty of celebrity spectators as well. But mostly, volunteers, it seems, were motivated by a pride in their home nation, a desire to welcome visitors and give them the best possible time in Australia, and an excitement in being able to work for a greater cause―a "team" project. Consider that those who contributed were not only the people in uniform at the stadiums, but also people who opened their homes to provide accommodation to overseas visitors. Consider too the intangible but acclaimed sense of community spirit that seemed to exist throughout and immediately after the Olympic Games, expressed by media commentators and individuals to each other alike. For perhaps a brief period, there was a genuine sense of connection between people throughout Australia, a willingness to be part of a wider community and feel good about it. I hope that both the non-profit sector and government in Australia examine and analyse this phenomenon. It is the perfect example of what has come to be known as "social capital"―surely a society's most valuable resource.
The Philanthropic Corner of the Not-For-Profit-Sector
Although in many ways, the most silent and invisible of all, philanthropy occupies a special place in the not-for-profit sector. Charitable trusts and foundations have often been called "one of the engines of the not for profit sector." Trusts and foundations have different constraints they can fund projects which are experimental, which target fringe groups in society, which are not tried and therefore not proven, but which, if successful, might go on to become something bigger, better and more effective than anything that has been tried before.
Trusts and foundations are in the unique position of being able to take more risks than government, business or other community organisations. They usually enjoy the advantages of having more permanent structures (such as long term appointment of trustees), and in many instances are only accountable to their original deed rather than a membership, shareholders or constituents. They have the privilege of being able to see the results of their investment over a long term, unlike governments who usually operate within set terms of office, or most not for profits with their regularly changing committees of management and insecurity of funding. For all these privileges, including tax privileges, trusts and foundations have much scope to take risks, to support cutting edge ideas, to make a real contribution to the process of radical change.
Philanthropic trusts and foundations are the most independent of the so-called not for profit sector, as they are not reliant upon funding by the government of the day. When not for profit organisations are speaking out against government policy, and being de-funded, they are able to look towards the philanthropic foundations for funding. (The Purple Sage and People Together projects in Victoria, which undertook extensive community consultations on the current state of democracy, social justice and equity, are such examples.)
Philanthropic trusts and foundations have a real role to play in building the not for profit sector. In the state of Victoria, where we estimate 85 percent of all Australian trusts and foundations are based, the not for profit sector is much stronger and more innovative than anywhere else in the country. Trusts and foundations can continue this tradition, by facilitating a stronger sectoral voice.
