Boundaries are blurring between profit-making enterprises and philanthropic organisations. We profile two businesses that have prioritised giving back to the community – Kookai’s Katalyst Foundation and Thankyou.

Tess Herbert, who along with her husband Andrew runs one of the most successful feedlot operations in Australia, is the first female to become President of the Australian Lot Feeders Association.

Founded in 1928, the Royal Flying Doctor Service is a not for profit with an annual revenue of $300 million operating 68 aircraft, from 24 bases across the country. Keeping the planes flying necessitates fundraising of $50 million annually.

Vision Australia has come up with an innovative approach to fundraising – equipping Ambassador Seeing Eye Dogs with Tap and Pay devices.

A resilient economy, solid employment growth, strong household consumption and lower levels of consumer anxiety helped support the charity sector and the ongoing generosity of Australians.

Charitable giving in Australia grew in the year to August, with people continuing to give more to charity despite persistent doubt about the economy. Overall giving to charity grew by 4.9 per cent in the 12 months to August 2015. However, this is down from growth of 7.8 per cent the previous year.

Amanda Dobbie, CEO of not-for-profit organisation, Women in Banking and Finance (WiBF), reflects on her role promoting gender balance and shares her top tips for small businesses looking for greater gender diversity in their organisations.

As economic and consumer dynamics change, Australia’s charities are looking for new ways to earn a buck. Andrew Loveridge, Head of Government, Education and Community Business, and Nicole Brasz, Marketing and Fundraising Director at Save the Children, discuss the brave new world of fundraising.

NAB recently hosted a breakfast to share insights from the NAB Charitable Giving Index report. Panellists discuss the impact of the economy on giving, giving trends, and how charities are leveraging data and digital channels.