Attending my first FIA Conference was nothing short of inspiring. Over three days, I had the privilege of hearing from incredible speakers, exchanging ideas with passionate fundraisers, and reinforcing what I already knew—this sector is full of talented, driven individuals who truly want to create impact.
A common theme emerged across many of the discussions: investing in the right people and resources isn’t just an expense—it’s the key to long-term success. If we want to put more great in our good, we need to ensure we have the right foundations in place to drive impact.
Breaking the Cycle: Investing for Growth
Dan Pallotta, in his live stream from Boston, made a bold statement: in the not-for-profit sector, we often do things backward. Instead of looking at what it truly costs to grow, innovate, and succeed, we let limited budgets dictate what we believe is possible. But if we shift our mindset and invest strategically, the returns—whether in revenue, impact, or organisational strength—can be far greater than the upfront cost.
This resonated deeply with me, especially when thinking about how organisations build their teams. Growth doesn’t happen by chance—it happens when you invest in the right people. And if we want to create more great in our good, we need to think beyond short-term constraints and focus on long-term, sustainable success.
Dan Pallotta joining via live stream from Boston, with Meredith Dwyer and a full room of Fundraisers at FIA Conference, Sydney
The Right Resources = Bigger Impact
Daniel Woodrow from MND Victoria reinforced this idea in his session on justifying the need for more resources. His message was clear: organisations can’t grow without the right people in place. Yes, hiring skilled professionals may seem like a big investment upfront, but in the long run, stronger, more capable teams drive better outcomes, greater fundraising success, and long-term sustainability.
If we truly want to increase our impact, we need to move away from a scarcity mindset and start seeing investment in people as an investment in our mission.
The Power of Storytelling & Clear Asks
Ruth Holdaway and Olivia Zinzan sharing their rebrand story and learnings from St Kilda Mums, Geelong Mums and Eureka Mums to Our Village.
Mark Jones from ImpactInstitute spoke about the emotional labour involved in fundraising and how reframing our narratives can help us tell more compelling stories. Similarly, Ruth Holdaway and Olivia Zinzan’s session on rebranding for success and “making the ask” was a great reminder that clarity and confidence in communicating an organisation’s needs can lead to game-changing opportunities.
This applies not just to fundraising, but to how we attract the right talent. When an organisation has a clear vision for who they need, why they need them, and what success looks like in a role, they are far more likely to attract and retain the best people. Great storytelling isn’t just about engaging donors—it’s about engaging future team members, too.
Diversity, Inclusion & The Future of Fundraising
Sharney Bowen from Karrkad Kanjdji Trust (KKT) and Francine Poisson speaking at FIA Conference, Leadership Track
Another powerful discussion centred around breaking diversity barriers and ensuring our sector fosters truly inclusive workplaces. Hearing firsthand experiences from BIPOC fundraisers highlighted how much work still needs to be done to ensure equity, respect, and belonging.
But building diverse teams doesn’t happen by accident—it requires intention, strategy, and a commitment to inclusion. If we want to bring more great into our good, we need to actively create environments where different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds are valued.
This panel discussion moderated by Francine Poisson included members of the BIPOC Collective - Sharney Bowen, Barbara Fernandez, Vincent Ramos, Basem Kerbage and Christine Anderson. Thanks again for sharing your stories, unique experiences and challenges. Conversations like these can foster deeper understanding and empathy.
Final Thoughts: Keeping Possibility Alive
One of the biggest takeaways from FIA Conference 2025 was that big goals require bold investment. Whether it’s fundraising, advocacy, or recruitment, mission-driven organisations that think long-term, invest wisely, and surround themselves with the right people will ultimately drive the greatest impact.
We are so fortunate to work in this incredible sector—surrounded by talented people who are purpose-oriented and impact-driven. Let’s continue to invest in growth strategies, which includes bringing in the right talent, and let’s continue to dream big.
Lisa Krishtul, James Garland (2025 Fundraiser of the Year), Michelle Varcoe and Jenni D’Orival at the Excellence in Fundraising Awards
As Dan Pallotta rightly mentioned, we all need to keep possibility alive in our workplaces. Rather than focusing solely on financial metrics, we should prioritise the impact we are creating. We all have a role to play in shaping a better future, and as Dan so powerfully put it:
“It’s too late to dream big when you’re in the ground.”
So, let’s embrace bold ideas, invest in the right people, and work in harmony to create a world where, as Pallotta envisions, “compassion gets as much attention as consumption.” Because when we take strategic steps to invest in our people, resources, and vision, we don’t just do good—we create something truly great.