News

In early March, Next Gen members Meggan Boag, Linh Do and Hannah Doherty-McMillan had the pleasure of attending an engaging roundtable dinner co-hosted by the Melbourne Women’s Foundation, Philanthropy Australia, and She Gives (Noble Ambition). The event, which immediately followed the 2025 Nexus Australia Summit, was part of the Growing Women’s Giving initiative, a collaboration designed to explore what motivates women to give, and how we can build and sustain a stronger culture of generosity among women in Australia, especially as the Next Generation takes on more philanthropic involvement.

The dinner opened with an inspiring conversation between Michelle and Sonia Lin, who shared their journey with the Vermillion Foundation. Their story was both inspiring and grounded — a reminder that values-based giving, when passed down through families and across generations, can have a lasting impact. They spoke about how their foundation came to life, what guides their decision-making, and how they strive to remain intentional in their giving.

Following the talk, dinner guests participated in smaller group conversations to unpack the central question: Why do women give? These discussions were personal, and open — touching on the deep motivations behind giving, the importance of community, and the barriers women often face in stepping into philanthropic leadership. There was a strong sense of shared purpose and curiosity, as well as a commitment to continuing the cycle of giving in new and meaningful ways.

The dinner also served as a platform for She Gives to gather early insights for their upcoming research project into women’s giving behaviours and patterns — a much-needed resource to help amplify women’s voices and shape future strategies in the sector

It was a meaningful evening of connection, learning, and collective vision. Above all, it reinforced the incredible potential of women coming together with generosity, intention, and a shared desire to make a difference. With thanks to Hannah Doherty-McMillan for this reflection.