The report examines the role of philanthropy in social enterprise in Australia. It calls for a shift, towards longer-term and more flexible approaches that support systems change. It brings together insights from interviews, focus groups and case studies across the country, drawing on more than 20 years of sector development. 

The report highlights how philanthropy, while a relatively small part of overall funding, has played a critical role in building shared infrastructure, supporting key moments in the sector, and piloting approaches later taken up by government.

It offers practical recommendations for funders, policymakers and ecosystem leaders. These include investing in shared infrastructure, strengthening trust-based relationships, and recognising First Nations governance and community-led decision-making. It is designed as a practical learning resource to support more equitable, sustainable and system-aware approaches to growing the social enterprise sector.