7. A philanthropic culture

As a prosperous city, Melbourne will have a culture of philanthropy, where businesses invest in building strong, robust and equitable communities. A prosperous Melbourne will invest and participate in community initiatives and supports employee community activities.

Encouraging and supporting businesses and individuals to work independently or together to address emerging social issues and meet the needs of our communities will have a multiplier effect on Melbourne's prosperity. There are many examples and models currently operating very successfully in Melbourne and our aim is to grow these activities for the benefit of the overall community.

Businesses and individuals can help Melbourne's community grow and develop in numerous ways. Groups such as Melbourne Cares are networks of businesses, community agencies and government departments who take action together to address community need. Many businesses now provide and contribute to community services through actions such as supporting local libraries or providing child care support. Developers are also realising the business advantages of providing good community infrastructure and support.

Businesses that support philanthropic ventures enjoy significant benefits from their actions. As well public relations benefits, employees who volunteer gain new skills and broaden their life experience. In addition, as Melbourne's population ages, many retirees have the opportunity to bring their great pool of skills experience and knowledge to volunteer programs and activities.

Along with corporate philanthropy, entrepreneurs, families and individuals are also vital contributors to the philanthropic sector. Indeed, entrepreneurial philanthropists have the freedom and flexibility to support initiatives and programs unencumbered by the processes and constraints of the corporate world.

Goals	Indicators	Outcomes
Leader in philanthropy Melbourne is a leader and innovator in the philanthropic community across Australia with a range of vehicles developed and available to fund worthy projects.	Change in the value of philanthropic outlays made by businesses based in the municipality Target: to be developed Current: to be developed.	An active and diverse philanthropic community of institutions, entrepreneurial philanthropy, families and individuals delivering community benefit.
Philanthropy is embraced Philanthropy is broadly embraced for investing in the common wealth of the city. More individuals, businesses and organisations in Melbourne are involved in philanthropic activities and encourage their staff to participate.	Total claimed deductible gift amount. Target: to be developed Current: to be developed The Victorian postcode with the highest claimed 'deductible gift' amount was East Melbourne at $23,684,365 ¹	A greater involvement in philanthropic activities across all sectors of Melbourne. A higher proportion of community infrastructure is delivered via philanthropic contributions.
Effective business and community sector partnerships Effective partnerships between business and community organisations generates understanding and commitment to community development, infrastructure and volunteering.	Change in the ratio of total community group outlays to philanthropic funding received, as measured through biennial surveys. Current: to be developed.	Business supports a wide range of community organisations to deliver funding, skills and labour for philanthropic projects. 'Corporate social responsibility' is harnessed.
Increased volunteering An increase in volunteering creating more opportunities to contribute to the community and to employ the skills and enthusiasm of the increasing number of mature Melburnians.	Number of volunteers/100 ratepayers in the municipality.² Current: 6,400 volunteer positions in the City of Melbourne (2006)	Melburnians are more engaged with their communities and participation in volunteer work increases. Infrastructure and networks are developed to connect volunteers with community projects including a retiree skills-bank for city businesses.

Goals

Indicators

Outcomes

Leader in philanthropy

Melbourne is a leader and innovator in the philanthropic community across Australia with a range of vehicles developed and available to fund worthy projects.

Change in the value of philanthropic outlays made by businesses based in the municipality

Target: to be developed

Current: to be developed.

An active and diverse philanthropic community of institutions, entrepreneurial philanthropy, families and individuals delivering community benefit.

Philanthropy is embraced

Philanthropy is broadly embraced for investing in the common wealth of the city. More individuals, businesses and organisations in Melbourne are involved in philanthropic activities and encourage their staff to participate.

Total claimed deductible gift amount.

Target: to be developed

Current: to be developed

The Victorian postcode with the highest claimed 'deductible gift' amount was East Melbourne at $23,684,365 ¹

A greater involvement in philanthropic activities across all sectors of Melbourne.

A higher proportion of community infrastructure is delivered via philanthropic contributions.

Effective business and community sector partnerships

Effective partnerships between business and community organisations generates understanding and commitment to community development, infrastructure and volunteering.

Change in the ratio of total community group outlays to philanthropic funding received, as measured through biennial surveys.

Current: to be developed.

Business supports a wide range of community organisations to deliver funding, skills and labour for philanthropic projects.

'Corporate social responsibility' is harnessed.

Increased volunteering

An increase in volunteering creating more opportunities to contribute to the community and to employ the skills and enthusiasm of the increasing number of mature Melburnians.

Number of volunteers/100 ratepayers in the municipality.²

Current: 6,400 volunteer positions in the City of Melbourne (2006)

Melburnians are more engaged with their communities and participation in volunteer work increases.

Infrastructure and networks are developed to connect volunteers with community projects including a retiree skills-bank for city businesses.